A $200 barbecue event five years ago has sparked a predicted $2 million bonanza for Camperdown this weekend with what could be Australia’s biggest rockabilly festival.Up to 10,000 people and more than 600 classic and customcars are expected to descend on the town, which will be rocking with concerts, street stalls and even a burlesque peep show. Fans and performers are coming from as far as the Netherlands and New Zealand. They have booked out all accommodation in Camperdown, Terang, Cobden and other district towns, plus more than 100 private homes are taking in guests.
According to organiser Arthur Bruce and Corangamite Shire Council’s Terry Binder, the annual Camperdown Cruise is shaping up as a rockabilly mecca like Port Fairy’s acclaimed folk festival and Warrnambool’s Fun4Kids Festival.
 |
| For Sale 1956 Ford Victoria. Would be a great car for this show |
“It’s a unique opportunity to showcase the town and make it a sustainable major festival,” said Mr Binder, who is the shire’s economic development and tourism manager. This is the first year the shire has officially backed the event, which flew under the radar in its early years. “It’s hit a chord with fans,” Mr Binder said. “There’s a growing rockabilly and retro move around the world and Camperdown is well placed to build on that. “It will be the biggest event the town has hosted, with up to 10,000 people and will have huge economic impact.” It’s the realisation of a dream for Mr Bruce, a local custom car restorer and rockabilly fan. His first festival attracted 15 cars and ran on a $200 budget for a sausage sizzle to raise funds for local charity.
This year’s budget is $100,000 to set up the entertainment. “I’ve been told it could generate more than $2m for the district,” he said. “Last year it grew to about 400-plus cars with 225 rockabilly event entrants — this year there’ll be more than 600 cars and more than 560 entrants. We’ve got a great team of helpers and funds will go to various smaller district organisations.
It costs just $5 to walk into the main performance and display area. Cars will be lined up almost the entire length of Manifold Street.”
He has secured 16 top-level bands and singers, including Dutch star Miss Mary Ann. The Theatre Royal will feature three dance floors, 10 bands and three DJ s starting tomorrow night, while the Commercial Hotel will host free concerts on Saturday and Sunday afternoons before a best-of-the-bands finale Sunday night.
A stage will also be set up at the historic clock tower base where an Elvis impersonator celebrant will conduct a wedding ceremony on Saturday afternoon. Other features include displays of custom vehicles and artists, trade stalls, a world-famous tiki carver, a bowling lane for children and an adults-only peep show.
This article thanks to:
Peter Collins
No comments:
Post a Comment