The Wollombi Music Festival has earned itself a loyal following in the past 10 years but this Saturday the bush festival is heading to the big city with the hope it will endear itself to a new legion of fans.
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Adrian Buckley said he is excited to see the boutique festival he created a decade ago and moulded into what it is today become the first ticketed music event staged at The Station in Newcastle.
"I really want to dip my toe in the water and see how city folk respond to an energy like Wollombi," Buckley said. "As it is with Wollombi in Wollombi, I think [Newcastle attendees] will get the energy of what we have created over the last 10 years, that sense of community and connection, plus the inclusiveness of Wollombi.
"It's not 'a scene'. It's a very embracing environment. Also they'll have the opportunity to see bands that they might not have heard of but who are doing great things."
Wollombi at The Station is a family-friendly festival that will feature 11 hours of live music at The Station, in the heart of Newcastle, on October 26. Gates open 11am. Music kicks off at noon.
Ten bands will perform throughout the day including two-time Wollombi Music Festival closers Tijuana Cartel and local act The Hamilton Alpine Club.
Other acts to perform a mix of funk, rock, fusion, reggae, indie and jazz music at the iconic Newcastle Station precinct on Saturday include premiere Afro psych groove group Highlife, blues troubadour Minnie Marks, The Dave Orr Band plus another two of Newcastle's best acts.
Fellow Wollombi alumni The Ninth Chapter, who played at the bush festival in 2014, Liam Gale and the Ponytails (September 2019), the Declan Kelly Trio (2017) and Georgie Jones (September 2019) will also grace The Station's stage on Saturday.
In addition to music, there will be a mix of boutique market stalls, food trucks, a bar and roving performers on site from 11am to 10pm.
"I live in Newcastle and love the city, as well as being a big fan of beautiful built spaces, which The Station is definitely one of those," Buckley said when asked whether he was excited to be taking the festival on the road.
"There are teething problems with new venues and new relationships. As an event organiser there are challenges but I think it's an amazing space and Newcastle should be stoked to have it."
Tickets, on sale now through humanitix.com.au, cost $40 per adult if pre-purchased or $50 at the gate. Children aged 12 and under are free.
Further demonstrating the diversity of Wollombi, the festival will be Auslan interpreted. Single use plastics will not be sold on site.
Ellie-Marie Watts
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
A journalist with 10 years experience, Ellie-Marie connects readers to the stories that matter in their communities. A Port Stephens-based news, sport and event writer and photographer with a passion for human interest features.
