The Canberra Country Music Festival is a growing event held over three days during the second weekend of November in Canberra, the national capital of Australia. The Festival is the largest country music event in Australia's south-east between Sydney and Melbourne and features music concerts, bush poetry, dancing competitions, awards, ute muster and emergency services teams challenge. The festival is one of the few that features both Australian and international country music performers and is the last major country music festival before Christmas.
History:
The inaugural Festival was held in 2009 at Tuggeranong Homestead in the southern suburbs of Canberra, Australia. This event had some 60 recording artists on 5 stages performing over a 3-day period. Whilst the performance quality was high, the audience was less than expected due to a combination of less than effective promotion and the absence of onsite camping for visitors. The first Festival included performances from Adam Harvey, Bill Chambers, Chuck's Wagon, Danny Mack, Pete Galvin, Brothers 3, The Fry Brothers, Craig Morrisson's Little Cowboys and Nicki Gillis, amongst others.
In 2010, the Festival relocated to at Exhibition Park in northern Canberra due the advantages of onsite camping, substantial infrastructure and the capacity to grow towards that of major event status, as has been the instance with the National Folk Festival.
Features:
The Festival has several features that are special events in their own right, including awards, competitions, concerts, workshops and other activities.
The festival hosts two major breakfasts. The National Bush Poets' Breakfast is held on the Sunday morning attracting several hundred people for a feed and a country yarn or two. The International Country Breakfast highlights the international performers at the festival in a intimate meet and greet format. The 2010 festival includes appearances by the Free Bears (Germany), Pete Galvin (New Zealand) and Don McNatt (USA) amongst others.
The Festival hosts three national award presentations. The Federation Song Awards are the culmination of a national songwriting competition specialising in country music. The grand final of the "Country's Got Talent" competition is held on Sunday at the Festival. The Canberra Regional Country Music Awards are presented on the Sunday with an emphasis on recognition for achievements in the surrounding region, including Southern Tablelands, South West Slopes, South Coast, Riverina and Monaro districts.
Canberra Country Ute Van & Truck Muster is a popular event recognising the contribution of the automotive sector in country music. Organisers aim to grow this event to one of the nation's top 5 musters over time and the last significant ute muster of the year.
A Music Industry Exhibition is held at the Festival to showcase musical instruments, recording and accessory items. Participants at the 2010 Festival include some of the industry's leaders in new technologies including Australian Monitor, Turbosound, Copley, Gilmore Guitars amongst others.
Dance is well catered for with four styles featured. Clogging, Bush Dance, Square Dance and Linedance all have specific venues culminating with the National Country Dance on Saturday night.
Dreamtime Country is a special presentation of indigenous performers of country music. This feature received international media attention in 2009 and recognises the contribution and keen interest in country music of Australia's aboriginal and islander communities.
Special activities:
include the Country Walk-up coordinated by the Country Music Association of Canberra, Opening Concert with a "Welcome To Country" ceremony, Bush Balladeers and Bluegrass Heaven. Other features include Dressage Competition, Busker Central, Blacksmiths, Whip-crackers, Mechanical Bull riding, KidZone, markets and displays.
Festival Programme:
The Canberra Country Music Festival runs for 3 Days with an extensive program across 5 stages, numerous displays, industry exhibition, dance presentations, workshops and the ute van + truck muster.
Overviews /Objectives:
The Canberra Country Music Festival was established to promote, showcase and grow Country Music (across all its sub-genres) in Australia's national capital.
We see the Festival as securing Country Music within the community through holding a festival comprising performances, exhibitions, workshops, talent quests, dancing and industry forums.
The Festival also raises funds for local non-profit community organisations as well as fostering country music in the heart of the nation!
We see the Festival as securing Country Music within the community through holding a festival comprising performances, exhibitions, workshops, talent quests, dancing and industry forums.
The Festival also raises funds for local non-profit community organisations as well as fostering country music in the heart of the nation!
Themes/Motto:
"Music Dance Utes Horses - It's A Lifestyle!
Seriously Having A Good Time!"
Seriously Having A Good Time!"
National Country Music Indusry Exhibition:
The Canberra Country Music Festival is host to the National Country Music Industry Exhibition where music instrument suppliers, manufacturers, recording studios and other related industry service providers gather with a quality trade exhibition. For the serious musician, vocalists, engineers, teachers and related industry interests!
Time to Celebtate: 12 to 14 November
