THE iconic Man From Snowy River theme music was a notable omission from the bush festival this year after organisers encountered a copyright issue with its composer.
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Bruce Rowland’s music composed for the 1982 film has been a feature of the festival two major’s events, the re-enactment held on a Thowgla property this year and finals day held at the Corryong Recreation Reserve.
Festival co-ordinator Jenny Boardman confirmed an arrangement couldn't be struck with Mr Rowland, who had withdrawn his licensing arrangement with Australasian Performing Right Association (APRA).
“It’s beautiful music and we love playing it,” she said.
“You can’t legally play it without permission.
“It was a fee we didn't have in our budget and we chose not to go that way this year.
“It doesn't define the festival because this festival has a life of its own.
“It certainly helps the atmosphere, but the music we used still worked really well I thought.”
Ms Boardman said the committee would discuss whether the music returned next year as part of the festival de-brief in coming weeks.
This year’s event again attracted an estimated 20,000 people across the four days.
Visitors began arriving in Corryong last Sunday evening with the town’s golf course a sea of campers.
“Last Monday at 7am there were 300 caravans converging on the festival site so they could get to their favourite spots,” Ms Boardman said.
“The police started work a bit earlier than they expected and our camping marshalls had a big day.”
A volunteer army of 400 people ensured the smooth-running event over four days.
Former festival chairman Glen Ward was presented with this year’s legend award after 15 years service.
