An idyllic river setting will become the backdrop for the Border’s first By The Banks Music Festival on December 9.
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Melodious music from a fantastic line-up of independent artists is set to float across the Murray River from the picturesque grounds of Albury property Willowbank, according to festival founder James Eggleston.
Eggleston, a member of popular home-grown band The Northern Folk, says the beauty of the location is it feels a world away from the hustle and bustle of Albury yet is only a five-minute drive from the city centre for festival-goers.
He said the idea was born partly from a desire to give back to the community that had always been so supportive of the 11-piece folk/pop/stomp/rock band.
It was also driven by a need to provide a unique “next step” event that would bring independent artists to Albury for a boutique-style festival.
“We want to introduce the Border to independent artists we have met while travelling on the road; to music people might not otherwise get to hear,” Eggleston said.
“We didn’t want an event to stand on the shoulders of any one artist.
“There is a big momentum for live music in Albury and we want to maximise that groundswell of support into a festival feeling.”
With the venue limited to 1000 people, Eggleston said it would be an “intimate community event” and tickets were already selling fast.
The all-ages festival will feature 14 artists and bands performing across two stages including The Northern Folk, Yirrimal, Sal Kimber & The Rollin’ Wheel, Catfish Voodoo and James Kenyon.
The Northern Folk came together in 2012 and first began to make their name around Albury but soon launched themselves into festivals and venues across south-eastern Australia.
In 2015, these “musical ambitionists” launched a self-titled debut LP on the banks of the Murray River.
“Willowbank was the perfect setting; tickets sold out in three weeks – we realised it was an incredible place for live gigs,” Eggleston said.
- Gates open from 11am (music 12pm to midnight) with food vendors, bar, yoga and market stalls. For tickets go to By The Banks Music Festival Facebook page.