Mandy Nolan (with photos by Jeff Dawson)
This year’s fifth Mullum Music Festival was the biggest and most successful to date with more than 5000 people attending the event over the four perfect-weather days.
In an event that is becoming Mullumbimby’s annual street party, locals are taking it on themselves to get involved and create their own festival initiatives. The festival remained low key with no incidents of public nuisance or disturbance and there was little or no police presence. ‘It’s not necessary,’ said one attendee. ‘This is just a music loving community loving their music. ‘It just reminds you why we love Mullumbimby. It’s the best little town on the planet!’
Opening on Thursday night to a packed house at the Civic Hall, patrons were treated to a festival taster with Nano Stern, Clairy Browne and the Bangin Rackettes, Jo Jo Smith, Juzzie Smith, Georgia Potter, Rescue Ships, Boubacar Traore and guitar prodigy, Joe Robinson.
Events throughout the six venues were easy to access; patrons either hopped on the brightly coloured Magic Bus, walked or rode bikes to the venues.
United against CSG
Many performers over the weekend – Vince Jones and Nano Stern in particular – echoed the need to unite against multinationals like coal-seam gas and mining interests.
International acts like Will and the People wowed the crowds with their punk/ska/rock delivery; Boubacar Traore of Mali spoke no English, but didn’t need to – his music said it all; and high-profile national acts like Husky, Mama Kin, Mia Dyson, Tin Pan Orange, Darren Percival and the like proved to be just as impressive.
Local acts also got a chance to shine, with Dave Ades, Sara Tindley, Shelly Hughes, Round Mountain Girls, Gyan and Lifeline drawing packed houses.
With over 80 performances, the Mullum Music Festival managed to capture the spirit of Mullumbimby.
