Hans Lovejoy
Get ready, Bangalow, there’s a new festival on the block.
The inspiration for the upcoming Bangalow BBQ and Bluegrass Festival, according to organiser Fletcher Potanin, came from his early childhood growing up in Nashville.
‘While I’m an Aussie citizen, I grew up in America, around southern barbecues.
‘And when I moved here, I was astounded by the quality of musicians in the area. There really isn’t this quality outside of Nashville.
‘It occurred to me they deserved a good audience and what better way than with a festival with food.’ While the Eureka resident says the festival is a first for him and his team, he says his background as business-book publisher has been a good foundation.
‘It’s similar to the events I’ve held in the past, just bigger. There’s five people dedicated to the festival organisation, and around 20 volunteers. We hope for around 50 on the day,’ he says.
Money back into community
And with all the money going back into local arts and cultural initiatives, he said he was mindful not to put his hand out to local businesses.
‘My view is that this is a chance to give back; no-one is being hit up for sponsorships and I believe we can make it happen through ticket sales.’
The festival will feature music from The Mid North, The Stetson Family, The Morrisons, Starboard Cannons, River Mountain Riot, Heartworn Highway and Barkers Vale Brothers. Prizes for a barbecue cookoff and family activities are also planned.
BBQ Bluegrass runs all day on Saturday August 1 at the Bangalow Showgrounds.
For tickets and more info visit www.bbqbluegrass.com.au.
