Big Village Small Town huge hit

FROM the opening night at Amalfi White to the closing concert at the Melbourne Inn and all points in between, the first Big Village Small Town event was a huge success

An estimated 800 plus people attended the various shows, concerts and outdoor entertainment all over one very long weekend at six venues and public places in, well, the Big Village Small Town of Melbourne

The event, supported by county councillor David Muller and sponsored by the East Midlands Airport, the Assembly Rooms and the Spirit Vaults, had hoped to liven up the Bank Holiday weekend and bring people out and into Melbourne to, as organiser Andy Heafield put it, ‘get the tills ringing’

That it certainly did with three sell-out and varied shows at the Assembly Rooms (3 Daft Monkeys, Simply Dylan and Edwina Hayes) and entertainers appearing locally, but it was the roving performers on Bank Holiday Monday that were the highlight The Strummers from MARs, the Black Pig Border Morris Dancers and local duo Burgess & Walker appeared in 15-minute slots at various venues around Melbourne

Crowds flocked to watch and listen at the Alma Inn, Melbourne Inn, the Spirit Vaults and the Bank of Beers, some staying at one venue and others following their particular favourite around all four

All venues reported a significant uptake in business

The Morris Dancers drew great crowds outside each venue with many wondering whether there could be a group formed locally; after all, dancing, bells, a big stick and beer – what’s not to like: the Melbourne Morris Minors?

Reaction on social media seemed to sum up the day perfectly from ‘an amazing day that’s been enjoyable, fun to see and take part in’ to ‘really enjoyed the event, loved the Morris dancing and sitting in the Melbourne Inn Garden in the sunshine listening to live music’ and ‘the bands were excellent and each venue was bursting at the seams’

A whole host of willing and able volunteers wearing their event T-shirts assisted and there will definitely be a follow-up to the first Big Village Small Town weekend Organiser Andy Heafield said: “How could we not do this again?

“It shows that pubs and venues can work together for the common good, and my thanks go out to those who chose to take part and show commitment to the community

“The reaction and turn-out has been incredible; plans are already well underway for 2024 on the same late May Bank Holiday weekend ”