AIREYS INLET MUSIC FESTIVAL

The three-day re-imagined festival returns with a starstudded homegrown lineup.

Words by Alex Callan

Outside of the locals, the weekend will be headlined by revered Australian songstress Ella Hooper, previously of Killing Heidi fame; as well as alt-country sensation Andy Golledge, who will be performing alongside his full band arrangement.

“Andy’s going to really blow everyone away,” states Donovan, “he is pretty much the rising star in the country world at the moment. He plays beautiful songs, but then will also get down to his undies and crowd surf,” he laughs. “I think it’ll be a closing act that people will really enjoy.

“But all in all, I think the lineup delivers something for everyone.”

This sentiment is backed by Jasper Jolley, the lead singer of Music Victoria’s nominee for ‘Best Regional Act’ Bones and Jones, who will be wrapping up their regional tour with a set at Aireys before heading over to Austin to take part in the revered SXSW (South By Southwest Festival).

“I’m hanging out for it,” remarks Jolley, “I feel like most of us on the lineup are already mates so it’ll be a really fun weekend.

“We all cut our teeth playing at the Aireys Open Mic Festival when we were little kids so it’s pretty sick to be playing there again now that it’s a more scheduled event. It’s a really great lineup, close to home and the Aireys pub is a great place to have a beer, I can’t wait.”

And neither can Donovan, who’s already eagerly planning how the Aireys Inlet Music Festival can continue to grow over the coming years.

“There’s no reason that the Aireys pub couldn’t be like the Archies Creek pub. 20 people live on the main street of Archies Creek but yet bands constantly sell out shows there. That’s what I’d love to see for Aireys. And I think the festival is helping to keep music front and centre and keep locals interested in live music, so hopefully it can continue to grow from here.”

The Aireys Inlet Music Festival is set to take over the coastal town from Friday 17 March – Sunday 19 March 2023.