By Ian Williams
It all started as a fairly low-key fundraising initiative to help renovate Swan Reach town hall.
But after just four years the Swan Reach Country Music Festival has become a go-to event for fans of live music at one of the most picturesque spots in the State.
The river town’s population of 300 is expected to hit more than 2,000 for this weekend’s three-day show which features the strongest line-up of artists yet.
Organisers have secured popular 2015 X Factor runner-up Louise Adams and her band together with some of South Australia’s most talented musicians.
“This is the biggest line-up they’ve ever had and they’ve got some real quality performers, including Louise who’s a serious headline act,” said Deb Alexander, tourism manager at the Mid Murray Council, who works with the Swan Reach Progress Association.
“This is only a small country town but everyone rallies together – it’s hats off to them because they’ve created this festival from scratch. It’s a really diverse range of music with something for everyone.”
Joining Louise on stage over the three days are Sandra Humphries and the Sherrahs, Hurtin’4, Heartland, Dave Verrall, the Blackhats and many others. The live music starts this Friday night and runs until Sunday.
Visitors can camp next to the festival oval and there will be a gold coin shuttle bus to take people into town.
“To have renowned singers like Sandra Humphries who has lived and breathed country music from a very young age sets the scene for country music at its best at Swan Reach,” said John George, Chairman of the Swan Reach Progress Association.
“Many of our soloists such as Diedre Reed, Angela Easson and Penny Burke will be accompanied by a variety of backing bands.”
In addition to creating a popular country music festival, the township’s original goal of raising funds to refurbish the town hall is also paying dividends.
“Regional townships do struggle but the people of Swan Reach are all passionate about their town and realised they could do something with their town hall,” said Deb.
“It’s a great venue to attract events and meetings so they’ve taken a loan to have it renovated.”
The gamble is already paying off with the town hall chosen as a venue next month for the nationally-acclaimed Women of the River Country Exhibition.
This is a touring exhibition featuring the stories of 19 successful river women since the mid 1800s, including tennis great Margaret Court, author Elyne Mitchell and Aboriginal singer-songwriter Ruby Hunter.