Travelling music festival comes to Mt Sturgeon

Award winning and nationally acclaimed Adelaide-based concert series, The Porch Sessions, is heading on tour this summer, coming to Dunkeld on Wednesday 22 January 2020 for one magical night.

The tour visits nine other porches between Byron Bay and Adelaide, but, in perhaps the most spectacular location of the trip, the team will perform at the 1840’s Mt Sturgeon Homestead in Dunkeld, the southern entrance to the Grampians National Park, located in the Greater Hamilton region.

The event is being welcomed to the region as part of Southern Grampians Shire Council’s strategy to attract, develop and support a strong and innovative events sector that grows the visitor economy, improves the reputation of the region as a ‘destination of choice’ for events, and provides enriching opportunities for a vibrant and inclusive community.

This family-friendly, accessible, non-smoking event is suitable for all ages, and includes live performances by Australian musicians Merpire, Hannah Blackburn and Forever Son.

Southern Grampians Shire Mayor Councillor Chris Sharples said he looked forward to welcoming this unique event to the Greater Hamilton region.

“Our Council Plan prioritises developing our economy, our community, and promoting our natural environment. By attracting a unique event to our region which may encourage visitation during what is often a quieter month, we’re not only providing an opportunity for an engaging experience beneath our majestic mountains, but we’re raising our profile as a great location for such events,” Cr Sharples said.

Sharni Honor, ‘Governor’ of The Porch Sessions, says it promises to be a special event.

“We can’t wait to bring our incredible touring artists to the Southern Grampians, and see everyone nestled in on Persian rugs beneath festoon lights and the starry sky, with that incredible mountain backdrop. It’s going to be a truly magical night,” Sharni said.

Attendees are encouraged to pack a picnic and to bring reusable water bottles. Alcohol can be purchased from the Royal Mail Hotel’s pop-up bar, no BYO.

Council, through Hamilton’s Trotters Coaches, will offer shuttle buses directly to the venue as there will be no parking on-site. Exceptions will be made for guests with accessibility requirements. Three subsidised return bus shuttles will operate from Hamilton, seats on which can be booked online when securing your ticket to the event. A free shuttle service will take attendees from the Dunkeld & Grampians Visitor Information Centre to and from the event, assisted by the volunteers from the Grampians Cricket Club in Dunkeld.

Details on the event, artists, tickets and inspiring local information is available at www.theporchsessions.com/ontour.

Limited tickets for the event and the buses are available online until sold out. Anyone needing assistance to book, or seeking information on accommodation and other local attractions should contact the Hamilton & Grampians Visitor Information Centre on 1800 807 056.