Set to Rock in 'The Ridge'
Published on 18 April 2023
SET TO ROCK IN THE RIDGE
JIMMY LITTLE MEMORIAL MUSIC & ARTS FESTIVAL 2023
The headline acts have now been finalised for what will be the largest and most significant Music Festival ever in the outback of NSW, The Jimmy Little Memorial Music and Arts Festival 2023.
The daytime festival staged over two days of the June long weekend (10th and 11th) will be showcasing some of Australia’s most iconic artists performing some of our country’s most famous tunes featuring, Kasey Chambers, James Blundell, Buzz Bidstrup (The Angels), Mark Callaghan (GANG gajang).
Other artists include Dean Ray, blues man Mr Buddy Knox Band, Brendan Gallagher (Karma County) Stiff Gins, James Henry and local artists JustUs, Kelsey Barker and dancer Joshua Doctor. Renowned comedian Anthony Lamond will MC the two days of free entertainment and festivities.
Through support of the State Government’s ‘Reconnecting Regional NSW’, this will be an event not to be missed and will showcase our own local and regional artists with top prizemoney up for grabs with a talent competition also scheduled over the two days.
The event is focused on recognizing and celebrating the late Indigenous musician Jimmy Little and his legacy and contribution to this country while reconnecting community and residents throughout the Shire and region through Music and the Arts.
The event, staged at Lightning Ridge sports fields with festival markets and sideshow alley also offered to locals and visitors alike. Council’s event management staff, George McCormick, Jamie Lee Fawkner, Sandra Bladen and Mason Allen have been working alongside Jimmy’s daughter Frances and Graham “Buzz” Bidstrup (original Angels band member and current CEO of the Jimmy Little Thumbs Up good tucker organisation) and the Jimmy Little Foundation to ensure a selection of music types will be enjoyed from blues to country and rock. Council’s Manager Community Development Mr George McCormick said, “this will be the biggest outdoor - open air music festival in the history of Lightning Ridge, Walgett Shire and possibly the whole Northwest NSW.”
Our major supporters, NSW Government, John Murray Art Gallery, Walgett Hunt Camp Fish Newsagency, Lightning Ridge Bowling Club, Jimmy Little Foundation & Jimmy Little Thumbs Up organisation have come together to support a talent quest with significant cash prizes on offer in a bid to encourage local artists to perform on the big stage.
Full promotional and informational resources for potential stall holders and contestants’ info relating to the talent quest are now available on Councils website or contact Jamie-Lee on below numbers.
For more information please contact.
Events Officer, Mrs Jamie-Lee Fawkner: (02) 6828 6136 jfawkner@walgett.nsw.gov.au or Manager Community Development Mr. George McCormick (02) 68286107 gmccormick@walgett.nsw.gov.au