The inaugural Rochella music festival was held on Saturday, as emerging and established artists took to the stage.
The dark clouds looked menacing as they hovered in the distance, threatening to ruin the event before it started. Fortunately, the day went off without a hitch.
As the minutes ticked away, ticket holders began to fill Rochester Recreation Reserve, which eventually hosted 1400 people.
Campaspe Shire Council’s Cr Paul Jarman was overwhelmed by the work from the organisers and countless volunteers who made the festival a stunning success.
“This event is all about providing the community a chance to come together, catch up and listen to some great music,” Cr Jarman said.
“The Rochester Community House has done an outstanding job of hosting this event and the many volunteers helped unite this festival.
Some artists were there as the day unfolded and rehearsals wrapped up.
One of the performers was 2023 Australian Idol contestant Anya Alchemy, who happily spoke to Campaspe News before doing the critically important sound check as event organisers were busy adding the final touches to the day’s proceedings.
“Yes, I’m excited to be performing in Rochester. It will be a great event and I’m looking forward to performing in front of a live audience,” Ms Alchemy said.
“I learnt that we as people are much stronger than we give ourselves credit for, especially when under pressure.
Ms Alchemy looked forward to being the first performer at Rochella.
Her guitarist Michael Zaporozhets was looking forward to a break from the daily grind.
“While in my day job I work as an engineer manager at Electronic Arts in Melbourne, I play the rhythm guitar on the side,” Mr Zaporozhets said.
One of the other bands to take to the stage was The Burnt Sausages, which described its music as “barbecue punk”.
The three-piece band featured Minna Wight on keyboard, vocalist Maddie Tucker and Danny Cisco, who played the plastic fork (guitar).
While the musicians played to the delight of the crowds, Brad O’Brien of Tiamo Twin Flame Pizza of Gunbower catered for the hungry.
“When something positive like this happens in a small town, families are drawn together and everyone has a wonderful time,” Mr O’Brien said.
“This business has been in operation since November 2020. While the past few years have been testing, we keep going from strength to strength.
Cr Jarman thanked the organisers and sponsors who made the event possible.
“This event is partly due to the help from Creative Victoria and the Victorian Government and they have done a fantastic job to fund this event and provide us with the necessary support,” Cr Jarman said.