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GET READY
HEYWOOD
THE big
acts have been secured, now the work begins to turn the Wood Wine
and Roses Festival into the biggest event on the south-west
calendar.
This
year’s line-up is set to be one of the most impressive but the
committee is still in search of volunteers and sponsors to make it
a success.
Australia’s
number one Robbie Williams impersonator, Louis Lou and the party
boys are headlining the February 27 event.
This
dedicated performer has the dark looks of the former UK boy band
member, but has even gone to the lengths of having his sleeves of
tattoos permanently inked to be a true match to the pop
icon.
Audiences
should prepare for one of the most electric night performances ever
seen on the Wood Wine and Roses’ stage.
The
Australian Youth Band are making a welcome return to the festival,
fresh from playing at some of the countries biggest
events.
They
will join the stage with award winning country performer Don Costa,
country blues performer Japanese George with top Warrnambool band
Lotus.
Get
ready for the rev of the engines with the return of lawnmower
racing for its eighth consecutive year.
Brian
Benter and his team of supporters are anticipating up to 30 hotted
up ride on mowers roaring around the track in five classes,
including juniors.
Brian
said the rebuilt motors could reach speeds of up to 80kmph,
expected on a track which has straights “no longer than 100
metres”.
The
larger class of engines will be roaring around local forest the
night before the event for the annual car rally.
Organisers
are expecting a big field, with strong interest received from
across the district.
On the
other side of the festival map, woodchips will be flying as some of
the countries best wood choopers vye for the John Wills Memorial
Trophy.
Organiser
Ian Durra has more than 30 competitors sharpening their axes in
anticipation of the $3000 competition, which will feature more than
30 events.
He said
competitors were coming from interstate to compete, with Dartmoor
talent Daniel Anderson one of the local favourites.
Internationally
renowned wood turner Guilio Marcolongo is returning with his eye
opening creations.
The
Wonthaggi based artist has been travelling the world showcasing his
hand crafted masterpieces and is pleased to be returning to pass on
his talents to the south-west audience.
Mr
Marcolongo is best known for his delicate work, carving a piece of
wood into an acubra hat.
More
than 60 stallholders have been secured for the event but more
static displays are still needed for the north bank.
The
Heywood Lions Club are generously donating their time to manage the
gates but further volunteers are required to sell arm bands on the
street, to ensure an easy flow into the festival after the street
parade.
This is
in addition to the help needed on the Thursday and Friday before
the event to ensure everything is set up on time.
Anyone
with suggestions or willing to volunteer should contact Wood Wine
and Roses committee member Pam Nolte on 0439 924 655 or
55271122.
V/Line
buses will continue to run from Portland, expecting to depart at
9.45am and 10.20am to Heywood and returning at 4pm and
5pm.
The
committee urges spectators to take a fold up chair to the event, to
ensure they have somewhere to sit and enjoy the entertainment as
supplied seating will be limited.
WHAT
TO SEE
FREE
ENTERTAINMENT
Wood turner Guilio
Marcolongo
Snakebusters
Woodchopping
Lawnmower
racing
Billa the
Clown
Circus
Mystic
Escape Artist Patrick
Trick
Hempel
Dancers
Belly
Dancers
Fireworks display
LIVE
BANDS
Robbie Williams Tribute
Show
Australian Youth Band
Don Costa
Japanese George
Lotus
Falls of Halladale
COMPETITIONS
Art and craft
Photography
Floral Art
ATTRACTIONS
Carnival rides
Wine and cheese tasting
Food stalls
Lots of market stalls
ADMISSION
$20 adult (18 and over)
$15 concession card holder and
under-15
The Wood,
Wine and Roses Festival was first held in Heywood in 1993 and has
grown over the years to be an award winning event in the South West
of Victoria. The festival is action packed with a wide
variety of activities and events for the entire family to
enjoy.
It is
estimated that in 2009 a record breaking 12,000 visitors passed
through the gates.
This
festival is a must attend for the whole family.
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