Wood Wine and Roses 2012

GET ready for 12 hours of jam packed entertainment for the 19^thannual Heywood Wood Wine and Roses festival next month.

Festival organisers are gearing up for what is set to be the biggest event yet with more than 45 entertainers and 100 stallholders booked for the Saturday, February 25 event.

Event coordinator Ross Barclay has been busy with the committee booking some of the biggest names ever seen in the event’s history, headlined by the Britney Spears and Lady Gaga Tribute Show.

Joining the stage is top Melbourne band Kartoon, country group Prarie Oysters, African dance and drumming group African Star, plus Polynesian Magic featuring dancers from Hawaii, Tahiti and the Cook Islands.

“We have booked an exciting line-up for this year’s event. There will be something for everyone,” Mr Barclay said.

“We are really pleased to have the Britney Spears and Lady Gaga Tribute show – it’s set to be a highlight of the evening with top Melbourne band Kartoon, who are well loved by the Heywood crowd.”

Festivities begin on Friday, February 24 with the popular Breakfast in the Streethosted by the Heywood Consolidated School.

The breakfast will include the Australian Fair Organ, a travelling concert organ. It has the equivalent sound of a 20-piece band and is the only travelling concert organ in the country.

The festival has focused a lot of attention on attracting the best children’s entertainment.

Included in the schedule is the Great Aussie Bush Show, a pantomime with speaking puppers, Master of Illusion, magician Ben Murphy,  Noodles the Clown, the Stilt Police, Glo Bear and Bo Peep, plus the mesmerising Andrew Dyson Stilts and Glo robot show.

“We have plenty for all the big kids as well,” Mr Barclay said.

“We are bringing back the popular V8 Simulator which allows people to experience what it feels like to be behind the wheel of a real V8 Supercar, plus there is the popular Lawnmower racing which is expected to attract a large field. This is on top of the annual woodchop, car rally and the Xtreme Trials Show.

“Number one international motorcycle trial rider Adrian Harry is back by popular demand. He was a huge success last year so he was happy to come back and show off more tricks for 2012 alongside the Portland Junior Motorcycle Club who will be showing off their skills."

The old Heywood school building will again be filled with fantastic craft displays featuring floral art, cut flowers, needlework, photography, and paintings with entries from all age groups.

For foodies there will be plenty of the region’s best wine flowing in the wine tent from Heywood winemaker Cobboboonee Wines and Gorae’s Barrett’s wines.

Mr Barclay encouraged everyone to keep the last Saturday in February free for the coveted event.

“We have something to cater for everyone. We are now the biggest event in the Glenelg Shire attracting thousands each year and we are looking forward to seeing plenty at this year’s event,” Mr Barclay said.

Entry is $20 for adults, $15 concession, $5 for 16 to 18 year-olds, with under-16 free.

To learn more contact the festival mobile on 0428 342 287.

Wood Wine and Roses website designed by Ashleigh Endacott