General News
29 February, 2024
Concert for a cause
A SMALL group of volunteers has assembled hundreds of thousands of dollars’ worth of equipment to help raise money for charity at a local music festival this weekend.
The Let’s Talk Country Music Festival will roll in to Mortlake on Saturday, with a wide variety of talented performers putting on a show.
The event will also be used as an opportunity to support local mental health not-for-profit Let’s Talk Foundation, which aims to raise awareness surrounding the need to talk about and address mental health.
The day will feature presentations from Let’s Talk Foundation representatives and resources to support the community in battling against the negative stigma which exists for those wanting to support themselves or a loved one through a mental health battle.
Music Homestead secretary Julie Stewart-Murray said the free event, asking only for an optional donation, would raise vital funds for mental health across the south west.
“It’s our third year of running the Music Homestead Let’s Talk Country Music Festival,” she said.
“There is live music all day but the event is about supporting Let’s Talk, so there’s no cost for entry but if people want to donate to Let’s Talk on entry they can.
“Let’s Talk will also be doing a few presentations throughout the day on the stage.”
A diverse range of musicians will be performing, including popular local act ‘Witch 3’, to ensure there is a little something for everyone.
“There will be a wide range of musicians from people who are just starting out to those who have been playing for years,” Ms Stewart-Murray said.
“While it’s a country music festival, there is a broad range of music within that from bluegrass to classic country, a bit of rock, a bit of blues and folk.
“It’s not just the one sort of music each day.
“It’s a good mixture.”
A large stage has been erected at the Music Homestead thanks to the efforts of a small army of volunteers working together to ensure the event is one to remember.
“All of the people who have put the stages together, done all the work with lighting and equipment, and all of the musicians, are volunteers,” Ms Stewart-Murray said.
“Nobody is getting paid for any of the work, so we’re thankful to have these people donating their time to rally behind a cause which is close to so many of us.”
Ms Stewart-Murray said she was hoping to see this years’ event take the Let’s Talk Country Music Festival to a new level, with much to see and do on the day.
“We’re focused on the main stage and music to make sure a great show is put on, with food and drinks available for people to purchase if they don’t want to bring their own,” she said.
“There will be some activities for the kids, such as drawing, too.
“We’re trying to keep it manageable so everyone has a great time, in great atmosphere, for a great cause.”
The Let’s Talk Country Music Festival will be held on Saturday, March 2 at the Music Homestead located at 239 Mortlake-Framlingham Road in Mortlake.
The event will begin at 1pm and run until around 10pm.
Attendees are encouraged to bring chairs or blankets for seating.
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