Now in its 47th year, the Castlemaine State Festival is launching its 2023 season with a preview event at Castlemaine Goods Shed this Saturday January 28.
The free public launch of Australia’s flagship regional arts event kicks off at 11am at the Kennedy Street venue with festival director Glyn Roberts presenting this year’s generous program.
The 2023 program includes a vast range of free and ticketed events and the establishment of a new Festival Precinct that will bring Castlemaine alive with contemporary and classical music, performance, dialogues, cabaret, circus, comedy and DJs to entertain while audiences enjoy the best food and beverage options the region has to offer.
A showcase performance by award-winning Castlemaine musician Eliza Hull will also feature at Saturday’s program launch celebration.
Recently awarded the Music Victoria ‘Amplify’ award, the APRA mentorship for women in music, a National Leadership Award from the Australia Council and Arts Access Australia and The Women In Music Award, Eliza is making change in the music industry. She is a huge part of the movement to promote greater representation of differently abled musicians.
The muso, who has a neurological condition, ‘Charcot Marie Tooth’, which affects her nervous system, recently wrapped recording on a new album while juggling parenthood, live performances, panel appearances as part of her advocacy work, and consultancy work with local and national entertainment venues.
Eliza told the Express she looked forward to sharing some songs from her new album with Saturday’s audience.
“I’m thrilled to be involved with the festival again this year, having been part of several opening night performances. I will also be doing a show ‘Into the Space Between the Notes’ with Liz Martin during the festival.
“We presented the same show at the Sydney Opera House in June 2022 and I look forward to performing it right here in front of a local audience,” she said.
This year is set to be a big one for Eliza with her fifth album launching in March.
“I am looking forward to doing a tour of the United Kingdom in May,” she said.
Eliza will also be continuing her consultancy work with The ARIAS in 2023 and other organisations such as Music Victoria, APRA, Arena Theatre Company, Bakehouse Studios and live music venues Theatre Royal Castlemaine, Bridge Hotel, Trash Cult Bendigo and Palais Hepburn to strive to make live music accessible for all.
“I am always thinking of the next generation of musicians and ensuring they know that there is a place for them and they can access the industry. It’s also important we make our venues accessible. Everyone deserves to enjoy live music,” she said.
“It’s something the Castlemaine State Festival does really well and I am proud to be part of it.”
The Castlemaine State Festival is unique in its scope and diversity; the popular biennial event will again draw thousands of visitors from across Australia and overseas to the regional centre to experience a family-friendly, fun and accessible 17-day event.
Tickets for the festival will go live Saturday to coincide with the launch. Look out for your free copy of the 2023 Castlemaine State Festival program in the Midland Express next Tuesday January 31. Visit www.castlemainefestival.com.au or follow the festival on Instagram and Facebook for updates.
Castlemaine State Festival runs from March 24 to April 9, 2023.
