How did the Mornington Peninsula Blues Festival come to be?
The very first Mornington Peninsula Blues Festival started in February this year as an extension of a smaller boutique event called the Mornington Peninsula Blues Sessions, created by local blues lover Patrick Elliget in 2014. The festival format allows for more artists and a much bigger audience to experience live world class blues from the region.
What are some of the artists/bands the festival has attracted in the past?
Headlining the first festival in 2019 was Oz rock legend Ross Wilson along with leading Australian blues artists such as Phil Manning, Chris Finnen, Lloyd Spiegel, Geoff Achison, Sweet Felicia and the Honeytones and more.
Who’s coming to perform for 2020?
In 2020 the festival will again feature some of Australia’s finest blues musicians including Sydney’s Ray Beadle, Darren Jack and Paul Winn along with Brisbane’s Blues Arcadia. Australian blues legends Lloyd Spiegel and Geoff Achison will return by patron demand. That’s just the start.
What else happens at the festival? Is it just music?
Along with world-class live blues, the festival will be a celebration of local food, wine and craft beer and there will also be an eclectic mix of craft markets. Children’s activities will also feature in next year’s family-friendly event, including face painting and a jumping castle.
Why is the Mornington Peninsula Blues Festival so important to the region?
The festival represents a great opportunity to give the Mornington Peninsula’s world class beaches, restaurants, cafes, wineries and vibrant live music culture some added exposure. Elliget is determined to see it grow into a major player on the Australian blues music festival calendar.
The Mornington Peninsula Blues Festival comes to the Mornington Racecourse on Saturday February 8. Grab your tickets via the festival website.
