The Festival
Australian folk-roots music festival in the historic country town of Newstead, near Castlemaine, Central Victoria.
History
Newstead Live Music Festival has been running for twenty-five years, the first six years as Chewton Folk Festival.
The festival takes place over the last weekend in January, when a range of diverse and highly regarded international and national artists perform in live music venues, concert spaces, workshops, impromptu sessions, spoken word performances and open-mic sessions. Music for all ages and a range of genres. View our performer page to find out more.
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Newstead Live is managed by a voluntary body of members working together to develop their community.
Venues
Festival Reception has moved!
Ticketing and performer merchandise is now at The White House next to The Country Store.
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Performer reception is in the Anglican Church hall across the road from The Troubadour.
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The Festival Village
Located in Panmure Street, near the swimming pool and Lilliput. Everyone is welcome in The Festival Village. This is the home of the Live’n’Local outdoor stage. There are also food vans and market stalls as well as the Pop-up Play marquee.
NOTE: This is an unticketed area. Yes, it’s free!
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1. The Troubadour
Andrew Pattison’s Troubadour was a much-loved acoustic music venue in Melbourne in the late 70s and early 80s. In homage to him, the nature of The Troubadour as a music venue remains fundamentally unchanged. Food & alcohol are supplied by the Newstead Football Netball Club, including wine from Andrew’s Burke & Wills label.
2. Newstead Community Centre
The main hall is one of the prime venues of the festival. The Community Centre Café operates in the old section, featuring Klua Sathorn Thai food, and a beer and wine bar run by The Crown Hotel. The hall and the café are both airconditioned.
3. Lilliput
This is the local kindergarten and pre-school. It provides a more intimate space for performers, and is airconditioned.
4. The Anglican Church
Located across the street from The Troubadour, immerse yourself in the delightful acoustic sound in this tiny country church.
5. The Enviroshop
The refurbished workshop of an old service station, this operates commercially as a business with a focus on sustainable energy solutions. Located 400m from the Community Centre. Remember there is a shuttle bus to get you there if the walk is too much or if the weather is too hot.
6. Playground Park
Officially named Newstead Park but known locally as The Playground Park or The Pirate Park. This is where Tai Chi happens.
7. Live’n’Local
An outdoor stage which celebrates all types of music featuring local artists. The stage operates on Saturday and Sunday and is located in the Festival Village in Panmure Street. This is a FREE VENUE.
8. The Courtyard
Located on the main street next door to Festival Reception, this is a lovely courtyard setting under a cool peppercorn tree. This is a FREE VENUE.
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Crossing the Loddon
Historical Note: Newstead was established because this was where it was possible to cross the river.
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The following 3 venues are on the other side of the river. Enjoy the 10-minute walk over the bridge or hop on the shuttle bus.
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9. Butterland
This is the old Butter Factory. For the past few years, it has been a wedding reception venue. Your host is Greg Hatton. Longer running, themed shows are held here. Fingerfood and alcohol available.
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10. The Red Shed
The old railway goods shed is now a printmakers workshop. During the festival, the printing presses will be moved aside to make way for workshops and the festival choir.
11. The Arts Hub
Located next to the Red Shed. Coffee cart & afternoon bar.
Open Sat & Sun 10am-5pm, Mon 9am-12noon.
