Festival Reception

Ticketing and performer merchandise is located in the Mechanics Hall at the Community Centre.

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.

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 Newstead Bowls Club

Located around the corner from the butcher. 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.

​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 & Coffee House

At the historic Newstead Railway Station, now known as The Arts Hub, discover handmade musical instruments, intimate acoustic performances, snacks and drinks; afternoon bar.  This is a FREE VENUE.
Instrument Makers Gallery: Sat & Sun 10am-6pm, Mon 9am-12 noon

The Arts Bar - Bevvies, Bites and Beats: Sat & Sun 12 noon- 6pm