Ash Bolt
Geelong’s own Sweethearts will finally have the opportunity to take over the City when Sweetfest rolls into town this weekend.
Having been postponed twice last year, the festival will finally go ahead from 11am on Sunday, March 6, with a line up of female talent taking to Central Geelong.
The Arts Industry Commission funded project Sweetfest will present a powerhouse line-up including a solo set from 2018 ARIA award nominee Alex Lahey, The Jezabels frontwoman Hayley Mary, Emma Donovan and The Putbacks, along with Geelong’s own Sweethearts, showcasing the talented female musicians in Geelong and across Melbourne.
The free event also features 20 different acts including Fulton Street, Cry Baby, Rach Brennan, Libby Steel, Mink Mila, Sarah Carroll, Andrea Robertson, Carly Robertson, Hassall, Operation Karma and others.
Greater Geelong arts, live entertainment and hospitality portfolio chair Eddy Kontelj said the City was proud to see live music back in CBD streets and venues.
“The work we have been doing through the arts, live entertainment and hospitality portfolio is really starting gain traction and council is proud to support Sweetfest as a showcase of all things music within Greater Geelong, especially by female musicians,” he said.
“Through the joy of live music, this event will help draw visitors into Central Geelong, creating a vibrant atmosphere and generating increased trade for bars, restaurants and other venues, which is particularly important at this time.
“Hosting quality events such as Sweethearts reflects our intent for Geelong to become the live entertainment hub of Australia.”
The festival will take place over four stages, including an outdoor stage on the Johnstone Park forecourt and in the Little Malop Street precinct at Pistol Pete’s Food n Blues, Westend and Beav’s Bar.
Some acts will also live stream via the Sweethearts Youtube channel for those who can’t make it.
The festival is an initiative of the Sweethearts Foundation and secretary Sandy Thompson said it was pleasing to finally get the green light after several postponements last year.
“The Sweethearts Foundation is excited to provide a platform for live performance and is proud to present a free all ages music festival that celebrates women in music,” she said.
“Sweetfest is another element of the foundation’s work that aims to broaden the opportunities to women throughout the Geelong and Melbourne areas.”
Sweetfest was first held in 2018.
Details: sweethearts.com.au.
