Motor City festival a ‘boon’ for Geelong

GEELONG has been a quiet achiever in producing musical talent but Motor City Music Festival will put the region’s best on centre stage.
Along with local acts, the return of Motor City Music Festival has attracted a host of Australian music legends.
Mayor Darryn Lyons said he was stoked to have Geelong’s biggest celebration of blues and rock back again in 2015.
“With a line-up of more than 50 bands performing across five stages over the Labour Day weekend, Motor City Music Festival is fast becoming a favourite music event in Geelong,” the mayor said.
“Geelong has had a huge year of events with the Cadel Evans Great Ocean Road Race, the 2015 Australian International Airshow and the Oates Victorian Open Golf Championships to name a few.
“Major events contribute $57 million to the Geelong economy and events support 455 jobs annually.
“As mayor I love having big events like this return to Geelong and welcome more attractions to the city. Enjoy.”
The city’s tourism boss, Roger Grant, said Motor City filled a gap in Geelong’s events calendar.
“It’s remarkable considering the diversity and size of events in Geelong that we didn’t previously have a dedicated music festival,” Mr Grant said.
“This is a significant opportunity for Geelong. Not only does it connect with our motor industry roots but it demonstrates that Geelong’s reinventing itself.”
Mr Grant said the festival offered a wonderful opportunity for locals to enjoy a safe environment with great entertainment at an affordable price.
“I’m excited about the event and I urge people to invite friends and relatives down and make most of it.
“Geelong people have lamented before that there was nothing to do on the Labour Day long weekend and the Motor City Music Festival has delivered in spades, so let’s support it.
“It’s a great venue at the Geelong Showgrounds the way it’s laid out, there’s freedom to move around and it creates a great vibe.
“Plus, it’s a celebration of local great food, wine, beers and ciders.”