The Tarwin Lower Festival is back for its sixth year on Sunday 1 November, with the annual community celebration at the Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve shaping up to be its biggest yet. It will be headlined by internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Steph Strings.
Known for her explosive fingerstyle guitar technique and captivating storytelling, Steph Strings tops a lineup of 16 acts across two dedicated stages, joined by local favourites Nick Carver, Smiley Doherty, Ally Row and Misty Harlowe, ARIA chart-topping No Promises and Of The Deep End. South Coast FM will also broadcast live from the festival for those who can't make it in person.
What began as a local car show has grown into a major regional event managed entirely by volunteers from the Venus Bay Angling Club, Tarwin Lower and District Bowls Club, Tarwin Football Netball Club, Tarwin District Auto and Machinery Club and the Tarwin Lower District Men's Shed.
Beyond the music, the festival features an extensive exhibition of classic cars, vintage bikes, trucks and live tractor and machinery demonstrations, a bustling market with local makers and food trucks, interactive emergency services displays, and free children's fun and games.
Festival Committee President Mike Davey said the committee was proud of how far the event had come. "We have really stepped up the live music component of the festival with professional staging and sound production and we are incredibly proud to bring an artist of Steph Strings' calibre to our main stage this year, alongside all the incredible classic car displays, markets, and free kids' entertainment that make this event a true highlight on the South Gippsland calendar."
Gates open at 10am, with activities running until 4pm. Adult tickets are $10 online or $12 at the gate; teens aged 12 to 17 are $4 online or $5 at the gate; children under 12 enter free. Davey is encouraging online bookings given expected crowd numbers. "We recommend purchasing tickets online a bit earlier to save time at the gate and save a few bucks too, this also ensures you don't miss out in case we reach capacity."
Tickets are available at tarwinfestival.com.au or via Zeffy. More information at info@tarwinfestival.com.au or follow the festival on Facebook and Instagram.
