Out West Fest promises an unforgettable experience of live music in our municipality's central township, and the inaugural event is all set for 9 November.
At the helm of this celebration of music and community is Annabel Kilpatrick, whose deep roots in the Ararat region and passion for quality live music prompted her mission to bring the festival experience to her hometown.
"I grew up on a farm between Ararat and Great Western, so the area has always felt like home," says Kilpatrick, who describes an "adventurous" childhood filled with sports across Ararat and Stawell, piano and saxophone lessons, and the thrill of participating in events organised by her parents.
"[Mum had] roles in the Ararat Gallery committee, where they'd organise themed fundraising balls at the Ararat Town Hall," she remembers. "My older sisters and I were always put to work in the kitchen, and I remember the excitement of being old enough to waitress with my friends from Ararat Secondary College."
Bel's father was also heavily involved in community life, often acting in Ararat Theatre productions which were performed at Town Hall. "These events were such a big part of the town's social life, and they instilled in me a love for bringing people together through creativity and entertainment," she says.
These were the seeds of Kilpatrick's interest in creating Out West Fest, a festival event which threads together a diverse line-up of talented Australian artists.
"Pursuing my own music career as Bel Kil has opened doors to meet and perform with incredibly talented Australian musicians, who are also just really great people," she explains. "I wanted to bring these amazing acts to the area I grew up in, and create an opportunity that I would have killed for as a young girl."
Kilpatrick has just released the single Not Whatchu Think from her upcoming second EP Wasted Emotion, due to drop in February. Out West Fest attendees will get a sneak peek at the new tracks from the celebrated musician, and can catch Bel at a string of other appearances across the summer (head to @belkil.music on Instagram to see all the details).
Kilpatrick also notes the acceleration of cancelled festivals in the area, as well as surviving festivals' exorbitant ticket prices, as reasons for Out West Fest's launch.
"There's no profit involved," she attests. "In fact, I've probably said goodbye to a lot of my savings to make this happen. It's all about bringing great artists to the local community for a really fun day, and keeping ticket prices super accessible for all ages.
"I've chosen acts that will appeal to everyone, so if you think you're too old for a festival, you're wrong! Why should age restrict you from experiencing incredible live music right on your doorstep?
"I really hope this is a success, and that the local community and surrounding towns get behind it so I can bring more incredible acts next year."
Headlining the festival is Sydney-based indie rock act Deep Sea Arcade - who are about to release a special 10-year anniversary edition of their seminal album Outlands (2012) - and The Jezabels vocalist Hayley Mary, whose debut solo album Roman XS was released just last week to critical acclaim.
Look out for our interview with Hayley Mary and Deep Sea Arcade frontman Nic McKenzie, coming next week.
DATE: Saturday 9 November
TIME: 1.30pm - 11.59pm
LOCATION: Town Hall
TICKETS: Visit the dedicated ticket site here.
Images, top - bottom: Bel Kil, Hayley Mary, Deep Sea Arcade's Nic McKenzie.
