ORGANISERS of the Harvest music festival predict Werribee Park could emerge as one of Australia’s premier concert venues.
After the Harvest festival edged into Melbourne’s saturated festival calendar last November, organiser Declan Forde said the scenery of the historic Werribee Mansion estate and surrounding gardens had been crucial to its success in selling more than 15,000 tickets.
Mr Forde said the site was perfect for the indie and rock festival, billed as an atmospheric arts and music experience.
“Many international acts and a whole lot of people in Melbourne told us last year that the festival was the first time they’d visited Werribee ever, and said it was one of the most beautiful festival sites they’d ever been to.
“It’s a bit outside Melbourne, so it’s a bigger commitment making the drive to Werribee, but that all really added to the atmosphere.”
This year’s Harvest festival on November 11 will bring to Werribee the likes of Sigur Ros, Ben Folds Five, Beck and the Dandy Warhols. Mr Forde said the scenery was particularly fitting for the cinematic show of Icelandic band Sigur Ros. “We hope to stay here for a very long time, and turn Werribee Park into a nationally renowned festival space.”
Wyndham Tourism Association chairman George Tompkins said the festival was well suited to Werribee.
“Werribee Park and the mansion in the background are absolutely fantastic for this type of event. They attract a good crowd and it does the economy some good.
“I’m forever telling people Werribee is a bit of a forgotten secret.”
