Steph Strings to headline sixth annual Tarwin Lower Festival
South Gippsland is set to come alive for the annual Tarwin Lower Festival with this year's event shaping up to be the biggest yet, headlined by internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Steph Strings.
THE heart of South Gippsland is set to come alive for the sixth annual Tarwin Lower Festival with Melbourne-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Steph Strings heading up a massive entertainment lineup across multiple stages.
This much-loved community celebration is making its grand return on Sunday November 1 when the Tarwin Lower Recreation Reserve will be transformed into a bustling hub of live music, market stalls, regional food, and family-friendly entertainment. What began as a simple car show has evolved into an exciting family fun day for all ages.
Attendees can look forward to an amazing display of classic cars, bikes, and trucks, alongside vintage machinery demonstrations, free kids' rides, and local food vans.
This year's event is shaping up to be the biggest yet, headlined by internationally acclaimed Melbourne-based guitarist and singer-songwriter Steph Strings.
Known for her explosive fingerstyle guitar technique and captivating storytelling, Steph Strings will headline a stellar live music lineup across two dedicated stages.
Joining her on the main stage will be local favourites Nick Carver, Smiley Doherty, Ally Row and Misty Harlowe. All up a total of 16 acts will be performing at the festival including ARIA chart topping No Promises, Venus Loves Ukulele, The Rhythm Makers, Serenity, The Taylor Project and Of The Deep End.
Beyond the music attendees can explore an extensive array of attractions including automotive and machinery displays, classic cars, vintage bikes, and trucks, and live tractor and machinery demonstrations.
"This is a not-for-profit festival run for the community, by the community," said Tarwin Lower Festival Committee President, Mike Davey. "We have really stepped up the live music component of the festival with professional staging and sound production.”
Children can enjoy a petting zoo, wildlife education, pony rides, and a rotating schedule of old-school novelty races including sack, egg-and-spoon, and wheelbarrow events.
The day kicks off when the gates open at 10am, the popular tractor pull demonstration revs up at 10.30 am, followed by a live SES rescue demonstration at 11.30 am and an all-day car, bike and truck show.
The festival relies heavily on local volunteers and is run by a dedicated committee representing groups like the Tarwin District Auto and Machinery Club, the Men's Shed, and local sporting clubs. Local radio station South Coast FM will be conducting an outside broadcast directly from the festival for those who can’t make it in person.
“We’re expecting a larger crowd this year, so we recommend purchasing tickets online a bit earlier to save time at the gate and that way you save a few bucks too, rather than paying at the door,” said Mr Davey.
Vice-President Adrian Micallef said they’ve stepped it up a lot more this year with the live music component. “Well known for her family connections in San Remo, Steph Strings is doing really well in America and all over the world,” said Mr Micallef.
“Steph’s popularity is sky-rocketing and Nick Carver from Inverloch is in the process of releasing an E.P. featuring Stones You Throw which is also doing really well.
“High-energy folk-rock/alt-country duo Ally Row and winners of the 2023 Triple J Unearthed NYE on the Hill competition are also doing well along with Misty Harlowe,” said Micallef. “They’re all original acts, we introduced music to the festival two years ago and each year it just becomes more and more popular, this year we’re going all out.”
Tickets are available online priced at $10 for adults ($12 at the gate) and $4 for teens aged 12–17 ($5 at the gate) via the Tarwin Lower Festival website or directly on Zeffy.
Children are admitted free of charge.
