Messages from our members
RIO - Bright Rockabilly Ink & Oil Festival – it’s on again in 2012!
Bright Rockabilly Ink and Oil (RIO) Festival was held for the first time March 4th-5th-6th 2011. The event took two years to develop, from first idea concept in 2009. With quiet optimism the organisers hoped to attract approximately 1000-1500 people over the 3 day festival. Crowd numbers over the Bright RIO Festival exceeded expectations with approximately 3,000 in attendance over Saturday’s Ireland St festivities.
Sponsorship for the inaugural Bright RIO Festival came from three prime areas; the first being Corporate sponsorship from Bendigo Bank Bright Community Branch, secondly from Local Government and thirdly from local businesses including the Bright Chamber of Commerce. Without the initial support from these areas within the Bright community the Festival would not have occurred, and we extend our sincere thanks again to our supporters. We hope that your business benefited from the influx of visitors to town!
After discussion with various accommodation owners, it was clear most visitors have indicated that they will return next year for the 2012 event with friends and their custom cars.
In 2012, the RIO Festival will be held on March 2, 3 & 4. What worked well last year, we’ve kept and built on. What we could improve, we’ve put a lot of thought into and have made some changes. A (very) brief rundown of the planned events follows:
Friday & Saturday nights: Two main ticketed music venues remain the same; Bright College Stadium and the Bright Entertainment Centre. We’ve put a lot of effort into making the stadium a vastly improved venue for music and are planning a shuttle bus to run continuously between the two venues. We’re also very excited about the band line-up for 2012!
Saturday day: Yes, let’s do the street party again! Ireland Street will be rocking, with the vintage market in full swing. We’ve introduced a Roller Derby event (at the stadium). The Tattoo component of the festival is being given a re-boot with a new format. The Pinup Competition has been overhauled too.
Sunday Show’n’Shine: Change of venue: Porepunkah will be the star attraction with the Show’n’Shine run by the Sultans Car Club (from Melbourne) taking over Porepunkah Oval, with bands and dancing in Porepunkah Hall - a more intimate venue for ticket holders, overlooking the beautiful Ovens River. Come on Porepunkah, kick up your heels!
In other news, I’ve just been to the Camperdown Cruise & Rockabilly Festival which simply blew me away – this is the pinnacle of rockabilly festivals in Australia. I spent a lot of time talking to the organisers, stall holders, ticket holders and bands. The news is that Bright RIO is definitely on the calendar as a “not to be missed” event and we expect numbers attending in 2012 to double. Many people I met in Camperdown who attended RIO this year have said that they have either already rebooked or are about to book their accommodation because they don’t want to miss out!
Chamber member’s financial support in 2011 was an integral part of getting the festival up and running. We hope that similar support from our local businesses will be forthcoming for the 2012 event. This festival was a huge success, but we can make it better, with your help!
If you’d like to support, you can make a (tax deductible) donation to the Festival’s operating costs by:
- mail your cheque to P.O. Box 659, Bright, 3741; or
- make an Electronic Funds Transfer payable to:
Bright Rockabilly, Ink & Oil (RIO) Festival,
BSB: 633000, A/C: 141425728 (If paying by EFT, please ensure your business name is in the description field)
We’ll post you out a receipt. If you have any queries, please don’t hesitate to contact Michelle Brown on 0429 103060 or at brightrockabilly@gmail.com. Your donation will ensure your business gets exposure on the festival website and a recommendation or mention whenever and wherever possible!
Jamie Lord Fundraiser
Please see attached a flyer regarding the raffle being run by the Harrietville Cricket Club for Jamie Lord. If you would like to help out by either buying or selling raffle tickets please contact Chris Plimmer at Adina Ski Hire on 5755 1177 or email adina@adina.com.au.
Adventure Guides Australia
We are running our Holiday program and I have attached a copy of the programs. The Cave is a wet and cool adventure on a hot day and Buffalo is 10 degrees cooler than the valley below - great abseiling with magnificent views. Outdoor Recreational, Corporate and Educational Adventure. Specializing in Abseiling, Caving, Rock Climbing, Cross Country Ski Touring and Snow Camping - Mobile 0419 280 614 - Telephone 03 5728 1804 - E Mail agati@netc.net.au - Web Site www.adventureguidesaustralia.com.au
Sew Bright Alpine Quilting
Sew Bright Alpine Quilting is open daily except Tuesdays. Escape the heat and sit & sew in our ‘make & take’ classes daily from 2pm. Choose from a Stitch Me soft toy, A Little Love Note, felt needle keeper or embroidered headband. Classes are $25 including materials. Children must be accompanied by an appropriate adult. Bookings preferred, phone Angela on 5755 5118 or book at shop 2/4 Ireland St, Bright.
Rail Trail Cafe
Will be open EVERYDAY from now until Sunday February 5th when we will return to our normal opening hours of Thursday - Sunday 8am to 4:30pm. Thank you for your continued support & customer referrals. If you need any cafe brochures dropped off, please call or email: 0428 359 884 or lucyjodwyer@hotmail.com
Alpine Furnishings
Take 10% off all outdoor furniture and umbrellas with stands. Don't forget we have good stocks of small electrical goods for emergency replacements of kettles/toasters etc in your units. Our HALF PRICE special on the Memory Foam Kool comfort gel infused mattress (with base available) will run an extra month, Ensemble was $3599 NOW for the month of JANUARY $1799. Delivery free within the Bright & district area. Visit our website at alpinefurnishings.com.au
Suganya’s
Suganya’s Thai Restaurant is open 6 days a week (Tuesday to Sunday) during the holiday period. Call 5755 2380 for bookings or take away orders.
Boynton’s Feathertop Winery
Alfresco Dining Restaurant is open 7 days a week from 12-3pm, until the end of January. Contact the winery to book (03) 5756 2356. Boynton’s Feathertop Winery, more than just a cellar door! Great Alpine Road, Porepunkah - 5756 2356 - www.boynton.com.au - feathertop@boynton.com.au
Bright Brewery
MUSIC THIS SUNDAY THE 8TH OF JANUARY - Lockwood and Katterl, who will be playing blues and roots LIVE at the Brewery from 4PM. CURRENT SEASONAL BEERS - Mystic Mild & The Stubborn Russian. As always we have our Bright Lager, Hellfire Amber, Blowhard Pale Razor Witbier, Staircase Porters, and Fainters Dubbel ready for consumption! And don’t forget Tour and Tastings every Friday at the Brewery at 3pm. BRIGHT Brewery 121 Great Alpine Road Bright www.brightbrewery.com.au Open daily from 12 noon - drop in for a beer!