Laidley streets to come alive with music and roving performers

Streets and venues across Laidley will be awash with music, colour and dance next month with an impressive line-up of talented musicians and eye-catching roving performers set to dazzle the crowds at the Laidley Spring Festival.

Headlining the Festival’s 60th anniversary celebrations will be an array of local and regional musicians from across the Lockyer Valley and South East Queensland, as well as first class stilt walkers and entertainers from IZIT? Entertainment – all of whom will be appearing at the Festival’s many different precincts, events, activities, and workshops.

Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan said she was excited about the range of talent appearing at this year’s event, which promises to delight festivalgoers of all ages.

“In the Lockyer Valley we are lucky to have a number of incredibly accomplished singers and musicians who love to perform not only covers, but their own original songs, so you can expect to hear lots of songs you know and love, plus some new originals,” Mayor Milligan said.

“These artists are renowned across the region, and we are thrilled to have them as part of this year’s Festival so we can highlight their talents to a whole new audience.

“All of their sounds are so different, so you can expect to hear relaxed vibes at some venues, and a more upbeat party atmosphere at others, which will certainly be the case at Friday’s Twilight Feast and Fest.

“I am also thrilled to welcome back the amazing team from IZIT? Entertainment, who will bring lots of colourful costumes and characters to the festivities,” she said.

The party will kick off at the Twilight Feast and Fest, which will be held at the Laidley Recreation Reserve from 5pm - 10pm on Friday, September 8.

Taking to the stage will be singer/songwriter Laura Frank, who will entertain the crowd with her edgy country sound, as well as Kingston Crumb - a four-piece band from Toowoomba whose musical genres include rock, folk, country, and pop.

The band’s lead singer Ethan Bielefeld will also perform solo on the night.

In the Festival Precinct, Georgie Renee will kick off Saturday’s festivities with a soulful and captivating performance, followed by the mesmerising tunes of Kane Maher and the heartfelt melodies of James Ryle - all of whom will play two sets throughout the day.

In the Garden Precinct, homegrown heroes Rebecca Lee Nye and Billy Bridge will each perform their own unique songs and covers.

In addition, local Rheanna Leschke will be bringing the buzz to Bee Happy Day on Sunday, September 10.

Rebecca Lee Nye from Regency Downs said she was looking forward to playing at the Festival for the first time.

“I’m very much looking forward to performing at the Laidley Spring Festival. It’s going to be a wonderful community event,” she said.

“I’ll be singing a range of different genres from country, pop, rock and some of my own original music in the mix too.

“Come along and celebrate with us – it will be a weekend of good vibes and good times, and you’ll be grateful for the memories you make,” she said.

Visitors and locals will also be amazed by the colourful costumes and unique characters from IZIT? Entertainment, featuring everything from stilt walkers to scarecrows, garden gnomes and a flowerpot family.

David Coombs from IZIT? Entertainment said he had such a great time at last year’s Festival that he even came back to explore more of the region.

“All the performers are indeed excited to be performing at the Laidley Spring Festival. There is something about regional festivals that makes it so much fun and enjoyable. I believe one reason is the audiences are more responsive and wanting to enjoy the roving entertainment, more open and possibly more relaxed.

“Last year IZIT? Entertainment performed Aussie Flowerpots and Gnomes. My wife and I were the two performers on this occasion.

“We took some time to walk around the town after we finished and she was so taken with the town and the area we ended up driving back the next day and we explored the area including following the Cobb & Co Tourist Drive, stopping off at Forest Hill for a coffee and finishing up at Awassi Cheesery,” he said.

The 60th Anniversary Laidley Spring Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Tourism and Events Queensland and features on the It’s Live! In Queensland events calendar.

For more information about the 2023 Laidley Spring Festival, including the full festival program, visit www.laidleyspringfestival.com.