“I grew up in Great Western and there are limited festivals in the area now with the Grampians Music Festival no longer running and even Pitch cancelled last year,” she said.
“Growing up I would have killed for an opportunity like this. There’s not many opportunities in the area and it’s so accessible and affordable for people.
“I think it’s so important to bring live music opportunities to people in the area.
“It’s all about bringing incredible acts – big Australian and up-and-coming emerging artists – to the area who are amazing performers.”
Ms Kilpatrick said Out West Fest’s line-up would include music that appealed to all ages, representing a variety of genres.
Included on the bill are Hayley Mary, the lead singer of Australian indie rock band The Jezabels, along with psychedelic rock outfit Deep Sea Arcade, funk and soul ensemble Sex On Toast, surf rockers Sunday Honey and solo acts such as eclectic pop artist Umbra Moon and blues and roots singer-songwriter Flynn Gurry.
Ms Kilpatrick will also play during the festival, with her new single Not Whatchu Think set to launch tomorrow.
She said fostering young musical talent from the Ararat region was also a priority.
“We’ve got ‘Maso’, Riley Mason, from Ararat performing, and there’s opportunities for other local bands,” she said.
“I really want the local community to get involved, which is why we’ve got a local band competition.”
Tickets will be $69 for adults and $59 for students and concession card holders, with an early-bird special of $49 for adults and $24.50 concession running until Friday.
Ms Kilpatrick said making the festival accessible and affordable was a key goal.
“It’s a very affordable festival for the calibre of artists that are on the line-up. It’s not about making a profit. It’s all about creating opportunities for artists and the community,” she said.
“There is so much talent out there and the live music industry is tough. I think there’s a lot preventing people from getting to see some of these incredible Australian acts.
“Radio is drowned with international artists and more mainstream pop stars and we’re a bit more deprived in regional areas because there aren’t as many platforms for artists.
“We want people to really get behind Australian music because it’s just brilliant and there’s not enough opportunities for everyone to hear it.”
People can find more information about the festival and book discounted early-bird tickets via the Ararat Town Hall website at ararattownhall.com.au/event/out-west-fest.
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