Feel-Good Friday is returning to Grampians Grape Escape to kick start the festival weekend on May 3, with a show of local spirit and resilience to help support the towns and exhibitors affected by bushfires in the Grampians and Pyrenees last month. 

More than a night of live music, the gathering will showcase local artists, provide sales opportunities to the wineries impacted by the fires, and offer a place for the community to gather during a time of rebuilding.

The stage is set to host local bands Soulty, Trazepoid, No Plans, The Settlement, and Orange Whip.

In partnership, Grampians Grape Escape, Tivey and Holland Nevetts Lawyers, and Christian’s Bus Co are offering free entry and transfers to Feel-Good Friday this year for all residents of Pomonal. 

Festival co-director Kate Kirkpatrick said the gesture would provide them with a chance to catch up with friends and family from the region and enjoy a night off.

“The Grampians National Park, Gariwerd, was relatively unaffected by the bushfires, however some of the surrounding areas were, in particular Pomonal,” she said.

“Our local operators experienced a downturn in tourists over the weeks when roads were being cleared and bookings were cancelled due to uncertainty. 

“Thankfully the region is well and truly open, and we’re working hard to ensure Grampians Grape Escape fills beds, provides a place to come together and a chance to support local businesses through sales at stalls.” 

The evening will see the region’s wine industry gather before the full festival village opens on Saturday and Sunday with guest chefs, masterclasses, children’s activities, grape stomping, and more.

Feel-Good Friday is on Friday, May 3, between 4pm and 8.30pm, and tickets, starting at $40 for early birds, are now available by visiting www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au.

The entire April 3, 2024 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!