Australia’s only acoustic festival comes back to Ocean Grove

Hassall will play their music at the Ocean Grove Acoustic Festival in March. (supplied)

Australia’s only acoustic music festival is returning to Ocean Grove for its second year.

The Ocean Grove Music Festival will be held at Ocean Grove Park from 4pm on March 12 and will feature a line-up of local artists from the region.

Artistic director Jon Mamonski said the free event would occur during a long weekend and looked forward to welcoming many people to the park.

“We love doing it in the Ocean Grove Park because as an acoustic festival, it’s not blaring rock’n’roll. So, we can hold it right in the middle of town,” he said.

“The actual venue, the pavilion, is specifically designed for open-air concerts, just like this one.

“We have that combination of a brilliant outdoor sound shell in a large park right in the middle of town.”

Mr Mamonski said the event would have an impressive line-up of acoustic artists, including The Kite Machine, Famous Will, Hassall, Peter Paul and Marion, The King’s Poet, and The Von Robertsons.

“As an artist you need to have some roots in the area. Even though you might be a national or international act, all our acts have made their start or are based here,” he said.

Mr Mamonski said the event was open to anyone who enjoyed acoustic music and hoped the weather would be good.

“The music that is being played is really suitable for people of any age and families too,” he said.

“It’s free because we are sponsored by the City of Greater Geelong as part of their Culture of Festivals Program, and we certainly thank them for their support.

“Our region has some of the finest artists in the nation and you can see them perform with acoustic instruments and voices at The Pavilion in Ocean Grove Park. It’s a first-class concert stage and a perfect setting for this free concert.”

Mr Mamonski said he encouraged people to arrive early to the event to get a spot close to the stage and support the volunteer-run park.

“You can bring a picnic if you wish, but there will certainly be food and drink available at the park,” he said.

“If you come in and support that, that also supports the park.

“If you want a good spot, get there at least an hour early.”