THE 24th annual Blues at Bridgetown music festival brought together artists from Australia and around the world to perform at the longest running blues festival in the country.
The musical festivities began when festival favourites 19-Twenty performing at a concert for school students from Bridgetown, Greenbushes and Manjimup, at the Blue Owls Nest on Friday morning.
The signing of postcards and handing out of band stickers was a huge hit, with hundreds of excited kids happy to have had their own festival performance.
An estimated 20,000 people enjoyed perfect spring weather throughout the weekend, with revellers enjoying the Saturday Street party with market stalls, buskers and a delightful choice of food available throughout the town site.
Entertainment was provided by hundreds of artists including Russell Morris, Rachelle Cobra, Mindfreakz and the incredible Juzzie Smith throughout the weekend, before crowd pleasers 19-Twenty and Blue Shaddy entertained a huge crowd at the Wind-Down party on Sunday evening.
Festival staff were happy with the weekend and thanked the festival artists, the 260 volunteers, community groups and sponsors and patrons for being a part of the three day event..
Bridgetown Police Sergeant Phil Nation said the weekend had been successful for them as well, with most patrons behaving and only a few minor arrests.
One incident involving a young man falling over and hitting his head early on Sunday morning resulted in the RAC Rescue Helicopter hovering over the town site while trying to find a suitable landing place.
“With the showgrounds and most other suitable areas full with campers, the helicopter had to make a few attempts to land,” Sgt Nation said.
“The young man involved in the incident is doing well and expected to make a full recovery.”
The first Blues at Bridgetown festival in 1993 was organised in just six months and attracted about 5,000 people.
The silver anniversary of the Blues will be held from November 10 - 12, 2017 with artists already lining up to be a part of what is sure to be the best festival ever.
Go to bluesatbridgetown.com.au for more information.
