Music fans can get on board an exciting new outlet for enjoying the tunes during the Bendigo Blues & Roots Music Festival: the Blues Tram.
Two of Bendigo’s best attractions – its historic trams and fabulous local music talent- will combine from Saturday, September 22 with Talisa Jobe and Shannon Bourne providing the soundtrack for the Blues Tram’s debut voyage from 2pm. Then from the second night of the festival – Friday, November 9, through to Sunday November 11 – fans can enjoy a relaxed gourmet buffet meal before the tram’s departure from the Central Deborah Gold Mine from 7pm.
The tram will leisurely roll through the streets of the city, taking a pit stop at the Joss House for desert, before turning back towards the mine.
Festival director Colin Thompson said the Blues Trams were a new initiative for the festival and not to be missed. ‘‘It combines up close and intimate live music with some of Bendigo’s best loved features,’’ he said. ‘‘These beautifully restored trams and the nostalgic ride through our picturesque city centre, with its breathtaking architecture and natural features, the Blues Tram offers a truly unique experience, which you simply won’t find anywhere else.’’ Thompson also said the festival had partnered with the Hotel Shamrock to bring the astounding talents of Checkerboard, easily one of Australia’s best live blues acts, to perform on the evening of Sept 22 in the Gold Dust Lounge, with Shannon Bourne to raise the curtain with a solo set from 9pm.
‘‘This show will be something for the punters who miss out on obtaining Blues Tram tickets this time around to be able to enjoy nonetheless. It’s a free entry event and will be a great way to end a sensationally bluesy day!”
Tram Dates & Times:
Saturday, September 22: Talisa Jobe and Shannon Bourne. Tram departs at 2pm.
Saturday, October 27: Josh Owen and Jimmy Williams. Tram departs at 2pm.
Friday November 9: Archer and Bones Blackwood. Tram departs at 7pm.
Saturday November 10: Jimmy Hocking and Talisa Jobe. Tram departs at 2pm.
Saturday November 10: Stringybark McDowell and Andrew Higgs. Tram departs at 8pm.
Sunday November 11: Josh Owen and Mike Elrington. Tram departs at 1pm.
Sunday November 11: Genevieve Chadwick and Dave Diprose. Tram departs at 4pm.
*Each trip takes approximately one and a half hours
Tickets are limited and can be purchased from the Visitor Centre on 5434 6060. $29 for the September 22 and October 27 trams, $65 for all other trams, with no concessions and are non transferable, available only for the day and time selected. Drinks will be available from festival partner Bendigo Beer before departure. Strictly no BYO.
