THERE was plenty of fanfare in the Castlemaine Woollen Mills yesterday as the Castlemaine State Festival launched what will be its 40-year celebration.
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The biennial festival began in 1975 and has established itself as an important event in the town's calendar.
Festival director Martin Paten said the committee had pulled out all the stops for the celebration for the event, which will run next year from March 13 to 22.
"This was the year to really bring together what is an amazing legacy and big history (for the festival)," he said.
"We're drawing on that past but also being adventurous in what we think about the future."
Mr Paten said there were about 20 new commissions for the festival including theatre, dance and visual art productions.
"There's 50 events overall and more than 40 artists coming from overseas for the festival," he said.
Opening night is sure to be a major highlight, with a Big Bang Party planned to celebrate the festival's 40th birthday.
The party will be held in Western Reserve on Friday, March 13, with a swirl of musical mayhem and celebration set to get punters in the mood for the festival.
"We have about 200 percussionists and brass instrument players coming for that and we're turning Western Reserve into a grand opening night celebration," Mr Paten said.
"It will be a great party for the public and communities who give generously to this festival."
Mr Paten said other highlights would include The Impossible Orchestra, two dance commissions, five exhibitions from signifcant artists and more from the 50 events and more than 500 contributing artists.
Tickets for the Castlemaine State Festival go on sale today. Visit www.castlemainefestival.com.au for details.