Located between Echuca and Shepparton, the Ninth Girgarre Moosic Muster will run from January 9 to 11 and features more than 30 workshops, almost 20 bands over two stages.

At the height of a 10-year drought, locals developed the Girgarre muster on the back of a farmer's market.

It was intended to raise the spirits of the local farmers and provide some much needed funds for the community.

The muster is run by volunteers from the town and includes a wide range of genres from country, folk and bluegrass to pop, gospel and contemporary.

Workshops will cover guitar, mandolin, banjo, dobro, ukulele, violin, button accordion, autoharp, harmonica, double bass and percussion.

Singers and lyricists will also have a chance to fine tune their voices with percussion, harmony singing, music theory, song writing, poetry writing and performance skills also included in workshops.

The tutors are expert musicians who donate their time, and instruments can be hired. 

Hundreds of players attend the workshops each year.

There will be a special children’s program, with pantomime, Zumba, stilt-making, songs, ukulele playing, craft and games.

“Our tutors will have you playing, singing or dancing within the hour,” Moosic Muster director and co-founder Jan Smith said. 

“We’ve seen many beginners get up and perform a number which they have just learned, because we give them so much encouragement and support. 

"The more advanced players will certainly learn new techniques and tunes.

“And there’s heaps of fun to be had jamming all around the hall and campground.”

This year also sees the inclusion of Celtic music , with even a session dedicated to bringing and sharing your own Irish joke.

The only cost at the muster is for camping next door to the festival site, but you get three meals included in your fee.

Another bonus is the highly popular Girgarre farmers’ market taking place on the Sunday. 

The muster provides a lead in to other summer music festival including the Riverboats Music Festival in Echuca in February.

Sarah Blasko, Dan Sultan, Tex Perkins, Diesel and The Whitlams are among the many quality bands that will play in Echuca between February 13 and 15.

Read more about the Riverboats Music Festival at www.riverboatsmusic.com.au

For the full Girgarre Moosic Muster program log on to the website www.girgarre.com.au

The Girgarre Moosic Muster will be held at Girgarre town hall and park in Winter Road, Girgarre.