Echuca has been buzzing with anticipation of the Riverboats Music Festival.
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It begins today and runs until Sunday and the line-up is brimming with iconic Australian acts including Paul Kelly and Charlie Owen, The Hoodoo Gurus and James Reyne.
Mia Dyson, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, Shane Howard, Melody Pool, William Crighton, The Meltdown, Mighty Duke & The Lords, Kylie Auldist and Husky will also perform.
Over the past five years, Riverboats has cemented its place on the calendars of regional music fans.
It features a single stage under a canopy of river red gums as well as some gigs being played on Echuca’s historic paddle-steamers.
Riverboats sold out three ago. Festival director David Frazer said it was the quickest the event had sold out.
“There were some Friday tickets left but Saturday and Sunday all went quickly,” he said.
“We are very protective of the performance space (a natural amphitheatre) and don’t overcrowd it.
“About 5000 people will be here with some of the biggest names in Australian music and the positive feedback we receive is that this event feels different.
“It’s not like A Day on the Green with 10,000 or 15,000 people. It is a more intimate outdoor concert series that is family friendly and as a result it sells out quick.”
Mr Frazer said 80 per cent of ticket sales were weekend passes.
Paddle-steamer sideshows include performances from Mia Dyson, William Crighton, Cash Savage & The Last Drinks and The Meltdown.
“Accommodation is full around town and the paddle steamer side shows have never sold quicker. It will be a great week,” he said.
“The guys at the (Campaspe) shire do an incredible job with the venue but the whole town as a real atmosphere building. It is a testament to how far the festival has come.”
Of the many great acts set to play in Echuca this weekend, there was one Mr Frazer was eager to see.
“I have been begging and pleading for Paul Kelly to play here for eight years,” he said.
“He's an artist I have grown up with and to have him at our festival will be an incredible moment.
“I will be turning off my radio and handing the reigns over during that 90 minutes.”
Kelly’s two daughters, Maddy and Memphis, will join their father on stage as will multi-instrumentalist Charlie Owen.
“It will be a really special set and an amazing way to finish the final act of festival,” Mr Frazer said.
The Riverboats Music Festival runs from February 17-19.