Riverboats Music Festival shares in $20M from Regional Events Fund

The award-winning three-day festival will now share in $20 million that will allow it to make a return to the twin-towns to celebrate its tenth staging.

Festival director David Frazer said the organisers were thrilled by the announcement.

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"We are incredibly excited to finally be on the cusp of Riverboats 2022, a festival two years in the making," he said.

"Riverboats is incredibly grateful for the support the Victorian State Government has once again shown towards this important regional event, and we can't wait to put on an incredible show next month"

"After a two-year hiatus, to be returning to one of the most spectacular festival sites in Australia for three days of performances by artists including Boy & Bear, Sarah Blasko, Baker Boy and Vika & Linda Bull is a truly wonderful thing - for our community, our audience and the local music industry more broadly"

Supported by Visit Victoria through the state government's Regional Events Fund, Member for Northern Victoria Mark Gepp said the 2022 festival will extend its footprint through from Friday through to Monday, encouraging a three-night stay in the region.

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"The Riverboats Music Festival is a key contemporary music event in the Campaspe that generates over $1.8 million to the local economy," he said.

"A win for jobs, tourism and the region."

The celebration of live music uniquely takes place in a natural Amphitheatre next to the Murray River, with programming delivering a stellar line-up of international and local acts, all while historic paddle steamers meander past.

In addition to the soaking up the live music, visitors can explore all that Echuca-Moama has to offer including the two defined wine regions, silo art trails, award-winning attractions, or enjoy the picturesque walking and cycling trails.

In further testament to its appeal, the Riverboats Music Festival was awarded Gold in the Festivals and Events category at the 2017 Australian Tourism Awards, and Gold in the 2018 Victorian Tourism Awards for the same category.

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"The state government is thrilled to be supporting events like Riverboats Music Festival because they encourage people to get out and see our great state and enjoy the wide range of experiences on offer in regional Victoria," Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula said.

The $20 million Regional Events Fund is a critical component of the $633 million Visitor Recovery and Reform Plan and supports festivals, sports events, creative exhibitions and other cultural celebrations.

The Regional Events Fund will increase economic benefits to Victoria by driving visitor numbers and length of stay, thereby boosting spending in regional areas, growing jobs and contributing to the state's reputation as Australia's leading events destination.

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