Welcome break

Doing a rain dance might be the superstitious way of invoking the break of the season but after one of WA’s driest years on record, many farmers may be willing to try anything.

The Wheatbelt town of Kellerberrin is holding a new music festival called Season Break, to celebrate the first rains of the season.

With headlining rock groups Gyroscope and Baby Animals, the two-day event, on April 9 and 10, aims to lift the spirits of those in drought and bring awareness of Wheatbelt life to the city.

Organiser Raymond Griffiths said he hoped to make Season Break an annual event.

“We aren’t sure what the forecast is for the weekend but if it rained we would certainly hold that as a good omen,” he said.

“It’s a good opportunity to bring everyone in the Wheatbelt together in a social environment as well as introduce city people to our lifestyle.

“We aren’t that far from the city and life isn’t that much different here.”

Trying to promote farming areas as a tourism destination, Raymond said that while many people went down south or up north for holidays the Wheatbelt could be a great place for a holiday in the future.

“We have plenty of great bed and breakfasts out here in the Wheatbelt,” he said.

“Season Break will give city slickers the opportunity to interact with faming equipment, shear a sheep and learn about the food they eat.”

The all-ages event is expected to attract up to 5000 people.

“We have set it up so that the oval is fenced off and is safe for kids,” Raymond said.

Farmways Kellerberrin owner and shire councillor Scott O’Neill said the festival was going to be a great asset to the town.

“Hopefully, it will create interest in the town and put us on the map.”

The State Government will provide free transport to Kellerberrin for next weekend’s event.

Gates open at 4pm next Saturday and the last band finishes at 12.30pm.

On Sunday, there will be sheep dog trials, shearing displays, farming machinery displays and a kid’s corner with a bouncy castle, bungy run and obstacle courses.

Tickets are $88 pre-order or $110 at the gate and camping is $11 a person. Tickets can be bought from Heatseeker online and the Shire of Kellerberrin.