2013 Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival
The schedule has been simplified, but loads more amazing bands and headlining acts have been added, including special guest and premier act Lonnie Lee, the Kieron McDonald combo, Scotty Baker, the Midnight Drifters, Mark Andrews' Elvis/Grease Show and many more. For the first time, the Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival is also hosting a thrilling Vegas-style show starring 'Sun Rising' performing all the hits from the early days of the famous SUN Records label.
In addition to the Astor Theatre (in Barkly Street), Rock 'n' Roll and Rockabilly bands and artists will also be performing at the Ararat Town Hall (aka The Joint), Shire Hotel, Ararat RSL, and YMCA (aka The Rock House).
The 'Best Dressed' competition returns to the festival in 2013, and will be joined by 'Glamour Central', where retro fashion of all types will be available to purchase. Hosted by stunning guest celebrities, Glamour Central will also feature a beauty bar, pin-up photographer and dining area where kool kats and kittens can sip champagne and nibble on some gourmet goodies. Glamour Central will feature at The Joint on Sunday, March 17, and entrants for the Best Dressed comp must register at the same venue on Friday, March 15.
Don't worry, the classic cars, hot rods and bikes haven't been forgotten in the revamp!
The 'Giant Highway 8 Festival' will take over Ararat on Saturday and Sunday, with hot rods, classic cars, kustoms and cool bikes on display in Barkly Street - Ararat's main drag - instead of the Alexandra Oval location of past festivals. Both the upper and lower blocks of Barkly Street will be devoted to the display vehicles and trade stands, with the lower block also featuring the 'Cadillac Stage & Dance Floor' with bands and a DJ in action from 10:00AM each day. Display vehicle entry is only $10, or FREE if you pre-purchase tickets for the other elements of the festival.
This year's festival kicks off on Wednesday, March 13, with a launch at the Astor Theatre in recognition of the sponsors, volunteers and life members who have played a major role in the history of the festival. Thursday, March 14 is 'Rockin' at the Movies' night, with a special screening at the Astor Theatre. Friday features a Rock 'n' Roll dance at The Joint (Ararat Town Hall), hot rod registration and bench session at the Shire Hotel, followed by a night time cruise on Barkly Street from 9:00PM.
Saturday, March 16, is when the Giant Highway 8 Festival kicks off, taking over Ararat's Barkly Street with display vehicles, the Cadillac Stage & Dance Floor, live music, trade stalls and plenty more. The cars will be on show from 10:00AM to 6:00PM, with the live music continuing on at several venues after the sun goes down. The Giant Highway 8 Festival continues on Sunday, March 17, with more cars, more bikes and more live music. Sunday winds up with a special ticketed Gala Dinner at The Joint, where the 'Gala Vegas Show' will close out the 2013 Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival in fine style.
As part of the revamp of the festival, ticketing has been simplified, and includes a pre-sale 'all access' pass for only $90.00. Single entry passes are available for the live performances, movie screenings, etc., and start from only $5.00/person, with kids under 16 admitted free to all venues. There's also the chance to win the "golden ticket," a free pass to all Rockabilly King Productions events for a whole year. See the event website for further details.
19th Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival
Date - March 13 - 17, 2013
Venue - Barkly Street and surrounds, Ararat, VIC.
Time - Various - display cars from 10:00AM - 6:00PM March 16 and 17
Contact -
Ph: Arthur - 0418 556 299
Email: [email protected]
www.jailhouserockfestival.com.au
