It was with much excitement that we set off on the early fight to Melbourne. It was still dark when we checked in the bags and worried about whether we would incur excess baggage and whether the guitars would reach Melbourne intact.They did.Off to the Melbourne Council to get a busking licence and then the “tour” really got started. Swanston Street was a good place to be and the band got lots of interest and sold some CD’s. It was a hot day and many “slurpies” were consumed to ward off thirst.

The day was long and everyone was happy to “crash” at the Northcote home of a family friend.The next day we caught the train north to Castlemaine. The “heat rule” meant that the train went very slowly along the tracks but we still arrived in time to catch the bus to Newstead.Newstead is a very pretty place with original buildings dotted along the main road. We had two billets organised for us- one in the middle of the town and one ten minutes walk into the country beyond. The hospitality of Nick and of Andrew and George was remarkable. They all have a sense of community and a love of music which inspired them to open their homes to complete strangers and we thank them very much.

Just before we arrived in town there was a mini-storm which saw the $40,000 marquee erected for the concert that night blown down. Festival director Andrew Patterson calmly set about reorganising the event. A make shift stage was erected under a beautiful oak tree and the night of great music started. Daideo and the Blue Mosquitoes played their first gig for the weekend on this stage. It was a warm, wonderful night, though a little windy at the start. “Dreams” received great acclaim and Tam Lin had people up and dancing before the power went out just at the climax to tune. Groans of disappointment went up from the crowd and wild applause thanked the band for a great performance. Saturday was another hot day and the morning was spent watching great acts like Pot and Kettle, The Bees and Cloudstreet.