The countdown is on for the 13th annual Akoostik Festival on October 18-20 with 30 acts across two main stages, 20 stalls and a whole lot more to keep the whole family entertained.
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At the top of the 'Akoo To Do' program are the BackTrack Boys who are visiting with the Dog Jump team. The documentary, which had its premiere at the Sydney Film Festival in June 2018, follows a group of troubled boys and their dogs. The BackTrack Youth Works Paws Up program centres around animal behavioural therapy which promotes self-moderating behaviours, leadership and self-confidence.
The boys invite people who have their dogs at the festival to give them a go at jumping alongside the BackTrack dogs.
For those that have seen the film BackTrack Boys, meeting the boys and their dogs will be something really special.
- Donna Ballard
"For those that have seen the film BackTrack Boys, meeting the boys and their dogs will be something really special," Festival director Donna Ballard said.
Another must 'To Do' is watching the Circartus performance troupe, featuring 16 young circus artists doing aerials, acrobatics and tumbling in the Natural Amphitheatre of the Circoostik Arena. The performance is a collaboration with Wollongong performers of the "Burgh".
There will also be yoga each day of the weekend at 9am, followed by Tai Chi in Chairs at 10am.
The 'Akoosti-Kids' area features craft activities, beading, art, water, sand and sensory play, reading, puzzles and games, face and body painting, a Lego and Knex table, clay play and mini murals.
For those wanting to learn an environmental trick or two head along to 'Talkin Compost' with permaculture specialist Megan Cooke and 'Making Bees Wraps' with Chelsea Hands.
Be inspired by those who have mastered their art with belly dancing and a Spinners and Weavers display and a mineral museum to explore.
This year's festival is headlined by Diesel who will be joined by 19-Twenty, Afro Moses, Andrew Swift, Angus Gill, Beating Hearts Club, Blake O'Connor, Blues Arcadia, Colin Lillie, Diesel, Fat Picnic, Hat Fitz and Cara, Hudson Rose, Hussy Hicks, James Bennett, Josh Needs Trio, Kris Morris and Josh Dufficy, Leanne Paris Band, Lloyd Spiegel, Mark Oats and Matt Zarb, Mason Rack, Miniq, Montgomery Church, Ruby Blunt, Sofiella Watt and the Handsome Husbands, The Southern Hold, Then Jolene, The Trapps, The Turner Brown Band (AUS/US), Vena Klymo and Wingsong choir.
However the music doesn't start and stop at the Akoostik gate.
On Thursday night at 6pm Josh Cooke and the She'll Be Rights will be playing at Bent on Food for $10.
When you don't want the weekend to end head along to the after-show party on Sunday at the Australian Hotel ('Top Pub') from 5pm for a free show.
Each year Akoostik fuses together a solid lineup of blues, roots, country, rock and alternative acts with festival organisers always satisfying the audience through their boundless tastes.
On-site camping (or glamping for those looking to do the festival in style) allows festival-goers to fully immerse themselves in the music, entertainment and cultural experiences offered throughout this unique event.
The family-friendly festival is set at Wingham Showground, which is nestled in the Barrington Coast region just two to three hours from Newcastle and the Central Coast.
Sign up to be a volunteer here: akoostik.com.au/volunteers/.
Tickets are available at akoostik.com.au/ and glamping information available at simplepleasurescamping.co/events/akoostik/.
