ChillOut goes live

Organisers of the 2008 ChillOut Festival have officially launched the event’s new website, with the theme Queer as Country Folk. Daylesford artist Pete Goodlet has illustrated the theme with a painting of two rural gay women and two gay men with pitchforks.

The site offers information on accommodation, local attractions and becoming a stallholder or volunteer for the event, to be held March 7-10, 2008. The full entertainment line-up is yet to be announced, but will include traditional dance party and carnival as well as a new lunchtime acoustic concert on Saturday hosted by drag identity Kaye Sera and a special photographic exhibition hosted by Daylesford Foto Biennale.

ChillOut was cancelled in 2007, but there is a new team in place for 2008. Jim Culbertson, President of the new Festival Committee, says ChillOut is back on track, and with a new focus.

“I think ChillOut ran out of steam last year, and it sent an important message to the community that we can’t take festivals like this for granted,” he told bnews. He said the committee was keen to maintain the Festival’s focus on the Sunday carnival, but also look for varied and different acts as well as encourage local businesses to support the event and emphasise the region’s attractions.

“From the visitors’ perspective, our aim is to broaden the festival throughout the full weekend so we have more events and activities to enjoy while they are here,” he said.

ChillOut 2008 is partnered with The Alannah and Madeline Foundation and Hepburn Council to support the Better Buddies Framework in Hepburn Shire in an effort to combat bullying. The venture, including the Communities Caring for Children fundraising appeal, received a pledge of financial support this week from food company Ward McKenzie.

Details: www.chilloutfestival.com