Organisers laud ‘amazing festival’

Fine weather, varied music and increased ticket sales made for a successful 25th Blues at Bridgetown festival at the weekend.

“We’re really pleased with the entire weekend,” Blues at Bridgetown chairman Nick Petroff said.

“Bridgetown pulled out all the stops to present yet another amazing festival.”

After storms earlier in the week, the weather cleared and was fine and a warm 33C for the street party on Saturday, traditionally the festival’s biggest day.

While official figures were not available on Monday, organisers estimated about 20,000 attended the street party.

Ticket sales were strong on Saturday, as usual, and up from last year online and during the festival, Mr Petroff said.

The decision to include a new Americana and roots stage paid off, organisers say, and was so well received it could be back next year.

Ash Grunwald, who headed an Americana bill including James Thomson and the Strange Pilgrims and WA’s Ralway Bell, reportedly said it was his “best ever” Blues at Bridgetown.

A big crowd turned out for Sunday’s community wind down concert, with family tickets offered at a bargain $25.

The Teskey Brothers, Hussy Hicks, 19Twenty and WA’s Southern River Band and Blue Shaddy wound up the festival on Sunday night.

Saturday’s headliner Ian Moss, of Cold Chisel fame, singled out the Southern River Band as one to watch, describing the Thornlie-based four-piece as a “fantastic young rock ‘n’ roll band”.

While there were a handful of complaints online – including about beer prices – the vast majority of comments were positive.

This festival is a real tribute to the people of Bridgetown,” one reviewer wrote.

“After 25 years it is still going from strength to strength, not falling over as sometimes happens.

“It is only because the town gets behind it that it works. Well done and keep it up. I have been coming for many years and hope for many more.”

Bridgetown officer in charge Sgt Phil Nation said the crowd’s behaviour was “outstanding” with only a few minor offences.