Charlotte Varcoe
THE format of the annual Blue Lake City Brass Band Festival will look a little different this year following ongoing complications due to Covid-19.
Hosted by the Lions Club of Mount Gambier, the annual event regularly includes an array of bands from interstate yet due to current border restrictions.
Due to ongoing border restrictions, this year’s minor festival will include a small number of South Australian based bands with members of the public invited to come along.
Project leader Allen Woodham said not being able to host the regular concert was a disappointment but members were hoping it would return to the normal format next year.
“[Hosting the event next year] depends on the situation when we get closer,” Mr Woodham said.
“It has been devastating really because a lot of the bands no longer exist because a lot of people have just left.
“The Marion band wanted to come down here regardless and they are able to because they are from Adelaide and they will play at the City Band Hall as well.”
Mr Woodham said members of the community can come along and listen to the bands.
“We are able to play in the hall but are not able to do anything in the street as it is unable to be closed just for us,” he said.
“The city band and the concert band have been doing rehearsals for a few months now and there has been a reasonable turnout in the last month or so and we will continue to try and be as visual as possible in the community.
“We have been better off in this regard than in others and it is difficult with masks but we don’t have to wear them while we are playing obviously.”
The concert will be held at the City Band Hall on November 20 beginning at 11am.
