What a great festival Ararat’s 23rd Annual Jail House Rock and Roll festival was over the weekend 17 – 19 March.

Created in 1995 as a not for profit incorporated body, the 2017 celebration of all things rock’n'roll; showcased the fantastic Fender Benders, the tremendous Smokin Wingtips, the Rockin Atomic High Tones, the great Robyn and the Rancheros, the wonderful Two of Us along with the sensational DJ and hosting expertise of DJ Jeff and Susanne.

The sun shone brilliantly on Alexandra Oval for the entire weekend as hot-rod and classic car owners’ show cased their beautiful machines, stall holders displayed their wares and the magic sounds of rock and roll radiated from the huge and improved pavilion which beaconed dancers to the dance floor.

Friday night had many dance under the stars in the extra-large marquee on Alexandra Oval with the Atomic High Tones; then there were choices on Saturday night with the Smokin’ Wingtips dancing up a frenzy under the stars in the marquee on the oval, the Fender Benders blowing the roof off Alexandra Hall, and Robyn and the Rancheros scaring the ghosts away as J-Ward rocked the night away.

Non-stop entertainment by the featured bands on both Saturday and Sunday, the Shannon’s Show ‘n’ Shine as well as a fashion parade was very entertaining with babes, toddlers, teens and adults showing off their eye catching fashions; I don’t have all the winners names but do know that Josh Sharples was crowned King, Helena Appleby crowned Queen, Kim Zdravkovski came away with Lady of the Day and Matthew Zdravkovski as Gentleman of the day. A big congratulations to all the winners.

The JHR Festival has been conducted by a volunteer committee as an annual event for the last 23 years with the support of the Ararat Rural City Council, and generous sponsorship from local & regional businesses. Congratulations to Sandra who never stopped smiling and her hardworking committee for making everybody so welcome and for once again, pulling off another wonderful Ararat Jail House Rock Festival.

Be sure to save the dates of 16 – 18 March 2018 for Ararat’s 24th Annual Jail House Rock Festival. This is an event that all rock and rollers would regret missing.