Westernport Festival

[Jitterbug]

The weather forecast for Sunday was gloomy with few showers and cool conditions. But I was glad I went to the Westerport Festival at the Hastings foreshore after all. It did drizzle abit as I drove along the Westerport Highway but was soon greeted by a sunny sky as I approached Hastings.

A carnival atmosphere there with rides for the kids and the not so small kids. The parking was easy. There were stalls to browse at and to buy your chips, burgers & drinks. There was a speed boat race and hot rods and customs cars on display too. The marina is close by as well. And then there was music and dancing.

Missed the Black Hill Rambers as I arrived late but caught up with the Dirty Boogie Band and the Atomic Hi Tones. I was told Ignition was also playing at front of the Westernport hotel. As usual, the musos didn’t disappoint the crowd with hot, swinging tunes from the Dirty Boogie band and high octane rockabilly from Cliff and his AHT boys. The dance floor was putting up the “No Vacancies” sign all arvo so a bigger dance floor next year would be good. Dancing on grass can be a bit tough on the ankles.

The usual suspects were there – Calamity Jane, Jazza & Greenpixie, Whem, HRG, Longgonebaby, Kevin, Brown Eyed Girl, Irene and new partner, Inga, Graham etc etc

Was a good day out! I heard the festival is on again next year, so don’t missed it.

[Calamity Jane]

Hey Jitterbug! Did you have a few too many soft drinks? I'm not quite sure how much buggers sell for? do you. LOL I must agree with you and say it was a great day down at Hastings, it was a shame the wind was around, but hey we didn't get wet which was great. I decided too go for a walk across the road and check out Ignition, they are a band that will go places, it was great to see the versatility of all the boys in the band, being able to play all the instruments, and they all sing which is great. It was good to see little Dylan up there strutting his stuff. If you get the chance go and see the guys play. As for BHR, Dirty Boogie and Atomics, absolutely great as usual, finished of the day by going to church and to hear sermons from The Flying Saucers, fantastic finish for my Sunday.

[longgonebaby]

I didn't see any buggers either. Plenty of bands........no buggers.

[Jitterbug]

There was a bug or two but definitely no "buggers" there. Maybe a few silly buggers here and there playing the fool at the rides, perhaps. LOL.

But thanks Calamity Jane & Longgonebaby for pointing it out. Bugger me! I thought my spellling is usually pretty reliable ...........

[Calamity Jane]

Hey Jitts, I must agree your spelling is usually word perfect, nice to know that even Bugs can make a mistake or two. Your first spelling mistake was the best, I laughed my head off when I read it. Thanks for the laughs JB, keep them coming.

[FIGJAM]

[Jazza]

Spot on review Jitterbug. The Westernport Festival committee should be commended on an excellent family atmosphere with a wide array of display and activity. The MC announced that this festival had celebrated its 40th year over the weekend. Even the festivals co-ordinater was born 20 years after it first started.
The huge Carnival, Arts & crafts, Music & Dancing .. all the good stuff. On display were not only individual Hot Rod & Classic vehicles, but also ‘specific model’ auto clubs. The power boat racing was another superb sceptical.
Whoever organised the dance bands … hit on a winner with the Ramblers country rock, the boppin’ swing of Dirty Boogie and the back flippin’ sounds of Atomic Hi-Tones. All three bands sounded great, had people jivin’ to the beat and would have converted a few non believers I suspect.
We were on our way to check out Ignition at the Westernport Hotel but we got side tracked into the Hastings Bowling club that was situated next to the festival with an open (come in & try) free tuition in lawn bowls. We got sucked in and stayed almost an hour. And before Icon starts with the jokes … I recommend this game, there’s only a cuppla rules but the objective is somewhat difficult. Anyway, it was a different experience and fun to try.
We highly recommend the Westernport festival and we’ll mark it in the calendar for next year. Like a few others, we ended the day with a late mass at the Gully where the Saucers were delivering the sermon. The sermon had the punters spellbound. Even Cliff Jolly started to ‘speak in tongues’ and it drove him to have a dance!!!! Check out the evidence.

[icon]

Wow... Now Ive heard it all.. Jazza playing lawn bowls.. Next its gunna be the pension.and a walking stick. Jazz your not on your own.here. I suppose thats whats around the corner for most of you older baby boomers... I myself, prefer the more sedate game of pocket billiards.....By the way. Is that really Cliff dancing ?He'd better slow down.. Thats the second time in four years I've seen him do that. Na,bet its just one of those cardboard cutouts.