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In just three short years Port Macquarie’s Retro Fest has gained plenty of admirers.
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This year’s three day extravaganza kicks off on August 25 and is centred on Panthers Port Macquarie. The event features some of the top names in rock and roll music and attracts state and interstate visitors.
Port Macquarie Panthers Rock and Roll Club spokesperson Ross Cutrupi says Retro Fest is more than just dancing.
“This year’s event will encompass everything retro and will ensure that anyone who likes a little bit of eras past will find something entertaining to enjoy,” he said.
“Over the weekend, the festival will host a vintage inspired runway fashion show, market stalls, junior and senior pin-up girls competitions, bargain bazaar a gala ball and loads of rock and roll.
“On the dance floor, there will be many forms on show from jive and swing right through to rock and roll.
“It will be great to see the individual dancing styles too. This event really has got a lot of flair about it and it is also a lot of fun.”
Mr Cutrupi said the dance club boasted some 170 members and was ‘fairly strong in the area’.
Local rock and roll dancers enjoyed listening to, and dancing to, different bands which made the event an even bigger attraction, he said.
It will be great to see the individual dancing styles too. This event really has got a lot of flair about it and it is also a lot of fun.
- Retro Fest's Ross Cutrupi
“We have had people book for this year’s event immediately after last year’s event was over. Our ticket sales are selling quite well already and it looks very likely to be another sell out weekend.
“The Friday and Saturday night events are limited to 350 people each night – because that’s the limit we recommend – while we will be throwing open the doors during the day sessions.
“This year we have attracted another top line-up of bands including, Mr James, Rockin’ Bodgies, Matchbox, Swing Katz, Voodoo Rhythm Shakers and DJ Dale.”
Mr Cutrupi said Retro Fest was successful for a number of reason, but mostly because the music tapped into the memory bank for many people.
“There are a lot of people in this area that enjoy rock and roll as a dance form. But they love the music too. I think there is a very strong age group over the age of 40 or 50 years that are attracted to this style of music, because it’s among the first music they ever heard.
“It is like tapping into our memory bank. We all know, understand and remember the music.”
Port Macquarie’s Retro Fest is on August 25, 26 and 27 at Panthers Port Macquarie. Tickets are available through the rock and roll club’s website www.portrockinpanthers.com.au and can also be purchased at the door.