Bundy Easter Round-up a success

THE weekend's country music festival was a smashing success, rounding up crowds and entrants from across Queensland.

Sophie and dad Paul Raymond enjoy the country music at the Bundy Easter Round-up.

THE weekend’s country music festival was a smashing success, rounding up crowds and entrants from across Queensland.

The Bundy Easter Round-up received more than 270 entries, proving that country music is alive and well in the Bundaberg region.

Festival secretary Val Johnston said the group was thrilled with the numbers of people who turned up to be part of the Easter music festivities.

“We have had a lot of support,” she said.

“People have come from all over to attend the event and perform. They came from everywhere – Mackay, Brisbane, Dalby and Toowoomba.”

While the group had been worried about the weather in the lead-up to the festival, the sun was shining almost all weekend for the two-day event at the Agro-Trend Grounds.

“The weather was wonderful,” Mrs Johnston said.

“We had one pretty heavy shower, but apart from that it has been beautiful.”

Mrs Johnston said festivals like the Bundy Easter Round-up were an important stepping stone for musicians.

“It gives the amateur talent a place to start,” she said.

“People like Lee Kernaghan and Brendon Walmsley started their careers at talent quests like this. They can start here and get used to being on stage and work their way up. They get brought up around this sort of thing.”

Performers in the weekend competition ranged from seven years old to 80-years-old and Mrs Johnston said each of them brought something special to the event.

“I love watching the little ones,” she said.

“They have no inhibitions and no nerves. They just belt it out. You look at some and you know they have a bright future in the industry.”

The country music lover said the event brought many families together.

“There are three generations of my family working at the festival,” she said.

“It’s a nice way for everyone to get together and spend Easter as a family.”

Originally published as Bundy Easter Round-up a success