Peter Williams was there from the beginning, helping bring that vision to life.
A few years later, he stepped in to lead the festival, guiding it with passion and commitment for over two decades.
From humble beginnings to a nationally recognised event, Peter’s leadership and deep community ties helped shape the Winter Blues Festival into a cornerstone of Echuca-Moama’s cultural identity.
The 2025 Winter Blues Festival is more than a milestone—it’s a celebration of community, creativity, and continuity.
Over four days, our twin towns will come alive with the sounds of blues music, echoing through laneways, venues, and open-air stages.
With a stellar line-up of returning favourites and exciting new artists, there’s something for everyone — whether you’re a seasoned festival-goer or discovering the magic for the first time.
We’re proud to share that the festival was honoured to win the Community Impact Award at the 2024 Campaspe Murray Business Awards and was nominated for the 2025 Australia Day Awards.
These recognitions reflect the heart of this event — its ability to bring people together, uplift local culture and leave a lasting legacy.
This is a free, family-friendly event that welcomes all ages, backgrounds, and abilities.
From the Sherridon Homes Family Space to the Winter Blues Festival Stage on Little Hopwood St, local cafés, pubs, and even the library, the festival embraces a wide range of experiences.
As an all-weather event, we’ve created safe, joyful spaces for connection and celebration — rain, hail, or shine.
Thanks to support from the Revive Live government initiative, we’re investing in the long-term sustainability and inclusivity of the festival.
This year, we’re proud to introduce Auslan interpreters and haptic vests at the Hopwood Gardens Rotunda Stage on Saturday.
We also invite you to join us there for the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony — a powerful moment of reflection and respect.
Festival highlights
- The 25-Year Festival Exhibit at the Echuca Moama Historical Society — a tribute to the people, places, and performances that shaped our story
- A nightly light show (Thursday to Saturday) on Murray Esplanade outside St Anne’s Winery
- Our new branding and fresh merchandise—available at the merch van outside Port Ice Creamery
- A chance to win a one-of-a-kind, festival-inspired four-string guitar — raffle tickets available at the merch van
- The Wrap Party at Radcliffe’s — featuring a curated line-up of ‘Best of the Festival’ artists (tickets via Moshtix)
Download the Winter Blues app — your pocket guide to artists, venues, and scheduling.
You can also find a PDF version of the program at www.winterblues.com.au, where you’ll also find our full list of supporters and sponsors — their generosity makes this event possible.
This festival is co-ordinated by a not-for-profit committee of dedicated volunteers.
Behind-the-scenes, this event is powered by their tireless effort, supported by local businesses, emergency services, and our generous community.
We thank our sponsors, including Moama Bowling Club, Campaspe Shire, Murray River Council, Rich River Golf Club, Sherridon Homes, Savage Force, Vast Creative, the Riverine Herald, Rhythm Section, and many more.
We love hearing your stories — how the festival has touched your life, sparked friendships, or inspired creativity.
After your visit, please take a moment to complete our festival survey: https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/2025WinterBluesFestival
As we gather to celebrate music, culture, and community, let’s honour the past, embrace the present, and look boldly toward the future.
Let’s shake off the winter blues together.
Laurelin Berick
Winter Blues Festival Inc chairperson.
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