Echuca Moama Farmers Market receives a musical boost

Echuca Farmers Market President Tim Harley said while the markets had always tried to host performers, the grant would allow them to expand their reach.

“We've always been promoting music at the market and having live music, which is fantastic because it's a lovely setting down there at aquatic reserve,” he said.

“This grant has enabled us to have a bigger pool of funds to be able to support our acts to a higher degree, but also to attract some bigger acts to the market, which we have successfully done.”

Mr Harley added that having performances at the markets complemented the community atmosphere that the markets fostered.

“Live music really complements and fits in with the days' community vibe, and we've always wanted to be able to support music acts more,” he said.

“The stallholders love to have music at the market, and it also means that the patrons will come and sit and stay longer at the market. It's sort of a win all around.”

The program, supported by the Victorian Government through Creative Victoria, aims to create more paid opportunities for local artists.

The first of the performances began with Decky Music at the most recent market, on Saturday, July 5.

Decky Music, a three-person band from Melbourne consisting of a vocalist, guitarist and saxophonist, played a range of English folk and pop songs for market guests.

This Saturday, guests can look forward to a powerful performance by nationally recognised Yorta Yorta artist Madi Colville-Walker.

Other acts to look forward to will include The Heelers from Lockington, Echuca’s Drew Walker, the Bellas Choir, the Echuca Federal Band and many more local and non-local performers.

Mr Harley said the farmers market was more than just a place to go grocery shopping.

“Nearly every market's at capacity, and I mean, that's winter time. So we can only imagine when summer hits how big the market will potentially be,” he said.

“We encourage people to spend the day at the market, they can come down and do the shopping but also stay for (breakfast) and lunch, sit and listen to the music, catch up with friends, bring the dog — it’s a real community get-together.

“I think the community has well and truly noticed that the market's really stepped up a level. It's definitely a very attractive option for people, and a showcase for tourists, so they get to see the best of the region when they come down.”

The Victorian Gig Fund is part of the Victorian Government’s commitment to back 10,000 live music gigs across the state over four years.

The next farmers market performance will be held at the aquatic reserve this Saturday, July 19 from 8am until 1pm.