WHILE it officially wrapped up a couple of weeks ago, Escape ARTfest finally ended on Sunday with a house concert at The Escape at Shallow Crossing.
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However this was a house concert with a difference, with more than 360 people arriving with picnic blankets in tow to enjoy a great day of music.
Lucille Bailie from The Escape said the day “far exceeded our expectations on every level”.
The large crowd enjoyed a chilled out, family friendly vibe thanks to Roddy Reason, The Escalators, perfect weather (28 degrees), the Clyde River flowing in the background and a handful of popular pop up stalls including massages and Clyde River oysters from Jim Doyle, who sold out of more than 80 dozen freshly shucked and served oysters.
Guests spread out picnic blankets and enjoyed hampers on the grass, kicked back to the tunes from local favourites Roddy Reason and The Escalators, indulged in Clyde River oysters and massage at the pop up stalls and even enjoyed a dip in the Clyde River.
Roddy and The Escalators indulged the large crowd in some favourite tunes and inspired lots of dancing on the grass.
“We’re rapt to have been a part of ARTfest and to have welcomed so many local folks to The Escape,” Lucille said.
“The day rekindled childhood memories for lots of families who’ve visited Shallow Crossing over the years and equally surprised many who were first time visitors to the area.
“Across the board though, everyone enjoyed a magical day in a unique South Coast setting and we’re already looking forward to repeating things in 2015!”
ARTfest coordinator Julie Sydenham said it was a fantastic day.
“The ARTfest organisers were delighted to have included this exciting new venue on the program,” she said.
“The experience of the day embodied everything that ARTfest aims to achieve - community, art, festivities and fun!
“As a post-fest event it was the perfect finale to the spectrum of vibrant events that have comprised Escape ARTfest 2014 and we're very keen to build upon this next year.”