General News
27 March, 2025
Hundreds turned out for Horsham's RegFest
Horsham turned on spectacular weather and provided a fantastic venue for RegFest but it was Brand and Barnes who wowed the crowd on Saturday night after the build up by some of Australia's best country music performers set the scene for the almost 11 hours marathon of live music on the city's oval.
Performing against the backdrop of the new stadium, Adam Brand headlined the event and didn't disappoint giving country music lovers a high energy performance of old and new and sentimental songs.
He encouraged crowd invovlement and it didn't need a second invitation.
He is one of Australia's most successful country music performers with Arias, Golden Guitars, CMAA's, Mo Awards and numerous Platinum Albums to his credit .
He is no stanger to Horsham but since having a young family he hasn't performed live as often as he had in the past which he said made this event all the more special.
"We are just pumped to be here," he said.
As promised., he performed Dirt Track Cowboys among other favourites and then got the crowd on its feet for an emotional version of the ANZAC as a tribute to those whose sacrifice made "our freedom possible," he said.
He returned to the stage twice on demand and promised he'd be back next year.
Casey Barnes was a newcomer to Horsham but not to the music scene with many awards to his credit . He left his mark on the Horsham audience with an impressive performance of country/rock music, he'll be welcome back if Horsham hosts the event again.
Performing hits from his recent Golden Guitar winning Album, May Day, he finished with Gone, Gone, Gone and had the line dancers in the crowd on their feet giving an inpromptu performance.
But it was Amber Lawrence who not only revved up the crowd but leapt off the stage to join the dancers during her version of Acky Breaky Heart made famous by Billy Ray Cyrus in the 1990's.
People travelled from Dimboola, Edenhopr, Nhill, Adelaide, Melbourne, Ballarat, Geelong and NSW for the event.
Leaane Giuffre travelled from Geelong to see Brand and dressed from head to toe in red, with special attention to red boots.
"I have never done this before,:" she said. "But I came to see Adam Brand."
Locals said they were pleased to see RegFest hosted in Horsham rather than have to travel long distances to enjoy a live music event.
Maddy, from Horsham said she usually travels long distances for similar events so it was good to have it brought to Horsham.
Hundreds could be seen making their way through Horsham by foot in the morning carrying chairs and rugs to settle in on the grass while others took shelter under marques.
Some dressed for the ocassion in stetsons, boots and fringed shirts while most celebrated the event with cowboy/girl boots and/or earings to match.
Food trucks kept the crowd fed while a bar-b-que dinner was served inside the marque.
Gates opened at 11.30am with the line up beginning with with Hazel and the Thief, Gareth Leach, Hayley Jensen and thre Sunny Cowgirls setting the scene for the day.
The event would have satisfied any live music lovers, but those with a love of country music would have been especially thrilled.
The setting was praised by audience members.
It provided a relaxed atmosphere for everyone including families who could let children burn off excess energy while still enjoying the music.
Locals gathered outside the venue along the edge of Sawyer Park on blankets and chairs to enjoy the music while others parked around the perimeter drive-in style to enjoy the music and the long lens view of the stage.