By Sally Heathcote
With less than two weeks to go until the doors are flung open, Bash organisers say they are thrilled to once again partner with the regional arts development organisation to give visitors the opportunity to connect with the desert-inspired arts and crafts of the western region.
For this event, the number of artists has grown from 18 to 32, with around two thirds indigenous creatives.
The range of works includes screen-printing, woodworking and painting as well as decorated homewares and crystals. Artists are provided free space as another way for the organisers to essentially give back to the community.
Preparations are well and truly advanced with crew on site this week building a village in advance of the arrival of event staff next week.
All up, event staff including sound and stage, security and other workers, amount to between 120 and 130 people to be housed on site. With volunteers added, it takes around 450 staff to run the event.
Organiser Greg Donovan says he is hoping everyone has a fantastic time and that local businesses are able to make the most of the increased trade in the time leading up to the Bash with so many more visitors expected in town.
On the music list – there is not a day you will want to miss.
Thursday August 18 is headlined by the legendary Midnight Oil and Missy Higgins.
Brisbane Blues duo Busby Marou is the pick of the support acts with Kyle Lionhart, Richard Clapton, Ash Grunwald and The Wolfe Brothers also performing on the day.
It gets even bigger on the Friday with former Noiseworks lead singer Jon Stevens and The Black Sorrows headlining.
The support acts are packed on Friday, with Sarah McLeod, Mick Thomas, Melanie Dyer, Eurogliders and the Rolling Stone revue all taking to the stage.
Without question the main event is Saturday, with Aussie music icons Jimmy Barnes, Daryl Braithwaite and Kasey Chambers headlining a huge final day.
The Buckleys, Bachelor Girl, the Pierce Brothers and Russell Morris make up the support acts on a final day that is set to be epic.
Locals Day tickets for residents living in the area of the Broken Hill City Council with photo ID are still available. They admit you for the selected day and include admission to the Plaza, including the Arts Precinct.
