Benalla Festival chair and Deputy Mayor Justin King said Benalla by the Lake was always one of the highlights of the annual festival program.
“Benalla by the Lake is one of the most loved events on our festival calendar,” he said.
“It’s a wonderful opportunity for families, friends and visitors to come together and enjoy everything that makes Benalla such a special place.”
A major highlight of the evening will be the ever-popular fireworks finale, lighting up the sky above Lake Benalla and bringing the evening to a spectacular close.
“From live music and family entertainment to delicious food, interactive activities and an incredible fireworks finale, there will be something for everyone to enjoy,” Cr King said.
This year’s entertainment program features an exciting mix of local performers, talented students and crowd-pleasing acts.
Benalla P-12 College will officially open the festival with an energetic marching band performance before taking to the stage. P-12 is known for its vibrant music program, which supports students from their first musical experiences through to advanced musicianship.
FCJ College students will also showcase their outstanding musical talent with a lively set spanning high-energy pop-rock, modern favourites and foot-stomping country classics.
Also among the performers on the night are three emerging local solo artists whose impressive sets at a recent open mic night earned them each a place in this year’s festival lineup.
Emily Snell, a Year 12 student at FCJ College, performs indie folk, pop and original songs on acoustic guitar.
Thirteen-year-old keyboardist Ashley Goyne brings a repertoire spanning folk and pop, while 16-year-old guitarist Ruby Hedt showcases a blend of country, pop and indie folk.
Adding movement and colour to the festival, TDA Performing Arts will present two dance showcases featuring a range of styles including ballet, jazz, tap, hip hop, acrobatics and contemporary.
As Benalla’s leading dance school, TDA has been nurturing local dancers for more than 30 years and remains a cornerstone of the region’s performing arts community.
Families can also step into the magical world of Circus McCabe, where the wonder of the circus lives on.
Entertaining audiences across Australia for almost a decade, the McCabe family brings a spectacular mix of magicians, aerial artists, jugglers and clowns.
Alongside stage performances, festival-goers can enjoy circus classes and roving entertainment throughout the event, promising wholesome fun for all ages.
Also taking to the stage will be GR8M8S, a dynamic five-piece band known for their infectious energy, crowd-pleasing tunes and genuine camaraderie.
Their vibrant performances and feel-good atmosphere are sure to keep audiences dancing.
Rounding out the entertainment lineup is Legends of OZ, a spectacular eight-piece tribute show celebrating some of Australia's most iconic artists.
Performing the biggest Australian hits with exceptional energy and musicianship, Legends of OZ promises to be a fantastic end to the night’s musical offerings.
Alongside all that’s happening on the main stage, Benalla by the Lake also offers interactive activities for all ages, including board games hosted by Room at The Table, Mini Monets portrait painting for children aged 0-5 and Sideshow Alley games run by Tomorrow Today’s Full Impact Squad.
Last but no means least, the fabulous fireworks festival finale is a spectacle keenly anticipated by the community that finishes off a wonderful entertainment-packed day by the lake.
Benalla by the Lake will be held on Saturday, November 7, from 3.30pm-9.30pm, at the Benalla Lake Foreshore on Fawckner Dve.
Entry is free and all ages are welcome, with food and drinks available throughout the event.
Visit www.benallafestival.com.au to explore the full festival program.
