The best thing about funk and soul music is that both have a genuine way of getting listeners in a good mood. With syncopated rhythms and the melodic grooves of funk, and the punch-you-in-the-gut emotion of soul, the genres spans an incredible range of styles within, making it – in our opinion – the perfect basis for a festival. Making its way to Victoria’s Alpine Valleys this February (for the first time ever), FunkFest is here to fulfil all your funk and soul desires over the span of three glorious days. Here’s what you need to know:
Getting There
While the music is enough to get us there, the location has truly locked us in, setting up at a unique space at the Feathertop Winery in North-East Victoria’s Porepunkah, complete with breathtaking views of Mt Buffalo.
If you are travelling by car, Porepunkah is a comfortable four hours north-east of Geelong, and just over three hours if you’re coming from Melbourne. With an easy drive down the hume highway, Porepunkah is perfect for rounding up the crew and making it a roadtrip. Just remember to prepare the pump-up playlist before you go.
It’s also pretty easy to catch the train up – you’ll probably just have to switch to a bus at some stage closer to the country town. Just hit up the V/Line website find out information on departure times.
Where To Sleep
If you’re looking to splash a little extra cash, the festival’s VIP package will land you luxurious bell tent accommodation, a private shuttle bus between the campgrounds and the festival, and exclusive access to parties, breakfasts and private amenities. These perks will only set you back $660. If you aren’t looking to splash some cash, FunkFest has recommended The Porepunkah Holiday Park for all accommodation needs. With a 10% discount if you mention FunkFest (bookings must be by email or over the phone to claim the discount)
Turn Up The Music
With music at its heart, there will be something to suit a wide range of groovy tastes. Heading to the inaugural Funkfest in 2020 are singer-songwriter Alice Skye, R&B star Thando, Melbourne groove outfit The Seven Ups, and The Public Opinion Afro Orchestra. They’ll be joined by plenty more funky fresh acts, including the likes of Thunderfox, Izy, The Lachie Doley Group, Vaudeville Smash, Liv Cartledge, Kattimoni, among others! We’re already preppin’ our dancing shoes – this will be a festival of absolute groovin’.
Bring The Family
With an aim to become a leading festival for families, the weekend will be free for those under 16 years of age with Connected Circus coming to the event and bringing fire twirling, a fluorescent play space, and circus skill workshops to look after the smaller groovers attending the event.
Priding itself as being the only music festival in Australia dedicated to the funk and soul genres, Funkfest will be crammed with marvellous musicians, fantastic fun, delicious digestible delights, beautifully bountiful beverages and awesome activities for mini-groovers.
Shut Up & Take My Money
A whole weekend ticket will set you back only $157.10 (that sounds like a pretty good Valentine’s Day present hey?), and there’s even day passes available too, with a plethora of accommodation options in nearby Bright (well-known as one of Victoria’s High Country’s most picturesque village), and a shuttle bus running regularly between Bright and the Festival site.
Sounds pretty damn good to us!
Funkfest 2020 takes place from Friday February 14 to Sunday February 16 at the Feathertop Winery, Porepunkah. Tickets are available via Oztix. Visit www.funkfest.com.au.
Written by Chloe Cicero
