For the fifth year, the Lorne Arts Festival is set to take over the seaside town this month. From Falls Festival regulars to schoolies, the holidaymaker to the Great Ocean Road trekker, Lorne is a hugely popular destination for people of all ages. While its population may be only a little more than 1000 (2011 Census figures), this number swells often throughout the year – including the some 4000 visitors that are expected to pop along to the Arts Festival. It all kicks off with the Grand Opening Night Spectacular, featuring host and diva extraordinaire, Yana Alana and her band The Paranas. With a mixed bag of goodies, the festival also welcomes burlesque beauty Gypsy Wood, comedian Asher Treleaven, Peter & Bambi Heaven’s International Magical Variety Dance Hour, Tom Flanagan (Circus Oz) and Indigenous dance and YouTube sensations Djuki Mala, as well as music from the likes of The Bombay Royale, Leah Flanagan and The Cartridge Family. Festival Artistic Director Monique Harvey: “The aim of the festival is to present high quality performances in unique locations. We want to ignite passion in the local community, out of town visitors and artists alike, enabling everyone to share in a vibrant and unique cultural and creative experience.” Lorne – August 28 through August 30.