ABOUT THE FESTIVAL
The Chapman Valley Country Music Festival, formerly known in it’s inaugural year as The Valley Muster, made its vibrant debut at the Chapman Valley Agricultural Show Grounds in Nanson from Saturday, October 21st to Sunday, October 22nd, 2023. Despite some initial hurdles, the festival triumphed as a celebration of music, community, and regional pride.
Originally slated to be opened by Hon Sandra Carr MLC, the festival faced a last-minute change when parliamentary duties called her away. However, the spirit of collaboration prevailed as Gloria and Brian White, renowned organizers of the Nambung Country Music Muster, stepped in to ensure the event's success.
This was a fitting beginning to the Festival, which was born following the sale of Nambung Station to a mining company. The last Nambung Country Music Muster was held in October 2022 and it was identified by artists and festival goers that there was need for another Country Music Festival to be established north of Perth.
The decision to host the festival in Chapman Valley stemmed from a collective desire among artists and community members for a country music showcase north of Perth. With the support of the Shire of Chapman Valley and local volunteers, the event welcomed twenty-one talented country music artists from across Australia, alongside six Bush Poets who regaled attendees with captivating performances.
A key focus of the festival was its integration with the local community. Chapman Valley's various organizations, including the Footy Club, Volunteer Fire Brigade, and Nabawa Tavern, played vital roles in ensuring the festival's smooth operation. Moreover, plans are underway to expand community involvement in future editions, with aims to engage groups such as the Agricultural Society, Golf Club, Cricket Club, and more.
Despite encountering challenges such as confusion stemming from a similarly named event and limited time for grant applications, the festival persevered with the support of generous sponsors and local businesses. Moving forward, the festival has rebranded as the "Chapman Valley Country Music Festival" (CV CMF) and is in the process of formalizing its structure to secure funding for future editions.
The festival's venue, the Nanson Show Grounds, provided an idyllic setting for attendees, with ample camping space, upgraded facilities, and excellent amenities. From shaded performance areas for artists to well-maintained toilets for patrons, every aspect of the festival was meticulously planned to ensure a comfortable and enjoyable experience for all.
Safety and accessibility were paramount considerations, with provisions made for traffic management, police liaison, and first aid services. The presence of trained first aid officers and members of the Champion Bay Surf Life Saving Club ensured that attendees were well cared for throughout the event.
As the festival drew to a close, glowing feedback poured in via social media, underscoring its success in bringing together music lovers and fostering a sense of community spirit. Looking ahead to 2024, organizers are exploring new avenues for feedback collection and refining the festival experience to enhance patron satisfaction.
In summary, the Chapman Valley Country Music Festival is emerging as a shining example of grassroots collaboration and passion for music. With its sights set on future growth and development, the festival is poised to become a highlight of Western Australia's cultural calendar, celebrating the rich heritage of country music in the heart of Chapman Valley.