Horsham Country Music Festival organisers have urged Wimmera people to continue their enthusiastic support of live music, events and visiting acts by ‘turning up in force’ next week.

Festival chairperson Pam Clarke said Wimmera support for events such as the 50 Years of Wimmera Rock, Haven Black Saturday and John Williamson concerts in Horsham augured well for next week’s festival.

“If people of the Wimmera want live music, it is important they support events such as the country music festival. It’s going to be a wonderful event,” she said.

The third annual Horsham Country Music Festival is from Thursday to Sunday and features a broad cross section of performers and events.

Much of the activity will be at Horsham Soundshell on the greens at Sawyer Park but the festival will also spread throughout Horsham shopping centre.

Festival co-ordinator Lyall Wheaton said interest in Telstra Country Wide ‘walk-ups’ in Roberts Place on the Friday and Horsham Plaza ‘buskers’ on the Saturday had been strong.

“All walk-up spots have been filled and there are only a few busker spots left,” he said.

The walk-up competition will be from 10am to 1pm before artists from across western Victoria perform from 2pm to 5pm. Buskers will be in action at the plaza between 9am to 11.30am.

Sydney-based performer Dwayne Elix will be among headline acts during the four days of activity and music.

The versatile Elix rates as one of Australia’s best banjo players and will be involved in all four days of the festival.

Festival blue-ribbon events will unfold at Horsham soundshell.

Artists include Rodney Vincent, Laura Downing, Stephen R. Cheney, The Hoffmans, Corinna Cordwell, Shelly Westley, Olive Bice, Kim Ritchie, Johnnie Lovett and Allan Carroll.

Festival programs are available from Horsham Visitor Information Service, free call 1800 633 218. Call Mr Wheaton on 5381 1335 for more information.