Yellowfields festival: Success in a time of uncertainty for regional music events

In an era when the days of regional festivals appear to be numbered, the creators of Yellowfields in Chapman Valley have proved there is still a place for them. Last weekend, thousands headed to Nabawa Oval for a festival that offered much more than the primarily country music line-up suggested. It was a mix of local and national artists who took to the stage on Saturday, all bringing a personal connection to their performances. Toe-tapping, hand-clapping, and linedancing were all features for the masses. After the acts in the morning and early afternoon got the crowds warmed up, South Australian Beccy Cole took to the stage. Her on-stage presence was felt, as she engaged with the audience on a range of topics relating to her songs, joking the only man she would ever love was Dan Murphy, in reference to the well-known chain of bottle shops. Cole’s act was a strong juxtaposition to that of Melbourne-based Adrian Eagle, who bucked the country music trend. His soulful renditions had messages of peace and love spread throughout, helping warm the heart on an otherwise cool evening. Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright followed, and brought the crowd with him as he looked to entertain, before one of Australia’s most accomplished country music stars Adam Brand took to the stage as the sun set, getting the crowd on their feet and having fun. His on-stage banter with his band, as well as his presence, made it easy to see why he has been so successful. But the show belonged to only one man. Thirty minutes of technical difficulties kept the large crowd that had formed in front of the stage waiting, but it was all forgiven when Shannon Noll took to the stage. His 20-year career had led him to the Yellowfields stage, but the 49-year-old looked like he hadn’t aged since he burst on to the scene in 2003. His set was a mix of his classic hits, sprinkled with some covers done his own way, including a punk rendition of Waltzing Matilda. Noll kept the crowd engaged throughout his performance, finishing with his two biggest songs — Lift, and What About Me — for which he brought Wright on stage. But his parting message to the thousands in Chapman Valley was to support local festivals like Yellowfields. “If they go, they may never come back,” Noll said.