Small halls, big tunes

By Ryan Bellingham

Mar 20, 2025

The Festival of Small Halls is swinging by on its annual tour. Photo by Supplied

A travelling festival that aims to bring high quality music to small towns is touring the region this week.

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The aptly named Festival of Small Halls is holding a show at Caldwell Hall, east of Barham, on Friday, March 21.

Community producer Isobel Bartlett said the idea behind the festival was to bring high-quality music into regional areas that often missed out on similar events.

“It’s also about engaging with the community to put on shows,” she said.

“Each show is hosted by a local community group or council. We want to develop their skills in hosting events, as well as bring different parts of the community together.”

Rhythm and roots act Hat Fitz and Cara have been joined by Lucy Farrell and local acts on the tour, which Cara said had been a delight.

“For us as artists, just seeing that the community comes together and how they welcome you in with an open hand and heart is really beautiful,” she said.

“That’s what we’re noticing every night we’ve come to a small hall. And, I have to say, the cakes and the bakes are absolutely beautiful.”

Local act Michael Hearn will open the show, bringing his unique blend of folk music and storytelling to the stage.

The annual tour began at Port Fairy Folk Festival earlier this month, and will swing by Inglewood on Saturday, March 22 before wrapping up on Sunday, March 30.

Tickets to Caldwell Hall are sold out, but more information on the tour is available at festivalofsmallhalls.com