MUSIC FESTIVAL ON VACANT BLOCK

A vacant block behind the Melbourne Recital Centre (MRC) was transformed into the stage for the perfect summer music festival last month, as the MRC hosted The Garden Party.

The Garden Party ran on weekends during January and February and featured artists including The Bamboos, Bertie Blackman and Oh Mercy.

The spectacular set-up may have looked hidden away but Garden Party director of programming and presenter services Kirsten Siddle said the public had really embraced the festival.

“The Garden Party was a huge success. We are so pleased by the response by punters and artists alike. Everybody has had a great time and it really has been just perfect. We could not have hoped for a better result,” Ms Siddle said.

“Melburnians have sought out our quirky little pop-up outdoor festival and have loved the fact that it is hidden away behind the Melbourne Recital Centre.”

Ms Siddle also noted the popularity of the acts that performed at the festival.

“We’ve had a huge amount of great feedback on the program line-up as people who were coming for a band they know discovered a new band or two in the process. Many people have attended not knowing any of the acts and have loved it just as much.”

Ms Siddle said the festival as a whole had been one great highlight, but of particular interest was the first night.

“I have to say that opening night was a great highlight for me. The fact that everything came together so beautifully and we had the whole site on their feet dancing and having a good time with Axolotl, Brous and The Bamboos. I walked around all night with this ridiculous grin on my face!”

Ms Siddle said she was hopeful the party would continue next year and that: “We’re currently wondering what our mascot, The Party Gnome might look like in a safari suit.”