Tasmania has a seemingly inexhaustible store of local talent, whether it is producing food, wine or music, this state certainly has a lot to celebrate.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
While Festivale is famous for showcasing the best in food, wine and produce, they have ensured the best in local entertainment is also highlighted.
After a successful first year treading the boards at Festivale, Fresh Comedy is returning with a bumper two hour set, featuring Tassie’s funniest folks and headlined by Australian comedy legends Tony Martin and Bob Franklin.
Fresh Comedy producer and MC, Stewart Bell said they were keen to make their show bigger and better than last year.
“We are really proud to be a part of Festivale and we’ve set ourselves up for a pretty big show, the crowd last year were really warm and responsive and a lot of fun so we are hoping for the same this year,” Stewart said.
“We have two headliners this time, which is very exciting, Tony Martin and Bob Franklin who are two legends of Australian comedy.”
Both Bob and Tony will have 20-minute sets each with some great local and Hobart acts also taking to the stage.
“We’ve got six local acts to warm everyone up before we pull out the big guns,” Stewart said.
“From Launceston, we have musical comedy duo emergency poncho, Doug Schindler and Kerri Gay who have all been doing great things and are Fresh Comedy regulars.
“From Hobart we have Sally Rose McShane and Steve McKnees.
The entertainment lineup across the weekend has something for everyone from comedy to music and even dance.
And in true Festivale style at the heart of all the headline acts there is always some local talent shining brightly.
Agent 99, are gearing up for their fifth consecutive appearance and are due to open for Reece Mastin on the VJAM stage on the Saturday at 6:45pm.
“It [Festivale] is by far our favourite event of the year, we really love everything to do with Festivale and it’s fantastic to be able to play at such an iconic venue,” drummer, Matt Neil said.
“We have a few surprise guests this year, but the main aim is to get everyone on their feet dancing as a warm-up to the headline acts.”
Returning this year is young Launceston talent, Cody Gunton who will be performing on Saturday at 12:45pm on the VJAM stage, entertaining the daytime crowds with some beautiful acoustic music.
“I personally love playing at Festivale, it is such a receptive crowd, whether it is covers or an original the atmosphere is always fantastic,” Cody said.
