Review by Natasha Wyborn
Walking into The Gum Ball for the very first time I admit I was unsure what to expect. Rain poured and lightning threatened to end the Friday evening before it even began. Looking around I saw all walks of life from hippies to couples as straight as an arrow and even a mermaid yes you hear right. The common link between all parties was calm, peace and tranquility. I must say from the outset this is the perfect family festival, kids were everywhere and very welcome. There were plenty of activities to occupy them as well. From skateboard ramps to open puppet theatre this was a very clever addition.
Continue reading Live Review : The Gum Ball 2016 – Dashville – Hunter Valley, NSW Australia
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Photo Gallery : The Gum Ball 2016 – Dashville – Hunter Valley, NSW Australia
Photographer: David Jackson
Continue reading Photo Gallery : The Gum Ball 2016 – Dashville – Hunter Valley, NSW Australia
The Gum Ball 2016 Announces First Round Line Up
The Gum Ball Music and Arts Festival releases its first round line up.
Returning in style after a year off, the popular Hunter Valley camping festival has announced the first round of acts for its highly anticipated return toDashville on 22-24 April 2016.
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THE GUM BALL | April 2014 | More Bands and Full Program Announced!
Before the 10th annual Gum Ball hits the exquisite bush of Belford in the Hunter Valley, the festival has released its program as well as made three exciting new additions to the impressively diverse program.
The exciting new additions include Australian grunge rock icon Adalita, famed surf film producer Andrew Kidman and his ethereal band The Windy Hills, as well as spectacular local troubadours The Lairs.
The three acts will join bands such as King Gizzard & The Lizard Wizard, Jinja Safari and Adrian Edmondson on the Friday evening, whilst the Saturday program will see a packed day of genre -hopping with the Hoodoo Gurus performing around 10pm before an all star band led by Nicky Bomba enters stage left to close out the festival in a massive 10 year celebration.
Continue reading THE GUM BALL | April 2014 | More Bands and Full Program Announced!
The Gum Ball announces dates for 2014 – its 10th year!
The Gum Ball has announced dates for 2014, marking its 10th year as an independent boutique music and arts festival.
The event is set to take place again at the pristine country venue ‘Dashville’, in Lower Belford, on Friday 11th and Saturday 12th April 2014.
Slightly earlier on the calendar this year, the two night event will be held on the first weekend of the April school holidays. A move that organisers hope will better suit families looking to get away over the break before Easter kicks in.
Continue reading The Gum Ball announces dates for 2014 – its 10th year!
Festival Review: THE GUM BALL Festival 2013
Review by Sian Hanigan
Photos by Amy Lee Freshwater
Driving out on a dusty dirt road, after passing the sleepy country towns of Cessnock and Branxton, we had reached our magical destination, ‘Dashville’, Lower Belford. The secluded bushy estate owned by the Johnston’s in the beautiful Hunter Valley, welcomed us with open arms. Local volunteers with cheek-to-cheek grins directed us to SPACIOUS camp areas nestled amongst the Australian gum-trees. Every person we pass, waving, like old friends.
And wait, only 10 minutes had passed and I knew it was my kind of festival. The camping situation was second to none, taking me back to childhood camp outs in east coast national parks. There was space, there were showers, there was the occasional melody of native birds through the music and it was BYO (definitely a bonus). People were friendly, an assortment of very young, very old and everyone in between. They were more than happy to offer you a cuppa from the billy, welcome you over for a sing-along, or in my case lend me their jumper leads to recharge my car… and the toilets were clean.
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Photos! THE GUM BALL Festival – 25-27th April 2013
Photographer: Amy Lee Freshwater
Photographer: Amy Lee Freshwater
Continue reading Photos! THE GUM BALL Festival – 25-27th April 2013
Live Review: THE GUM BALL Festival – 27-28th April 2012
Review by Stuart Blythe and Rachel Pope
Nestled in bushland within the beautiful setting of Belford in the Hunter Valley, The Gum Ball festival was held over the weekend of April 27th-29th.
Touted as a laid back family friendly, BYO musical camping experience, Gum Ball certainly delivered. From the moment you arrive there is an immediate positive feeling, a relaxed sense of self and an anticipation of good times ahead. The serenity of the surroundings, the diverse age group and the family friendly feel was both complementing and comforting.
Friday night kicked off in spectacular fashion with The Joe Kings, Front End Loader, Massy Ferguson, Two River Blues and The Tongue taking the stage with The Bakery closing out the night. For those who wanted to kick on there was also the Silent Disco. The entire night set a high standard for the day ahead.
Continue reading Live Review: THE GUM BALL Festival – 27-28th April 2012
Photo Gallery: THE GUM BALL Festival – 27-28th April 2012
Photographer: Amy Lee Freshwater
Photographer: Amy Lee Freshwater
Continue reading Photo Gallery: THE GUM BALL Festival – 27-28th April 2012