A cast of thousands

The Tony Gould Quartet warms up before performing in the St Ambrose Hall. Photo: Chris Fleming

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival over the Queen's Birthday long weekend again drew an audience of thousands to Woodend, with about half of the 2500 tickets going to day trippers from metropolitan Melbourne.

Many more attended the free festival program of exhibitions, children's events, or were engaged through the schools program now run by the festival committee to take performers and authors into local schools. The festival comprised more than 30 events this year.

Six key events - including the headline performances of the Brandenburg Concertos and Bach Mass (two of each at St Ambrose Church), Tinalley Quartet and the The Chamber's landscape artists' panel - were sold out well before the weekend. Most other events were half to two thirds full by the time the festival fireworks signalled the official opening on Friday - attracting upwards of an estimated 2000 people to Buffalo Stadium.

Artistic director, Jacqueline Ogeil, said she was thrilled with every aspect of this year's festival - and planning is well underway for the 10th anniversary of what has become a premier regional arts festival nationally.

"We have the most amazing team of supporters - our committee, support staff and loyal volunteers have worked incredibly hard to make this happen, and of course all the brilliant artists who have come to Woodend to perform, speak and collaborate," she said.

"Even the weather was perfect!"

But Dr Ogeil, an accomplished and highly regarded classical performer herself (with several CDs on the market) said her personal highlight was the opportunity to perform again.

"The Bach' B minor mass was a personal triumph for me - as it is a massive work of great artistic and intellectual merit, something any musician wants to perform in their life. 

"We did it on minimal rehearsal and resources and it went brilliantly. Our audiences are so enthusiastic and it was great to look out into the audience and see their happy faces."

Dr Ogeil also noted that many of the audience are repeat visitors to the festival.

"The feedback forms are pouring in and many have come to all nine festivals. The positive feedback is just sensational."

For Woodend resident - and now published crime writer Andrew Grimes (author of The Richmond Conspiracy) - it was a new perspective - as part of the program and in company with experienced crime authors with significant back catalogues for the 'Life of Crime' panel event.

And while catching up with his newfound peers was exciting, Andrew made the most of his time immersed in the festival - one event simply led to another and he was hooked.

"The highlights for me were the stunning artworks of children's picture book illustrator Ann James, the virtuoso performance of classical pianist Stephanie McCallum and the superb rendition of the Brandenburg Concertos by Accademia Arcadia. I loved the festival and I'm really looking forward to next year," he said.

Committee member and literary visual arts program organiser, Sheila Drummond, said she noticed yet again how attentive and engaged audiences to the literary events. 

"Ramona Koval and Sally Warhaft's discussion on books and reading was an absolute gem; two feisty erudite, articulate women talking to spellbound full house. The panels on various aspects of writing and publishing were given full marks by the attentive audience. Crime writing in its various forms and Australia in the Asian Century were terrific," she said.

Locals and visitors alike were attracted to the newest venue in Woodend which hosted a series of festival events.

"The new, light, bright venue of the Norma Richardson Hall (St Mary's) proved popular as an exhibition space with talks, demonstrations and a film. Many people returned for another look," Ms Drummond said.

Those who booked early were responsible for selling out accommodation in Woodend, with key venues - such as Campaspe House - booked for all meal services a week before the festival - and cafes and restaurants that were open turning tables several times for each service.

In what has become a festival favourite, the Scout Log Cabin Café, run by the 1st Woodend Scout Group, had its best year yet - Committee member and coordinator of the pop-up café Leisa Macartney said business was up by about 50 per cent and meant a hasty restock of food was required by Saturday afternoon.

"The team of about 30 - 40 scouts, cubs and venturers were very enthusiastic waiting tables and serving, but not so enthusiastic about drying the dishes," she laughed. The café happens with the help of the young people, about half a dozen scout leaders and a team of 20 or so parents, with most of the food prepared and donated by scouting families.

This year also saw the café take its first booking - with a phone call before the weekend to ensure a table reservation.

"We couldn't believe it," Ms Macartney said.

"The people who come to the café are just amazing. There is so much goodwill towards the kids, who just love it. Some people came every day for lunch, and some others came three times a day - between events. It's just a wonderful, sometimes crazy, experience. But it's been fantastic - next year we're even thinking about whether we should put on a dinner service."