Magic on the Mehi back again, bigger and better!
“We could have a festival here.”
That was the birth of Magic on the Mehi early last year and it’s on again this weekend.
Golden Guitar winner Luke O’Shea, Jess Holland, local band Avenue 4 Troy, local singer-songwriter Merri-May Gill, comedian Alan Glover and co-organiser and local poet Muz Hartin will be there.
As will local school students on Saturday afternoon as well as The Whipcracking Whibley kids, The Moree Brass Band, The Moree Pipes and Drum Band and The Moree Community Choir.
A festival arising from a few beers with Mitchell Johnstone and Mitchell Cosh, Muz Hartin said the concept “seemed like a good idea at the time”.
“Before we knew it we had to start organising the whole show,” Muz said.
“We got a bit wet last year but it looks fine this year – although we know everyone would love some rain.
“It’s a great line-up with Luke O’Shea back again – he was a big hit last year; as was Al Glover who is a very funny bloke.
Muz Hartin and Mitch Johnstone have that Magic on the Mehi feeling again and it’s on this weekend (Image: Melanie Jenson).
“We also wanted to get a few more locals involved and we have Merri-May Gill singing on Friday night and Avenue 4 Troy on Saturday and they’ve been doing a lot of work around the region.”
The second Magic on the Mehi will feature a lot of local talent, as well as fireworks on Saturday night.
“Getting the local bands involved is fantastic. They are really talented and for those who haven’t seen and heard them, they’re in for a big treat,” Muz said.
“The Moree Community Choir is very excited to be performing on Saturday afternoon and I, for one, am really looking forward to their performance.”
Free buses will also run from various pick-up and drop-off points around Moree (bus times below).
“Reynolds and Fogarty have been great and are putting on the buses on Friday and Saturday,” Muz said.”
While Magic on the Mehi is still taking baby steps, Muz said the support from Moree locals and further afield has been enormous.
“The Moree community has been great with support, sponsorship and marquees,” Muz said.
“We also have been helped with grants from Moree Plains Shire Council and Local Member Adam Marshall.
“We’re hoping Magic on the Mehi evolves into a great annual event which will attract people to town in the future.
“It would be fantastic if the locals could get along and support it this year. Tickets are at the gate so grab your friends and come on out,” he said.
The whole shebang could not have gotten off the drawing board without the invaluable support of Moree’s Johnstone family.
“Mitch Johnstone, the Johnstone family and the crew at JCQ have been unbelievable in setting up the site and coordinating contractors to provide generators, lighting, stage and all of the other infrastructure,” Muz said.
“There will be a licensed bar on Friday and Saturday with George Mills in charge of operations there.
“Everyone who turned up last year had a lot of fun so hopefully, with good weather we’ll get big crowds Friday and Saturday.
“There is a free-entry recovery breakfast on Sunday with some entertainment and the opportunity for walk-up poets/performers to hit the stage.”
FESTIVAL INFORMATION
TICKETS: $25 FRIDAY NIGHT; $30 SATURDAY or a WEEKEND PASS for $50
KIDS UNDER 18 FREE
BUSES TO AND FROM FESTIVAL AVAILABLE
Pick-up times start at:
5.30pm FRIDAY ARVO at The Moree Golf Club, then corner Heber and Auburn St, then Post Office, Then Moree Artesian Aquatic Centre.
2ND BUS at 6pm.
RETURN BUSES at 10pm then 10,30pm
SATURDAY – same pick-up points 4PM, 5PM, 6PM
RETURN BUSES at 10pm then 10,30pm.
ENTERTAINMENT
FRIDAY NIGHT
Merri-May Gill Jess Holland Alan Glover Muz Hartin
SATURDAY NIGHT
Luke O’Shea, Avenue 4 Troy
SATURDAY ARVO 2.30pm-6pm
Kids’ concert, whip-cracking, Moree Brass Band, Moree Pipe and Drums Band, Moree Community Choir.
Games
LICENSED BAR FRIDAY AND SATURDAY
FIREWORKS SATURDAY NIGHT
FRIDAY NIGHT BBQ plus BIRCHY’S FAMOUS PAELLA (all paella proceeds to the Westpac Rescue Helicopter)
Media Release: September 7, 2017