You’ve got to hear this!

Can you imagine the quality setlist that multi-award winning artist Kate Ceberano can put together?
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Kate’s stunningly versatile yet unique voice has been gracing acclaimed records since the mid-80s and she’s still winning ARIAs in 2019. Gratefully, the Sounds of Summer team is bringing Kate, international singer/songwriter Daniel Shaw (from The Voice, 2019), Bustamento, Elly Poletti and Alana Wilkinson to Thompson Reserve, Inverloch for one more fun-filled evening!

Events By Kate director, Kate Adkins, the driving force behind the Sounds of Summer (SOS), excitedly shared more details on this cool, family-friendly festival of music, food and wine with Gippslandia recently.

Nick & Kate Adkins - the 'Dream Team' behind Sounds of Summer.

She revealed that what she loves most about SOS is seeing the joy, fun and relaxed happiness of all the festival-goers, but that this year’s SOS will also be their final one, so there is some sadness around that. However, Kate’s team have some very exciting opportunities planned for 2020.

This isn’t your first Sounds of Summer rodeo. How has the festival evolved for you?
Wow. Thinking back to our first SOS in 2017, we went into it very green and we literally hit the ground running! As we’re passionate about the local region, our idea was to host a celebration, a festival that brings together high calibre acts, great food and sensational wine to Inverloch. The festival has always been a community event, with a high level of involvement from our wonderful local people and businesses — this is very important to us.

We learnt a lot on the fly in our first year. I think the biggest takeaway over the three years has been that we cannot control the weather and that no matter what, attendees have an amazing time: rain, hail or shine.

What are some of the joys and challenges you face in preparing a music festival?
There are so many joys and rewards that we take out of presenting a festival, the number one being the sea of happy faces — from small children through to grandparents — all singing, dancing and laughing together. Also, the appreciation and support from the community are truly inspiring. Championing SOS as an event for all, our locals really get behind it, which is wonderful. Simply, it’s a festival that’s good for the soul.

As for challenges, yes, there are many, but none that are impossible to overcome! I think the chance of rain is perhaps our largest threat. However, it hasn’t stopped the crowds from coming along and enjoying the festivities, which we’re very grateful for.

How does SOS benefit Inverloch and the surrounding region?
It provides an opportunity for local businesses in the area to connect with the greater community, as well as visitors who are holidaying in Inverloch. It’s a lot of fun for the town, as the festival creates such a great vibe! We have also supported a number of local community groups and service clubs in their fundraising effort, some of these include Inverloch Kongwak Football Netball Club, Inverloch Cricket Club and Leongatha Lions Club.

Kate, you create and manage a number of excellent events. How does preparing SOS differ from the others?
We do create a broad range of events: private, corporate and large scale. SOS fits the ‘large scale’ category and we usually begin planning for the next one as soon as it’s done. As a community event, we need to tick a lot of boxes in having the right permits and infrastructure to hold the festival. Hosting SOS is different to planning private and corporate events due to the community impact, the audience size and demographic, and the procedures and speciality staff we need to have in place.

What are your tips to punters, so they can enjoy the best SOS experience?
1 — Sort your transport to and from SOS prior to the day. There is limited off-street parking around the venue, but we do have a complimentary shuttle bus running within Inverloch, with three pick-up and drop-off points:
Inverloch Surfside Holiday Retreat, 19–41 Goroke St V/Line Stop, Opposite Police Station/Inverloch Recreation Reserve, Sandymount Ave (you are welcome to drive and park cars here) V/Line Stop, The Esplanade.

Harley’s Buslines will also be operating between Korumburra and Leongatha.

2 — This is not an event that you can bring your own alcohol to. You can bring food in, however, and we do have some amazing vendors offering delicious and affordable food options on-site.

3 — Prepare for four seasons in one day! Layer up and/or bring warmer clothes, as it can get quite cool at night, being so close to the ocean.

4 — Bring cash with you, as not all our food vendors have EFT available. In saying this, we will have ATMs at the event.

5 — Stay comfortable. Base yourself in a marquee with your friends and family.

How do you feel when you nail an event? Then, how much sleep/holiday time do you need afterwards?
We have a strong sense of pride and achievement after each event. We’re also overcome with gratitude for our beautiful community and the region that we live in. Of course, there is also a sense of relief!
After the event, we’d love to rest (sleep) for three months, however, we’re usually back and organising the next event within one week. It’s what we love doing!

Final words?
I’d love to thank all the sponsors that have come on board with Sounds of Summer over the four years, as without their support it would be impossible to run the event.

Also, this year we’ll have a VIP Marquee with its own bar. Guests will enjoy a complimentary drink upon arrival and can spend the night in this beautiful space with friends — dancing, singing and socialising. Plus they’ll have the opportunity to meet some of our artists.

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Don’t wait any longer, buy your tickets to Sounds of Summer online today!
Simply visit inverlochsoundsofsummer.com.au/tickets.html

Remember, the festivities kick off from 4pm on Saturday, December 28, Thompson Reserve, Inverloch.

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