OK Motels was born out of founder Kate Berry ’s love of small-town Australia. The roving festival exists to celebrate regional Australia one town at a time. On Saturday October 18, OK Motels comes to Rochester, Victoria for OK Rochy – a town-wide festival.
There’s a seriously good music program headlined by Kiwi musician Marlon Williams, known for his duets with Lorde and hauntingly beautiful solo tracks. He’ll be joined by Canadian cousin duo Kacy & Clayton, who will play their own set before teaming up with Williams to perform their collaboration album Plastic Bouquet in full. Also on the line-up are North American bands Sylvie and The Secret Beach; and Aussie artists Wrong Way Up, Drifting Clouds, Chimers, Jess Ribeiro, Hedge Burners and Public Figures.
Elsewhere, the Rochy Shire Hall will be transformed into the Rochy Hall of Friendship, offering a craft sesh, along with the chance to make new friends and marry your old ones. There’s also a friendship speed dating and “Devo tea” sesh, which pairs the sweet beginnings of new friendships with even sweeter scones. Plus, there’ll be fortune tellers and line-dancing, naturally.
Sip Shop will also lead a group on a trail through Rochy’s small businesses, including samples from local wineries, breweries and distilleries. Have a G&T at the newsagent while leafing through vintage magazines or sink a brew at Sportspower.
Nourishment will be provided by the OK Headline Diner, a long-table dinner featuring Marlon, Kacy & Clayton, and other musicians playing alongside diners. The Rochester Fish Shop will serve up steak sangas and the Lions Club will serve up snags.
To make a weekend of it, you can book a Swell Shelter glamping tent, a spot in the holiday or caravan park, book a room at one of the town’s motels, or if you booked a ride to Rochy on the Southern Cross sleeper train it’ll take you back towards Melbourne after the fun’s wrapped up.
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