Stars out in force for Jetty milestones
Busselton is set to host a history-making music showcase in February to mark two major milestones for the city when Samantha Jade and Eskimo Joe perform live at the foreshore.
The _Times _ can reveal that internationally known Eskimo Joe will headline a free family concert on Saturday, February 7, to celebrate the 150th anniversary of the Busselton Jetty followed by fireworks hosted by the City of Busselton and the Busselton Jetty Environment and Conservation Association.
The SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim committee announced Australian performers Jade and Justice Crew will perform on Sunday, February 8, to tie in with the event's 20th anniversary.
City of Busselton events co-ordinator Shane Walsh said it was a "huge coup" for the city to attract Eskimo Joe to its shores.
"It will be a colossal weekend - with some amazing talent performing over the course of the two days," he said.
Busselton Jetty Swim president Max Higgins said the committee was delighted to welcome Jade back to the event after she cancelled her scheduled performance at the 2014 event when her mother, who died earlier this year, was diagnosed with a serious illness.
Jade will be back with her new single, Sweet Talk, which she considers to be a "joyous, fun, and celebratory moment".
"2015 is a huge year for the SunSmart Busselton Jetty Swim as we celebrate 20 years of the event and the 150th anniversary of the Busselton Jetty," Mr Higgins said.
"It seems everyone is keen to celebrate with us and we already have more than 1300 swimmers registered and only 2000 entries available in 2015. Now is the time for people to register if they want to swim in next year's event."
The events will also tie in with Busselton Runners Club Fun Run and Half Marathon and the City of Busselton Criterion.
Mr Walsh said the city expected more than 10,000 people to attend all the events over the weekend with about 4000 expected visitors.
"We estimate an economic return over the Busselton Jetty Swim weekend to be at least $1.25 million," he said.
