Boyup Brook a sweet success
BOYUP Brook's population swelled to almost 12,000 last week during the 30th Boyup Brook Country Music Festival.
Headliners for the Saturday concert were Troy Cassar-Daley and Tania Kernaghan, with other names including Ray Kernaghan, Jonny Taylor and Courtney Conway.
Boyup Brook Country Music Festival festivities kicked off on February 11, with a Welcome Under the Stars Concert and the art awards presentation.
Thursday and Friday saw a variety of workshops on boot scooting, poetry and bush verse, as well as the 2015 WA Country Music Awards presented by LiveLighter on Friday night.
Winners included South West artist Jonny Taylor, who won best male artist of the year.
One of the big winners of the night was Victorian-based country music singer Courtney Conway, who won best independent single, best independent album and best female artist.
"I'm overwhelmed, thankful and honoured because I was up against great artists and friends," she said.
Conway said she was honoured to be invited to perform during the 30th year celebrations of the festival.
"It feels good to see people enjoying the music, performing is not just about us, it's also about the people," she said.
"The atmosphere changes when people are up and dancing and enjoying the music."
Conway congratulated the festival's organising committee and expressed her delight in being involved in the event.
"I walk about and everyone is so friendly," she said.
"It's absolutely incredible that they've made it to 30 years, that's an incredible achievement."
Troy Cassar-Daley said he was taken by surprise by the easy, friendly atmosphere of the Boyup Brook Country Music Festival.
"It's a very unique festival and I'm happy it's still running and that I was invited to perform," he said.
"I'm playing songs that haven't yet been played."
Cassar-Daley congratulated the winners in the country music awards and the quality of performers at the festival.
