When Australian country music fans talk of the festival “biggies”, the Mildura Country Music Festival rates a mention alongside the Tamworth Country Music Festival and the Gympie Muster as one of the big three.

The major difference between the other two and the annual Mildura Country Music Festival is that Mildura has Australia’s biggest showcase of Independent entertainers.

What that means is a seemingly unending cast of highly talented professional country music artists who aren’t signed to major record label deals.

The Independent factor gives Mildura a very different complexion, and it’s a successful formula that has worked admirably over the past thirty years. In 2017, more than 70 individual artists and groups will entertain over the 10-day period to celebrate the festival’s 31st year, and the roster comprises many award winners. But then, when you consider that the Independent artists make up probably 95 percent of performers in the country music industry, and the calibre and achievements of the artists is well documented, it strikes home that there is a huge well of talent out there.

A large proportion of the artists performing at Mildura in the past have highly successful recording and touring careers and big fan bases throughout Australia. With names like Johanna Hemara, Rodney Vincent, Kiara Rodrigues, Reg Poole, Tom Maxwell, Owen Blundell, Terry Gordon, Justin Standley, Aleyce Simmonds and Allan Caswell, you can gather a truckload of chart hits, popular albums, and recording and songwriting awards.

What Mildura has steadily developed is something that draws thousands of fans on an annual pilgrimage that would make many non-music lovers scratch their heads in bewilderment. Often driving thousands of kilometres, the fans converge on this beautiful destination on the banks of the legendary Murray River for ten days of virtually non-stop country music, and the Mildura Festival has steadily built is own culture through the years. It’s become the Mecca for the “empty-nesters” – the mature age couples whose kids have flown the coop, the ones who have the time to set out for two or three weeks holiday, and most importantly, those who have a deep love of the music. The wonderful part about Mildura in September is that not only is it country music heaven, it’s also a great holiday destination.

The fans love the freedom of Mildura, and the value-added factor. For a start, virtually all the musical entertainment is free, and the majority of the shows are multi-artist concerts. If you were paying, the value is certainly there, but in this free environment, everything’s a bonus.

Further information can be obtained from 1800 039 043.