By Lucy Waldron
The Ballandean Hall was filled with the sounds of folk and contemporary acoustic music on 6 October as the Festival of Small Halls made its much-anticipated stop in the Granite Belt.
The festival, which takes top artists from two of Australia’s largest music festivals and sends them on tour to small, rural communities, delivered an unforgettable evening of live music.
This year’s lineup featured Newfoundland artist Kellie Loder, whose powerful vocals and heartfelt songs have captivated audiences internationally, alongside the much-loved Australian folk duo Van Dijk & McDonald.
The combination of Loder’s emotive storytelling and Van Dijk & McDonald’s harmonies provided a rich tapestry of music that echoed through the historic hall.
Produced by Woodfordia Inc., the Festival of Small Halls aims to bring high-quality performances to regional and rural Australia, connecting local communities with artists from both home and abroad.
For Ballandean, the event was an opportunity to welcome world-class musicians to the heart of the Granite Belt and share in a celebration of music, culture, and community spirit.
With its roots in folk tradition and acoustic excellence, the Festival of Small Halls continues to be a beloved initiative for music lovers in rural Australia, offering a chance to experience the joy of live performances in the unique settings of local halls.
The Ballandean show was part of a wider national tour, with many more small-town halls welcoming artists as they travel across Australia, keeping the spirit of folk music alive in the heart of the country.
