Red Country talent at big music showcase

No guitar or harmonica was spared at the Red Country Music Festival last Saturday.

Founded by local Nyiyaparli man and established musician Bradley Hall, the event delivered on its promise of bringing live music back to the Pilbara.

The Port Hedland event was headlined by Australian country music legend Troy Cassar-Daley, who sang not one but multiple songs about diesel trains throughout his act, to the delight of the crowd.

Attendance numbers dwarfed last year’s event, almost doubling in size.

After Cassar-Daley’s act, Albury musician Danny Phegan closed the festival.

Not having the headliner play last is an unusual occurrence for festivals, and organisers said they chose to do this to allow families with children to see Cassar-Daley without having to stay too late.

Mr Hall said there was a big mix of artists at the event, with nearly 20 per cent from interstate.

“We are trying to bring that full festival feeling back to the Pilbara, because we miss out a lot when we are working so much,” Mr Hall said.

“If you look out the front there, families are running around, kids are running around, they are playing games and doing cartwheels and stuff — that is what you want.”

Melbourne visitors Lachlan Bryan and the Wildes said it was a long journey to Port Hedland but it was worth every minute.

“The people were very generous and kind and we had a blast,” Bryan said.

“The experience of playing for the people of Port Hedland was fantastic.” Cassar-Daley, who was been touring across the country this year, said the Pilbara community was great.

“The land here has some real talent,” he said.

Fan favourites such as Slim Dusty’s The Biggest Disappointment and Leave Him In The Long Yard were embraced by those who got up and danced before the stage.

At one point, a square dance almost broke out.