By Colin MacGillivray
TALLAROOK entertainment venue Our Friends Farm is ready to celebrate as it opens to the public for the first time since changing owners five years ago, with a slate of live music and entertainment lined up in coming months.
Previously known Bruzzy Park, Our Friends Farm hosts the annual Boogie music festival and has been a setting for weddings, birthdays and community events since first opening in 1999.
Current owner Tanya El-Gamal said the venue would host a launch party on August 5, with Kav Temperley, the front man of ARIA-winning Australian rock band Eskimo Joe, headlining with a performance of his new solo album Machines of Love and Grace.
Local band Crossfire will also take the stage for a set of classic songs, with a beer garden and bonfire to keep patrons cosy throughout the evening.
Ms El-Gamal, who has operated Melbourne live-music venue Rubix Warehouse for more than 10 years, said she had been busy renovating the farm’s on-site accommodation cabins, venue facilities and gardens in time for next Friday’s opening.
“We’ll be open for weddings, functions and retreats – we’re hoping it will be a big tourism addition for the region,” she said.
“We’ve got seven cabins, 10 caravans and 10 glamping tents, so all up we’ve got room for about 65 people, and then there’s the option for people to bring their own camping gear as well.”
Ms El-Gamal said Our Friends Farm was also planning a series of weekly Park Live Sunday Sessions starting in September, with financial support from Creative Victoria.
“We’re working on a program at the moment. It will range from solo acoustic acts to bands, and in summer we’ll have everything from African beats to chill Sunday afternoon vibes,” she said.
“We’ll be making sure it’s a diverse range of music so that each week people are getting something different.”
Ms El-Gamal said the venue’s kitchen would serve a range of food including burgers and hot snacks, while a licensed bar would serve patrons cocktails, wine and beer.
She said she was excited for the public to be part of Tallarook history and celebrate the revival of the venue.
“It’s been a long journey to get the place open, and everything is looking good for us to be able to bring something amazing to the community,” she said.
“It’s for everybody – it’s not just for music festivals, we can now open up and offer a really unique venue with all different kinds of activities.”
People can book tickets for the opening night on August 5 or make a booking enquiry for functions, events, work retreat or weddings by visiting www.ourfriendsfarm.com.
People can join as a park members to enjoy discounts on community events, festivals and children’s activities, as well as entry to members-only events.
Tickets for the opening night are $30 plus a booking fee for entry and $48 for entry and dinner. Doors open at 6pm and close at 1am. All ticket purchases include a complementary membership.
