ACCOMMODATION in Camperdown is booked out for this weekend’s Camperdown Cruise that will draw thousands of rockabilly and retro fans to the town.
Festival director Arthur Matsakos said it had built a reputation as Australia’s best rockabilly festival and was attracting artists from throughout Australia and overseas.
Fans were booking accommodation as far away as Geelong while others had organised bus trips to take part in the fun.
The weekend will include performances by 26 bands on six stages, three fashion parades, a variety of retro and tiki art as well as hot rod and custom car displays.
Mr Matsakos said the popularity of the weekend had snowballed because of its diversity and the heritage venues in which it was staged. Acts range from rockabilly performer Almon Loos from Los Angeles who will be giving rockabilly haircuts as well as sing, the Australian Burlesque Company and local band the Selectamatics.
Rock ’n’ roll dancing demonstrations and lessons, a Glam Central stall section offering the hairstyles and make-up to achieve a rockabilly makeover and photo booths with retro backgrounds will all be available to pursue the rockabilly groove.
Retro art has become a big part of the weekend and this year’s festival will include exhibitions by renowned carver of tiki art objects Marcus Thorn and tiki/retro artist Paul Hughes.
Venues for this year’s festival will include the tiki marquee that will have a three-metre high tiki sculpture. Tiki art often has a Polynesian theme.
Melbourne’s Kustom Lane Gallery will also have its retro and quirky art on show and a pinstriping workshop will explain the delicate skill.