The Margaret River HEART venue is gearing up to host the first major festival in the new entertainment facility, with the inaugural Strings Attached West Australian Guitar Festival set to launch next month.
The festival will be the first major event held in the world-class facility, and organisers say the programme aims to make the most of every inch of the venue.
"There will be events in both new auditoriums, the Sound Shell, foyer and the courtyard with kitchen and bar operating and the main exhibition hall also open to the public all weekend," an event spokesperson said.
The festival will kick off with performances in the HEART Main Auditorium on Friday October 11 from Margaret River Senior High School Junior and Senior Guitar Ensembles, the University of WA Classical Guitar Ensemble and the WA Academy of Performing Arts (WAAPA) Plectra Ensemble.
The Ensemble was established in 2005, and has been widely recognised for explorations of challenging and innovative repertoire.
Recent programs have included "The Parisian Guitar" (2019), "From Beatles to Bowie," (2019), and "Rosemary and Thyme: The English Guitar," among many others.
At the official opening of the festival, a Welcome to Country will be offered by Wadandi custodians in the impressive new HEART foyer gallery space.
"The bar and kitchen will be open during the launch event, operated by local legends The Common, and the public will be able to get their first glimpse at the Main Exhibition, featuring guitars, amplifiers, pedals and guitar-related products from around Australia and beyond.
The Main Exhibition is open to the public all weekend, while live music from local acts including Kiera Jas, Blackwood Morris and The Moody Cows will feature at the HEART's new Sound Shell outdoor performance space.
More live music will be on offer at venues, galleries and wineries across the region, including Ash Grunwald, Legs Electric, Martin Lee Cropper, Ten Cent Shooters, Tracey Barnett and Manoa.
Musicians and community members interested in the world of strings will be able to experience workshops and masterclasses from world renowned guitarists, luthiers and industry experts while Ric's Vintage Guitar exhibition and Margaret River luthier Scott Wise's collection will be on show at The Beerfarm and John Miller Designs.
The 2019 Strings Attached WA Guitar Festival will run from October 11 to October 13. For the full programme and to secure tickets, visit www.stringsattachedfestival.com.au