The second night of music at the Inland Sea of Sound festival was a chance for the local community to road-test a brand new option for live music in the Bathurst CBD.
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For the first time ever, a stage was set up in the car park of the Australian Fossil and Mineral Museum for the purpose of a live event, with serene Queensland folk act Hussy Hicks and local acts Smith & Jones the first to try out the new venue.
The new venue proved to be a hit with audience members, who appreciated the intimate nature of the location tucked away in the heart of a prominent CBD block.
Audience member and popular local musician Genni Kane said the setup served as a perfect venue for cosy live performances.
"The transformation of the Fossil Museum car park into a bright and colourful performance space was such a fabulous idea," Ms Kane said.
"It was such a vibrant setting only enhanced by some outstanding performances from both Smith & Jones and Hussy Hicks."
Fellow festival goer Jack Fry said the venue highlighted the immense value of the car park as a spot for events.
"The venue has such a great backdrop in the form of all the heritage buildings, and there's immense potential for it to transform into an engaging cultural hum in the centre of town," Mr Fry said.
With Bathurst Regional Council's Streets as Shares Spaces Pilot Project poised to become a key topic for discussion over the coming months as it prepares to be rolled, the car park's event capabilities could provide welcome food for thought.
Bathurst RSL Club general manager Peter Sargent, who was also in attendance, sees immense potential in the area as long as a 'middle ground' is found.
"I think BMEC has done a fabulous job with the space and with an effective parking strategy, this area could certainly add a deeper element to future plans for events in the CBD," Mr Sargent said.
Council candidate Stuart Pearson was also receptive.
"Stephen Champion [BMEC manager] and his staff should be congratulated for being the first to open up this undiscovered gem...great concert, great venue and, in time, a great Town Square," Mr Pearson said.
Mr Champion said he was chuffed to see such a positive response to the new venue.
"It's great to showcase this location's value as a concert venue, I truly think it will prove a highlight," he said.
The performances continued a successful week of events for the festival, which started on Tuesday with a screening of TERROR NULLIUS and continued on Wednesday night with standout sets from Sub-Tribe, The Safety of Life at Sea and The Mirandas.
The space will host the festival on Saturday from 8pm, with C.W. Stoneking and Mo'Ju to perform.
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