Musicians' pop-up concert delights people in Berry Park

Musicians Matt Williamson, Mathew Hale and Paul McIlwraithe brought their instruments out to Berry Park, performing a series of songs from 1pm through to 5pm.

It was the first opportunity they've had to play live music in 2021, with the COVID-19 pandemic preventing the majority of live entertainment from going ahead.

"You couldn't even get out and busk," Mr Williamson said.

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He not only wanted to get back to performing, but also wanted to brighten the afternoon for people in Berry Park.

"It was just a desire to get out and play to people without any sort of financial expectation or anything apart from sharing music and song," he said.

"It's a little bit like coming out and having a game of cricket, just that simple and social."

They chose a selection of original songs, often about social issues and the environment, which provided the perfect soundtrack for a peaceful Sunday afternoon in the park.

"I'm always doing originals. I actually don't write songs down, I keep them in my head. It's just my own personal way of getting over particular issues," Mr Williamson said.

"If I remember them, I hang on to them, so I've just got hundreds of them and I play them whenever I can."

People walking through Berry Park paused to listen for a moment before moving on, while others settled into the grass for the long haul.

Mr Williamson was delighted to look up from his guitar and see the small audience growing as the afternoon wore on.

He plans to set up in Berry Park every Sunday, hoping a few more musicians will be able to join him now that more freedoms are available in NSW.

"I think a couple of the local elders might even get involved," he said.

Members of the community are invited to stop by if they are in the area next Sunday.

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