Top music day

THE third annual Sale Music Festival has been hailed a hit, with an estimated 3500 people turning out to enjoy the day’s festivities.

Sunshine beamed down on the Sale Botanic Gardens, as those who packed onto the hill enjoyed the many acts on display.

A total 17 of artists performed for the crowd, with Gippsland-born musician Harry Hookey the headline act on the card.

Sale Music Festival committee member Stuart Quinn said the free community event — which is funded by anonymous local donors and local businesses — was an excellent event for the area.

“It’s slowly getting bigger and bigger; the location is great and we were absolutely blessed with the day,” Mr Quinn said.

The event’s continued success has resulted in crowds and musicians returning.

“We’ve had a few artists back that we’ve had in previous years like Jordy McMillan, Harry Hookey — who played the first year and this year — Micka Harrington, so there’s a few that we get back, but also we want to keep fresh blood in there as well.”

After months of planning, Mr Quinn said it wouldn’t be long before the committee begin planning for next year’s festival.