HALLS GAP'S population will swell once again this weekend, as thousands are expected to gather for the annual Grampians Jazz Festival.
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Several venues will open their doors to jazz throughout the weekend, while marquees will be strategically located throughout the Halls Gap township, where musicians will perform both day and night.
This will be the 29th annual Grampians Jazz Festival and organisers are delighted that the woman who started it all, Jacquie Shaw, will be in attendance.
Jacquie celebrated her 21st birthday at Roses Gap in 1986 and a reunion has been held each year since.
Had it not been for the initial celebration and reunions that have followed, Halls Gap and the Grampians would possibly not be hosting such a unique event.
This year will actually recognises the 50th birthday of Jacquie.
The Jazz Festival will be held at several venues throughout Halls Gap from tonight through to Sunday.
Residents usually travel from all parts of Victoria, as well as interstate for the annual Jazz Festival, filling accommodation houses across the region and bringing the main street of Halls Gap alive.
More than 150 bands are expected to attend and provide great music for all tastes around town.
Get in the swing - there are all forms of jazz to entertain the crowds.
A highlight of the Jazz Festival each year is the traditional street parade. This will take place tomorrow from 10am.
Musicians will assemble at 9.45am beside the Halls Gap Visitor Information Centre and will march to Stony Creek Bridge. They will then return to play to the massed crowd.
Those in attendance are being encouraged to dress up and join in the parade. The colours this year are red, white and black.
The Grampians Jazz Festival will also be the first event to showcase the newly completed Halls Gap Community Hub and visitors are encouraged to check out these great facilities.
Following the parade, programmed sessions will then commence at 11.15am and continue through to 11.15pm at various venues throughout town.
Registrations for the 29th annual Grampians Jazz Festival will be taken today from noon.
There will be blackboarding sessions available from 4pm today at the Centenary Hall. Programmed sessions will then take place between 5pm and 11pm (all badge entry only) at the following venues: Halls Gap Hall, Mountain Grand Hotel, Pinnacle Lodge, Halls Gap Hub (badge/ticket not required), Parkgate Resort Big 4 Marquee, Halls Gap Estate Marquee, Pool Marquee, Golf Club Marquee, Spirit of Punjab and the Comfort Inn Country Plaza.
The festival continues on Sunday from 9am with the jazz ecumenical service at the Parkgate Resort Big 4 Marquee.
Halls Gap Primary School will be conducting its craft market to add to the atmosphere in Halls Gap.
From 10.30am to 6pm, programmed sessions (all badge entry only) will then be held at the various venues throughout Halls Gap.