THE Horsham Country Music Festival has returned for another year of diverse, quality country entertainment. 

Horsham Country Music Festival coordinator Lyall Wheaton said country music fans can expect another year of high-quality performances from top country music artists. 

Artists include Kiara Rodrigues, Justin Standley, Laura Downing, Norm Price and more.

Wimmera artists will also be lending their talents to the Horsham Country Music Festival including Horsham poet Don Mitchell.

Mr Wheaton said the festival program has catered for all tastes and was jam-packed with diversity. 

“We have a high-quality line-up once again with a lot of variety in it – from bush ballads and yodeling to traditional country and gospel,” he said. 

“They are a diverse lot of artists who we have had perform before and they have been the most popular over the years.”

Read more: Youngster McGennisken siblings to perform at festival

The Horsham Country Music Festival has established a solid reputation after 11 years. Mr Wheaton said the festival has grown into a successful event for people who are passionate about country music to enjoy.

“We are attracting a lot of people outside of Horsham and it is great to see,” he said. 

“It gives me great personal satisfaction to run a successful music festival.” 

Read more: Horsham’s Don Mitchell spreads laughter at country music festival

Horsham Rural City mayor Pam Clarke said the Horsham Country Music Festival was a great asset to the community and continues to grow from strength-to-strength over its years.

“These events are good for Horsham because it brings people in to town – some who have never been here before,” she said. 

Cr Clarke said the festival had economic and social benefits for the community. 

“It great for the community and for retailers. People are wandering the streets and going to the events in Roberts Place or the Horsham Plaza,” she said.  

The four-day event started on Thursday afternoon and continues right through to Sunday. 

While the Horsham Soundshell will stage most performances, the entertainment will be brought to the streets at Roberts Place and the Horsham Plaza.