4 hours Ago By Sebastian Tan
Anzac Day often involves a game of two-up at the pub or RSL but in one regional town, the local inn showcases folk musicians from across the country. Login or signup to continue reading The Settlers Arms Inn, a two-hour drive from Sydney, attracts thousands of music lovers for the St Albans Folk Festival. Artists will take the stage in a marquee behind the 189-year-old pub from first to last drinks over the three-day weekend, with local produce also on show.
The volunteer-run event started more than 40 years ago when musicians who played at the Arms decided to create a festival. "Every local wants to help: the road workers drop their barriers for cars, people mow the lawns, and the firefighters help put up the marquees and stages," festival director Joe Russell told AAP. "People thought, 'let's make playing music a bit of a festival'.
"It's convenient and there's a lack of conflict with other commitments (festivals) for artists." The 500 musicians alone quadruple the small town's population as folkies play across five music venues, including at the local fire station. New pub boss Anthony McAuliffe will be at the festival for the first time since he was a child.
"There are a lot of people singing and dancing in groups all across town. Everyone knows it and it's good for business," he told AAP. With the Anzac Day public holiday butting up against a weekend, publicans across the country are expecting a busy time.
Former cocktail bar manager Lucy Hadfield said Anzac Day was typically as busy as a Saturday night. "People would go to the pub across the road and then would come to us for happy hour," she told AAP. "It's just a really nice day.
"Anzac Day is an earlier night, because people go out earlier. "If you're closer to a pub, then you always staff more, because people stay at it or go to a local bar across the road." Punters in Australia's most populous state looking for a feed may also gravitate towards their local establishment more than usual this Anzac Day.
Shops previously required to remain closed until 1pm in NSW will now need to remain closed for the entire day under new bans. Australian Associated Press Daily Today's top stories curated by our news team. Also includes evening update.
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