Shire to host music and literature events this year

Published on 19 February 2026

Moorabool Shire will host music and literature events across Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Blackwood this year, pairing with local artists and visiting talent.

Council was successful in its funding application to the State Government's Small Regional Presenters Program, which helps to attract high quality artists to regional venues while building local skills and growing creative talent.

Under Moorabool Shire's 'Hide + Seek' umbrella, these music and literature events - proposed to take place in late 2026 - aim to build audience engagement, creative participation and presenter capacity in the shire - leading to the next Hide + Seek Festival in 2027.

Mayor Cr Steve Venditti-Taylor said he was excited to start promoting these unique events, with details to be released in the coming months.

"This is an opportunity to empower local presenters to bring music and cultural events to life, strengthening community connections and celebrating the diversity of our creative talent," he said.

Below is a sneak peek of the proposed events to be held in Bacchus Marsh, Ballan and Blackwood this year (please note these events are subject to change):

Bacchus Marsh - Better Off Said

Midway between the Spring Equinox and Summer Solstice, join us for an evening of words, stories and music celebrating the turning of the season. 'Better Off Said' is a spoken-word art salon where four guests share 'the words I wish I'd said', and a special Living Eulogy honours someone or something still here to be celebrated.

With live music and thoughtful reflections by exceptional writers and storytellers, this salon is a celebration to usher in renewal as the seasons change.

Bacchus Marsh - Young Writers Craft Workshop

Are you a young writer ready to bring your words to life? Join acclaimed poet and performer Emilie Zoey Baker for an inspiring workshop in Bacchus Marsh. This workshop is open to young writers of all experience levels.

Blackwood - Songlines - Live and Local (RAV Touring Program)

Regional Arts Victoria (RAV) and Songlines Aboriginal Music are partnering up to deliver Songlines Live & Local, a workshop and live performance event combination which supports regional community presenters to host and showcase First Nations artists, music and culture.

Ballan - Thin Red Lines

Running for more than six years, Thin Red Lines is a quarterly poetry event co-curated by Thabani Tshuma and Georgia Kartas. In this special event, our co-hosts have curated a selection of poetic duets, live music and literary performance at a salon to remember.

For more information, click here