News
msfest Rocks into the Future
Article posted 04 February 2010
With only three days left until 13000 msfest revelers converge on Inveresk park from locations throughout Tasmania and Australia, organisers have applauded the Tasmanian State Government for its $50,000 support of the 2010 event that was announced today.
“This is a great start. Since its inception in 2006, together with The MSSociety, we've worked hard to build msfest to where it is today andare thrilled that the Tasmanian State Government recognises msfest asan asset to Launceston and Tasmania on so many levels.” Asorganisers and Tasmanians, we are also proud to say that msfestis a truly home-grown event, organised by Tasmanians, employingTasmanians, and hopefully offering our local community a dynamicevent of international standards.”
“As an event that attracts people from interstate, we believe we also have theopportunity to positively influence people and position Launcestonand Tasmania as a desirable tourist destination and a place whichcelebrates community values.”
“Weare currently working with York Park and Inveresk Precinct Authorityas part of a larger renovation of our site with some hugedevelopments planned for 2012 and beyond including permanent shadesails, the addition of a third stage and a much needed campingvillage.”
The inaugural msfest,held at Royal Park, packed out the site with 7000 festival-goers andestablished a name for msfest as an event worth remembering. “Wewere amazed by the response.” said msfest organisers Clint Peaseand Stacy File. “We chose Launceston as our home because we knewthere was a demand for a large scale music event, but even we weresurprised by the result. “ “It was truly inspiring”.
2007 saw msfest move to it's current home at Inveresk Park able to cater foran increased attendance of 10,000 punters and offering a musicjuggernaut of the hottest soundsfrom across the country into one melting pot which was Tasmania’sown msfest. After 2007, it was clear the festival was here to stayas a significant event on the Tasmanian calendar.
This was a continuouspattern for the next two years, with crowd numbers rising and thefestival becoming a Tasmanian institution and an event not to bemissed. Nothing has changed for 2010, with two state of the artstages, simultaneously delivering the hottest acts in the country,backed by cutting edge, high definition LED light shows that areguaranteed to satiate the appetite of even the toughest musiccritics.
And whilst providing a day of not stop festivities, organisers say theyareparticularly proud of the important association with The MS Societyof Tasmania. Each year, this event allows us work together to raisemuch needed funds for people living with Multiple Sclerosis whilealso providing an opportunity to let young Tasmanians know more aboutthe most common neurological condition affecting young Australianadults, with prevalence higher in Tasmania than anywhere else in thenation.
“Since its inception we've been able to raise hundreds of thousands ofdollars for people living with MS and it feels great to know that weare making a difference.”
“We look forward to a long and fruitful relationship with the TasmanianState Government assisting us in making sure that this is only thebeginning for msfest with the best yet come.”
Organisers also want toremind everyone to look after themselves and each other on Saturday,with a strong message of partying safe.
“We are excited about the sunny forecast, but want to stress that theTassie sunshine is extreme. Everyone needs to remember to wear ahat, drink lots of water and take it easy on the day. Free waterwill be available on the day, so there is no excuse.”
“We're prepared for anything and everything, but hope people look afterthemselves and their fellow festival-goers and we can avoid anyemergencies.”
Cancer Council will beon site with sunscreen, Red Cross Save a Mate will have aninformation tent, chill out zone and trained roving volunteers thatwill be assisting anyone in need and St.Johns Ambulance will beonsite with full medical facilities including doctors, nurses,paramedics and ambulances in case of emergencies. A strong policepresence will also be on site for those who need assistance.
