Dolly Parton ProfileThis year’s edition of The Bend Classic has expanded, with the addition of a Dolly Parton tribute, line dancing and $5 pies.
With less than a month until The Bend Classic takes over the Shell V-Power Motorsport Park in Tailem Bend, South Australia, the festival has added even more bang for your buck.
The newly announced attractions join a star-studded all-Australian country music line-up headlined by Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston, plus a rodeo under lights, motorsport, and trackside camping.
Singer-songwriter Tori Darke will honour Dolly on the main stage, where she’s set to perform the classic 9 to 5.
“Dolly has always been my idol. The voice, the songwriting, the humour and the sheer determination to do things her own way — she opened doors for so many women in country music,” Darke said.
She continued, “Her songs made everyday lives matter. Coat of Many Colors found pride and love in growing up with very little, while 9 to 5 gave working women an anthem. She could put something people had felt their whole lives into a song and make them feel heard.
“This tribute is made for a big singalong. I want everyone up, singing and having the time of their lives. Bring a little Dolly attitude, and I’ll bring the music.”
Elsewhere, Saddle & Stomp is calling for a record-breaking day of line dancing on Saturday, 3 October.
“Line dancing is a great way for people who love this music to come together and build a community,” the company’s owner and director, Eleni Giagos, explained. “One of the biggest events we worked on had 800 fans learning to line dance, and I want us to beat it at The Bend Classic on Saturday.”
The fun begins on Friday, 2 October, when Woodall Rodeo Promotions encourage punters to chase $19,000 in prize money. Bull riding, barrel racing and more will take place throughout the day.
On Saturday, country music runs from 12:30 pm into the evening. Three generations of country music stars will be showcased, with headliners Lee Kernaghan and James Johnston joined by Denvah, Andrew Swift, Tori Darke, James Blundell, and Robbie Mortimer.
In addition to music and rodeo, punters can enjoy a competition among Australia’s best pitmasters at the BBQ Village. Competitors will face off for $20,000 in prize money and a spot at next year’s world championship event in Las Vegas.
Fans will also enjoy vintage racing celebrations with Nostalgia Drags, plus the Summit Racing Equipment Dragway Track Championship, hill climb action, car displays, axe throwing, and more.
On Sunday, the weekend concludes with a drive-in screening of Smokey and the Bandit.
Limited tickets and camping packages remain across the weekend. Find out more on The Bend Classic website.
Shell V-Power Motorsport Park CEO Alistair MacDonald said of the forthcoming event, “Come for a day or settle in for the long weekend. With great camping facilities across the precinct, you can cook your own meal at your campsite or grab a five-dollar pie at the Welcome Centre. The choice is yours.
“We want people spending their weekend making memories with their mates and families, without stretching the household budget.”
