Valley Groove 2023: Activities revealed as winter wonderland festival at Nukara Farm, Chapman Valley nears

If you’re in the mood for a festival in a winter wonderland, get your fluffy coats ready with time running out to secure tickets to the Mid West’s two-day snowflake-themed disco party next weekend. The countdown is on for Valley Groove 2023, taking place on July 28 and 29 at Nukara Farm in Nanson, which be transformed into a winter wonderland during the folk music, adventure and dance splendour. An array of food stalls, workshops and performers will feature at the local event, with organisers claiming the third consecutive year would be the biggest and best yet. Sweet Orange Productions owner Tyson Overstone said the festival was growing each year, and organisers were beginning to see more interest from artists. “It’s the best line-up that we’ve had . . . we don’t want it to get too big and too commercialised, but it’s organically growing and it’s bringing the right demographic that appreciate the beautiful nature out there,” he said. More than 25 local and travelling musicians and producers will be on stage over the 18+ weekend including Reigan, Smiley, Bubba Ganoush, Jayde Alexandra, JBOS, LaLaLee, Micah, Sunday Best and Leeroy Bong Brown. This year in the valley, activities include yoga classes, breath circles in the wilderness and health and wellness workshops, while Roving MAD Entertainment will be performing circus-like stunts on a trapeze. There will even be a fire dancer performing at the bonfire, lit from 6pm on Saturday night to keep guests warm. Mr Overstone said aside from the incredible line-up and stunning location, it was important the community supported local production companies so they continued to provide local music events. “The events industry is at a bit of a turning point where if something doesn’t change, or people don’t get around boutique promoters like ourselves and other smaller organisers, they won’t be able to afford to keep doing these sorts of events,” he said. “It’s definitely an important time for the industry and the people out there who support the arts to get around events.” Mr Overstone said the festival encouraged winter travellers making their way up the coast from southern WA to stop in Geraldton, rather than pass through as they head towards Gascoyne towns. “We do get quite a lot of our festival crew and people from Margaret River, Yallingup, Bridgetown, Balingup, Freo and Perth migrate north this time of year,” he said. “A lot of times these people don’t really stop in Geraldton or Chapman Valley, so we like to put the festival on to showcase a bit of the Mid West for them to maybe think about stopping here one time.” Festival-goers are encouraged to bring their dancing shoes, flared pants and sparkles to the not-to-be-missed event. Tickets are available at Humantix.