Gum Ball will be with you again shortly...

at the moment we are working hard to bring it all back for 2009. an update will come very soon.thank you for your support and patience x

older news..

We regret to inform that Gum Ball has been postponed and will not go ahead as planned this coming 11-13th April.

Standing at the 11th hour, caught in the bureaucracy that is our modern system, I stand firmly beside the belief that I gave all I could. I poured my heart and soul into Wollombi Gum Ball 2008 only to receive a hard flick to the nethers.

I allowed the required time frame for council proceedings, provided thorough information on responsible operational planning, safety and risk management, environmental and community initiatives, charity fundraising and awareness. Why we need such events to boost tourism and our regions creative potential, along with countless other reasons why this event has purpose. There was never any wish to tarnish the well respected community of Wollombi and the majority were in support of the venture. In the short form it became the case of a small minority of local elders going against a young bloke having a go, pushing the local boundaries with a proposal to produce something positive, a legacy of music, art and culture for the region. After a long winded process, plagued with set backs and delays, the elders have gained their respect and I have been given the push.

Whilst I respect their concerns and opinions on the event, it comes with a high level of frustration, as these objectors have taken something away from so many others for no other reason then their own selfishness. If only they could share the same respect for what this means to so many people, the incredible effort required to pull something like this together, the inspiration to stand up and have a go.

I have people's sentiments on board and I do plan to stay focused and push through this pile of excreta, in the hope that Gum Ball can maintain its integrity and respect as a very unique and important event for our greater community to enjoy.

I can assure you there will be no throwing the towel in on this one, as we endeavour to expand on the positives for the future, not only attempting to keep the awesome festival line up and programming in tact next time round, but to ensure that it will be even more convenient and simplistic then ever, ensuring eventually, we will all have the best heavenly Gum Ball ever!

All purchased tickets are fully refundable, however they will still be valid for the next event. It’s up to you…

I apologise immensely for the natural inconvenience this has created for everyone and I thank you all for your support and understanding in this challenging situation.

Other then that, I wish to thank all the sponsors, suppliers, artists, performers and volunteers who committed their support, I truly do appreciate the overwhelming support we have gained this year, it has been inspirational, I hope you can accept our apology and stay on board for the next.

Please stay tuned, as I will post further updates and details as they advance.

Yours with dry eyes,

Gummy x

This year the festival will be held in and around the grassy greens of Wollombi Tavern, Friday 11th Saturday 12th and Sunday 13th April 2008. Situated on the fringes of the Hunter Valley this smick little watering hole is the epicentre for a very creative and active village community, friendly enough to welcome you all in for a special weekend of fine music and art.

The latest addition to the line up clearly defines the festival’s diverse nature, with acts including Melbourne based rockers The Vasco Era, folk jammers Custom Kings (VIC), Australian country rock kings The Re-Mains, the eclectic and chaotic world of Mojo Juju & The Snake Oil Merchants, tribal rhythm sound system Percussion Junction, gypsy soul swingers Arabesk, Jazz trance fusion Fig, urban root hoppers Botanics, coastal blues patrol Marshall & The Fro, , local stallions The Dennis Boys, and country rockstars Great Dividing Range.

Earlier announcements for the festival were national hip hop sensation Urthboy, multi award winning female blues artist Mia Dyson, raw blues/rock two piece The Fumes, National Aboriginal DEADLY award winner Dan Sultan (and band), Melbourne rockabilly legends The Detonators, and local up and coming sensation Blue Zone. Other outstanding acts on the bill include Hat Fitz & Itchy (QLD), Laura Imbruglia, Rogerthat, Dead Letter Chorus, Ooh La La, local prairie dogs the Tim Crossey Band, , Radiophobia, The Evening Son, and Sydneysiders Peregrine.

With a sprinkling of local extra’s to be announced rounding out the full lineup, the 4th annual Music and Art Festival will feature around 30 of Australia’s most established and emerging acts, showcasing a broad range of music genres from authentic upbeat blues and rock to a selection of today’s best contemporary, folk and roots artists. Spread over an entire weekend on unique and intimate staging, combined with an extended program of live art, roaming performers, food and market stalls, children’s playground, theatre, sport and camping, it promises to be one inspiring weekend.

Expect the town to be in full action with its cafés, restaurants, museum and galleries, a range of markets, and a little general store for any extra goodies you might require.

The festival is all ages, extremely family friendly and fully licensed.

To simplify your journey to the top of the world, there are various bus and car pooling options on the event info page. Check it out!

Organisers are also proud to announce that the event will be carrying out a major awareness campaign in support of Beyond Blue ‘The national depression initiative’.

Event Organiser, Matt Johnston speaks passionately…

“Fair to say that everyone has either experienced depression first hand, or knows of someone who has taken their own life through the inability to overcome those trapped feelings of anxiety and loneliness in this somewhat overexposed modern society. It’s tough to see such young lives wasted, that’s why it is extremely important that we make people aware of this debilitating condition, its symptoms, its seriousness and that we’re not alone when the struggle comes into force.”

Please take the time to have a look at www.beyondblue.org.au

the low down...

The Gum Ball is the real deal countrified Australian music and arts event for those who like to kick back and soak it all in.

Born from two young brothers, Matt and Dan Johnston’s love of music and good times, Gum Ball has been chipping away for the last three years, feeding off the Australian way of life, establishing family traditions and setting a culture to follow. Appealing to a growing audience, with its distinct down to earth country feel and quintessential family vibe, Gum Ball number 4 is looking forward to once again giving everyone the opportunity to revel in good times, celebrating our land, music and art.

For those slightly unawares, Wollombi Valley is located on the edge of the Hunter Valley, approx one hour west from Newcastle, two hours north west of Sydney, nestled in between the Watagan and the Yengo National Parks. Wollombi is an Aboriginal title which means 'meeting of the waters.' This area is a truly spiritual place, carrying a strong candour of Australian history left by Aboriginal ancestors who have inhabited the mountains and the rivers for thousands of years.

The Gum Ball is very humble to be granted this special opportunity to work with such a wonderful community and utilise this beautiful part of Australia. We must all please ensure, come Gum Ball time, that we respect this land and the event, so it remains for the future.

just for ease of purpose here is a link to the community of Wollombi www.wollombivalley.com

There is a mailing list which is quite special, recieving all the information first hand, if you are not on the list and would like the info, sign up below and we'll begin to make you feel special, updating your knowledge bank every now and then... undoubtably with all things Gum Ball.

For the fresh man or woman, those being persons who've heard word of The Gum Ball, not having had the opportunity to experience this wonderous event as yet, we say welcome to you, here is our one small tip... join the mailing list here or on the myspace and get ready for 2008!

More then just your standard music event and more then just another notch in the belt, each year we strive to deliver a better experience, throwing it all on the table, along with your thoughts and opinions, in our mission to host the ultimate, down to earth, Australian cultural event for the people. A kick back weekend where we, as human being, have the chance to come together and celebrate ourselves, our music and our art, and hopefully in the process revitalise the core of our existence...to have good clean respectable fun!

If you've been and haven't shared already, hit the Franky feedback forum and give us yours, we've had a pretty overwhelming response so far. Its warming to know that the Gum Ball has so many friends, people who feel as passionate as we do for this special little event, as that is what it is all about, believe it or not, you make this event special, just ask all the performers who've ever played a gum ball

.... 'i say this crowd is awesome!

So for now, we've got our heads down and out, pulling together 2008.... it is such fun and there is much excitement flowing... it is going to be one heavenly ball.

speak again soon

Gummy x