The world’s a stage for Clunes goers

Outside the Clunes Booktown weekend, the township is home to only 2000 people, meaning it must cope with a massive influx to the picturesque historic town.

Luckily, Ballarat folk hoping to attend the festival will find transport extra easy this year – and extra fun too.

V/Line has announced it will run six extra trains during the festival between Ballarat and Maryborough via Clunes on Saturday April 30 and Sunday May 1.

But as something a little different, the trains will also feature performers to get attendees in the festival spirit, and attendees will be welcomed on board with town criers.

“As many regular train travellers know, not only do our regional trains take people on a scenic journey through our historic goldfields region but train travel also provides a great opportunity to get some reading done,” Member for Buninyong Geoff Howard said.

“With more than 20,000 reading and writing enthusiasts expected to visit the festival this year, we want to make it as easy as possible for people to get there to enjoy this fantastic event and the best that our region has to offer.”

Clunes Booktown festival artistic director Ailsa Brackley du Bois said performers from Federation University would give pop-up Shakespeare performances on the trains from Ballarat.

“A traditional town crier, with a bell in hand, will welcome visitors travelling to Booktown on public transport,” she said.

Additionally, a minbus shuttle will operate from Clunes Railway Station to take visitors to and from the festival.

The event runs 9am to 5pm both days with a ticket price of $10, which covers both days and gives access to author talks, entertainment, the exhibition and access to scores of rare, vintage and collectable book traders.

For more information on services or to book a ticket, visit www.vline.com.au or call 1800 800 007. For more information on Clunes Booktown, visit www.clunesbooktown.com.au