Victoria's premier rockabilly and 1950s culture festival is coming back to Ballarat, bringing tourists from across the state back to the city and enthusiasts together for the first time in a year.
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Rock Ballarat is returning to Civic Hall for the second consecutive year, kicking off Friday night and running right through to Sunday evening.
While last year's event was spread throughout Ballarat, COVID-19 restrictions and contact tracing measures have meant the entire event will take place within the Civic Hall precinct.
With the COVID-19 pandemic looming over the festival, director Stevie Kaze said the festival came close to not even going ahead.
"Three and a half weeks ago, we were close to cancelling the festival. It came down to a Sunday night meeting and we made the decision to push forward," he said.
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"Obviously, as things change on a daily basis around Victoria, we have to base our decisions on that.
"There are also things like people having to wear masks inside the venues...Even when dancing it is recommended that everyone wears a mask."
Throughout the lead-up to the festival, organisers worked closely alongside the City of Ballarat to following guidelines set by council, the state government and Music Victoria.
Mr Kaze said the event has made sure to err on the side of caution at every opportunity.
"We want everybody to be safe as well. It's a worry for us that we're right in the middle of this but we can't do anything but go ahead," he said.
"It's something that we need to do, the people who bought tickets need something to do, all the amazing bands that we've booked, everybody's ready to go.
"Everybody's happy to play, everybody's happy to come and catch up and just have a good time."
Bands, burlesque and pin-up events will take place inside, while the Civic Hall courtyard will be home to a free precinct party with vintage market stalls, classic car displays, performances and family entertainment.
While the festival's three-day passes have sold out, a limited amount of friends, family and fans have been made available for people to watch from the Civic Hall balcony.
Mr Kaze said Rock Ballarat offered rockabilly fans the first opportunity to catch up in 12 months.
"It's also a really good opportunity for people to see some of the amazing talent that we have here in Australia. Our headliners, The Lincolns, are coming over from Adelaide to play," he said.
"I think people just like that opportunity to be able to dress up and show off, see the nice cars and the bright clothes, then you get the bands and there's nothing like watching a rockabilly band with a double bass up on stage."
Tickets for individual events are still available at rockballarat.com.au
