mmg.com.au

Pete Murray has today been announced as the headline act for Echuca’s Riverboats Music Festival in February.

Other acts are Clare Bowditch, Archie Roach, James Reyne, Tim Rogers, Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows, Mia Dyson, Gossling, Clairy Browne and the Bangin’ Rackettes, The Bombay Royale, Cash Savage and the Last Drinks, Better Than the Wizards and Talisa Jobe.

Held over three days from February 15 to 17 at Echuca Aquatic Reserve, next year will be the event’s second year in its new format.

It was re-branded from the former Jazz, Food and Wine Festival this year.

Festival producer David Frazer said this year’s event had been a huge success and was anticipating next year would be just as popular.

‘‘The response Riverboats received in its first year was absolutely fantastic, and we are so excited to once again be bringing some of the biggest names in Australian music to this magical part of the world,’’ he said.

Today’s announcement of the festival line-up has Echuca tourism authorities anticipating a spike in ticket sales and accommodation bookings.

Echuca-Moama and District Tourism Association chief executive officer Pete White said he hoped next year’s event would build on the success of this year’s event.

‘‘We have no doubt that our region will attract a significant audience,’’ Mr White said.

‘‘There is absolutely no question that we now host the Murray’s premier music festival.’’

Echuca-Moama Accommodation Association president Grant Casbolt said members already had bookings from people who attended this year’s festival.

‘‘We hope the town would be fully booked on Saturday night and heavily booked on Friday and Sunday nights,’’ he said.

‘‘It’s certainly a great weekend and loved by all.’’

Echuca-Moama is set to be alive with tourists in February with the Club Marine Southern 80 event to be held from February 8 to 10—the weekend before the music festival.