ONE-night stands. Some people love them, some people hate them.
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And the latest town to throw its support behind what many might consider taboo is the close-knit village of Manilla.
Now before you turn your nose up at the idea, this one-night stand is a little different.
In fact, it’s triple j's annual, free, all-ages, drug-and-alcohol-free concert, One Night Stand. The radio station takes artists to different towns each year. It’s been to places like Geraldton, Mildura, Dubbo, Alice Springs, Tumby Bay, Dalby, Sale and Mt Isa since it started in 2004. Acts like Alison Wonderland, Boy & Bear, Urthboy, Illy, Flume, Ball Park Music, The Rubens, Hilltop Hoods, John Butler Trio, Birds Of Tokyo, Matt Corby, Pnau, Art Vs Science, The Jezabels, and heaps more have all featured.
Manilla has lodged an application to host One Night Stand to help highlight the need for more services for the town’s youngsters – and we reckon we’re in with a shot.
How often do country towns like Manilla get the opportunity to host such high-profile artists in a family-friendly atmosphere?
It would be such a huge win for the town – and the wider region.
Not only would it be a fantastic opportunity for the region’s families to come together to listen and enjoy Australian acts they’d never otherwise see, but it also brings economic benefits.
Having a national spotlight on a town like Manilla would give it exposure you can’t just buy.
Add to that the economic benefits of musicians, production crews, fans and tourists spending up big in the town – from accommodation to groceries, service stations to cafes.
While it’s billed as a free, all-ages concert, organisers suggest a gold-coin donation at the gate could get the ball rolling on a youth centre for the town. It would go a long way in providing the youth of Manilla with something different to do. The town will face an anxious wait to see if its bid to host One Night Stand is successful, with applications closing on March 21 and the winning town and line-up to be announced in May.
We’re throwing our support behind Manilla to win hosting rights. It would be such a win for the town to win the bid – great for children, for families, unrivalled exposure of the town and wider region, and a huge array of economic benefits – so what’s not to love about this One Night Stand?
Come on Manilla, we’re backing you.