Porchland finds a home on The Range

“The Porch Sessions idea was born in people’s backyards, based solely out of creating these beautiful, intimate experiences,” says event organiser and self-proclaimed Porch Governess Sharni Honor. “Porchland is about bringing thirty of those similar sized events together for one big party.”

Held at The Range Hall in The Range just outside McLaren Vale, Porchland will feature a smorgasbord of live music, local food delights, beer, wine and cider complemented by the scenery of the Adelaide Hills and Fleurieu region.

Honor is excited about the prospect of bringing the popular boutique festival to the picturesque locale. “We stumbled over The Range whilst doing the Showhall Series [a collaboration with Hither & Yon] and fell in love with all it’s beautiful untouched glory.”

The festival will feature innovative pop singer Thelma Plum, hypnotic groove ensemble 30/70 and recent Levi’s Music Prize award winner Stella Donnelly. Porch Sessions favourite and folk troubadour Stu Larsen returns for the event, alongside emerging new artist Ainsley Farrell and locals Bjéar and Ryan Martin John.

“Porchland is also about pairing incredible up and coming artists with slightly more established artists,” Sharni says. “Thelma has had an incredible year releasing her second Monsters EP and her single How Much Does Your Love Cost? is just fantastic.”

“Another gem is Ainsley Farrell, we found one of her old EPs and fell in love. Her pipes are incredible, her songwriting is something special and we’re absolutely stoked to hold her first Adelaide show for her.”

The event also places a focus on showcasing local vendors as well as the artists that inspire them, with the Porchie Market Bazaar providing a selection of local food, beverages and creative wares including Forage Supply Co., Sparkke and Sabaii.

“We curated our line up of stall holders around the Fleurieu, with vendors like local surf brand Yeo Haus and Littlest Vintage selling delicious things like second hand clothing, as well as providing the décor for the event.”

Priding itself on being a family friendly event Porchland will also be teaming up with Twig & Stick, an environmentally sustainable business that provides children’s activities such as crown weaving and nature workshops.  “If you can’t find the event organisers, that’s where we’ll be,” Sharni says.

Porchland will also be collaborating with South Australian local State of Surf filmmaker Andy Manners with a sundown screening of his new film Belong Nowhere. The film highlights the state’s best surfers hunting for the perfect wave and the serene tranquillity of the South Australian coastline.

With the quirky yet laid back attitude of the Porch Sessions, the event has continued to grow in popularity since its inception. Sharni attributes this success to previous events communal if not unconventional atmosphere.

“Porchland goes against everything that your average music festival is. You can bring your dad [and] have a beautiful afternoon in the sun watching the bands, or a really nice time amongst friends. The fun and festivities make it pretty appealing to all.”

Porchland – A Porch Sessions Festival
Saturday, December 2
The Range Hall (Range Rd, The Range South Australia)
theporchsessions.com
Tickets available via Moshtix

Photography by Jack Fenby