Final Foyer Cozy Concert Dates Set For Ararat Town Hall

Ararat Rural City Council is encouraging residents to put two dates in their diaries as Ararat Town Hall prepares to round out its 2026 Foyer Cozy Concert series with Backyard Utopia on Thursday 5 November and Fidel Monk on Saturday 12 December.

The concerts bring high-quality live music into the Town Hall foyer, offering an atmospheric, casual setting for a relaxed night out. Audiences can bring their own dinner, snacks, or a platter, settle in with friends, and enjoy the music. Children are welcome, making it an easy evening out for families.

Backyard Utopia brings together Bec Matthews and Jamie Swann for an engaging program of globally inspired folk music. Drawing connections between West African string instruments, banjo, and bass, the duo combines storytelling, traditional songs, upbeat ballads, and hypnotic instrumental pieces.

Fidel Monk will close the series with a full-band performance featuring storytelling folk, punk, and blues. With more than 30 years of touring and songwriting behind him, Fidel brings a generous mix of singalongs, lively musicianship, and songs from his latest record, Winchelsea Blues.

Ararat Rural City Council Chief Executive Officer Phuong Au said the concerts had been warmly embraced by audiences and were a successful addition to the Town Hall’s program. “The Foyer Cozy Concerts are a great idea, and our Town Hall team has done a wonderful job bringing them to life,” Ms Au said.

“They offer quality live music in a welcoming, relaxed setting. You can bring your dinner, come along with the children, or meet friends after work and enjoy an evening together. It has been pleasing to see audiences embrace the format. If you have not been to a Foyer Cozy Concert yet this year, I encourage you to put these final dates in your diary and come along. We look forward to continuing the concerts in the new year.”

Both concerts run from 5.30pm to 8pm, with drinks available at bar prices from 5pm. Entry is pay-what-you-can, with cocktail tables and tables for four available. Walk-ins are welcome throughout the evening.

For more information, visit ararattownhall.com.au