Love Brightens Lives

The Northern Victorian festival that puts life into perspective...

- Dundo (HDTV), Gollo, Brum

Seven years ago if you’d said a small gig in a backyard could turn into an absolute sellout 3-day event, I might have raised an eyebrow … but due to overwhelming support from HDTV viewers, HEAVY DUTY readers, bike riders, car nuts and families, friends and dedicated musos, guess what? It happened!

What a party! This year’s Brighter Days event blew our minds, we actually managed to top last year which we didn’t think could get any better. With bikes, cars and music as our charter, that’s exactly what we got – and people came from everywhere.

A dedicated contingent of around 60 riders set out from Sydney on the aptly named Eliza’s Ride in honour of a beautiful EB sufferer, Eliza Baird, who sadly passed in 2017. Organised by our great mates Dave Golledge, Brum and Viv from HEAVY DUTY MAGAZINE the ride raised around $14,000 an amazing effort which more than doubled last year’s contribution.

Come Saturday morning and Harley Central behind the stage was full of bikes, the Bright footy oval was full of cars and the famous Cooper Trewin Foundation Card Run was about to take off. The crowd watching was huge and so were the participant numbers. All went very well.

Meanwhile 120 wives and girlfriends were ready for the Babes Brunch – another fundraiser within the event. 120 women, on the gas, on a winery tour! What could go wrong? Well, actually nothing. Just a few wobbly women, all ready for the river stage concert which was well underway when the bikes, cars and ladies got back.

We had great bands like Taxi Ride, Eurogliders and then Thirsty Merc who rocked the place and a moving video tribute to EB sufferers which was a wake up call to all who were there.

Over 5000 people respectfully took on the message and quickly donated some serious coin.