Since its first iteration in 2005, the annual Woodend Winter Arts Festival has grown to become one of the more successful regional arts events in Victoria. The picturesque town of Woodend is less than an hour away from Melbourne, and now also has a significant and growing population of tree-changers and retirees. Founding Artistic Director Jacqueline Ogeil has developed a program of literary, community, and performing arts events over the King’s Birthday long weekend that appeals to both locals and day-trippers alike.

Ogeil and her husband, John O’Donnell, are also musicians specialising in period performance, and music remains at the heart of the festival’s programming. This year the festival marked the 300th anniversary of J.S. Bach’s St John Passion, with two performances under the baton of O’Donnell, but there were also a number of smaller-scale musical events, including recitals from pianists Piers Lane and Paul Grabowsky, and Spanish guitarist Paco Lara (accompanied by flamenco dancer Deya Giner).