The Brief:

Hooked on Portland is an annual seafood and fishing festival celebrating the region’s coastal identity, transforming the Portland Foreshore into a vibrant destination for locals and visitors each summer.

Held in January, the event brings together live music, fresh seafood, fishing competitions, cooking demonstrations and family friendly activities, delivered in collaboration with Glenelg Shire Council and Victorian Fisheries Authority.

In previous years, Glenelg Shire Council consistently elevated the festival by securing premium talent as part of its exciting weekend programming, setting strong audience expectations and reinforcing the event’s reputation.

The Collaboration:

In 2026, this commitment remained unchanged, with the council seeking to secure a standout headline musician to anchor the program and further enhance the festival’s appeal. Using acta, Rhianna Davies, Tourism & Events Officer at Glenelg Shire Council, connected directly with Premier Artists Booking Agent, Ben Sarros, to secure Ross Wilson, iconic Australian rock music pioneer, as the festival’s headline act.

The platform simplified the entire collaboration, from initial enquiry and fee discussions through to confirming contracts, logistics and travel arrangements, delivering a seamless and coordinated outcome for all parties involved.

acta was the bridge for us in finding the right musician to attract a strong crowd to our festival. Once they knew what we were looking for, they were able to assist with shortlisting suitable options in our price range, which made the process of finding talent so much easier. With the headline act taken care of, we were able to focus on delivering an incredible experience for the community. - Rhianna Davies (Tourism & Events Officer, Glenelg Shire Council)

The Outcome:

The festival delivered a vibrant and energetic atmosphere across the Portland Foreshore, with strong community engagement throughout the weekend and consistent crowds enjoying the full program on offer.

Ross' performance became a clear highlight of the weekend, with the crowd singing along to timeless hits including Eagle Rock, Cool World and more, delivering a memorable live set for the Portland community.

See More on Hooked on Portland's Facebook Page.

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