News

Sips and Sounds fills Rochester streets

By Lua Ikenasio

Apr 2, 2026

Ella McPhee, Jaime Dingwall, Morgan Dingwall and Kim Dingwall enjoy some refreshments. Photos: Jordan Townrow.

Sips and Sounds returned to Rochester at the weekend, bringing crowds and live music that transformed the town centre into a hub of entertainment.

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The event saw hundreds of people gather to enjoy an afternoon of live music while exploring the town's pubs, parks, cafés and gardens.

Grace and Brodie Rushton show off their face paintings.

Rochester Business Network president Sanjay Ranchhod said the town was alive with activity on the day.

“The town was buzzing on the Saturday, so many people around town and supporting the businesses, live musicians and local distillers and winemakers,” he said.

“It was so good to see the energy at such a high and I think everyone that attended had a great time.

“It was a really successful event and I’m so proud of the town, the businesses and residents supporting local and showing the true Rochester spirit.”

Liam Guinan was one of many musicians throughout the day.

Across the town's pubs, live music spilled into the streets from as early as 11.30am.

Iddles Lane transformed into a wonderland for the children, with bungee trampolines, airbrush tattoos and food vans.

Craig and Ruth Middleton take a break in Iddles Lane to enjoy some pizza.

Families also gathered at Rotunda Park and Wirrima Park to enjoy a bubble workshop and kids karaoke, while performers kept the music flowing at Platypus Park from 11am to 3pm.

Over at the Skate Park, DJ Coby and Jam in the Van pumped tunes from noon, providing a lively soundtrack for the Town Market and the Ripple Fest activities.

Visitors also filled Café Rochester and Haus Social, enjoying refreshments while listening to performers including Daniel Barrett, Evie Scobie and Rabb.

The event went late into the night, with live music continuing to play at the local pubs.