Originally built as a School of Arts in 1900, Freestone Memorial Hall was moved approximately 4km to its present site in 1921. This move took it closer to the recently opened railway station as this area had become the hub of the community. The name change from School of Arts to Memorial Hall formally took place in 1954, however, no matter what the building has been called, it has hosted many a meeting, concert, dance, cabaret, family celebration, commemorative event etc. throughout its 119 year history and it very much looks forwards to welcoming the Festival of Small Halls. The railway is long gone but Freestone enjoys good road links to Warwick (15km), Toowoomba (82km) and Brisbane (142km).
The current Freestone population is recorded as 217. This comprises multi-generational farming families and some escapees from town, all of whom enjoy the quiet country lifestyle and beautiful vistas. Freestone Memorial Hall regularly welcomes residents of neighbouring communities such as Sladevale, Clintonvale, Gladfied, Maryvale and Warwick through its doors.
Freestone Community Hall stands on lands traditionally owned by the Keinjan people and the Gidhabul people
Festival of Small Halls rolls into Freestone on Wednesday, 27 November with Blair Dunlop (ENG) and Hat Fitz and Cara (AUS).
The show will be supported by the Fern Brothers.
Twin brothers James and Thomas Fern spent most of their lives on the Gold Coast before heading to Warwick to finish high school. They are now both at University of Queensland, but are still regularly gigging in Brisbane and beyond. In fact, at the age of 18 they have done around 300 gigs including cafes, licensed venues, private functions, weddings and even as one of the support acts for Ash Grunwald at the Australia day concert in Warwick last year.
Their voices were developed during their time with the Gold Coast choir but their harmonies have always come very naturally; it’s a twin thing. They performed with the choir at Opera in the Park and Movie World’s white Christmas event. They play a range of music from the 1960s to now and are big fans of the melodic harmonies of the past. Their repertoire includes everything from Simon and Garfunkel, the Everley Brothers, and Queen through to Ed Sheeran and everything in between. You can have a listen to them on their website https://fernbrothers.com/free-songs/ and follow them on https://www.facebook.com/fernbros/.
Doors open 6pm for a 6:30pm start.
Tickets available online here