The inaugural Kalari-Lachlan River Arts Festival will be held on the shores of the tranquil Forbes lagoon on September 3 and 4.

It will include a broad range of performances and events, including the premiere of the Kate Kelly Song Cycle, a 40-minute musical exploration of the tragic life of the sister of the infamous bushrangers, the Kelly Gang.

Forbes Shire Council last week agreed to provide support to the festival, which will also include a lantern parade, busking, an elaborate Welcome to Country by the indigenous community and contributions by local schools.

The festival is the brainchild of Forbes writer, Merrill Findlay, also co-creator of the Kate Kelly Song Cycle.

Ms Findlay yesterday confirmed the festival had secured the financial support necessary to proceed.

“I will be announcing the details of the sponsorship very soon, but I can say that we have just received word from a philanthropic trust in Melbourne who will contribute $10,000 to the premiere of the Kate Kelly Song Cycle,” Ms Findlay said.

“That funding will allow us to bring the professional performers to Forbes and for rehearsals,” she said.

The Kate Kelly Song Cycle is a collaboration between Ms Findlay and composer Ross Carey. It will feature the talents of Melbourne soprano, Sian Prior, accordion player Liz Jones and violinist Martin Lee.

The musicians accompanying Ms Prior’s arias will be directed by Bill Moxey, from Orange school, Kinross Wolaroi, and will also include local choirs.

Ms Findlay said Ross Carey had sent his work to Ms Prior and she is now rehearsing for what is expected to be the ‘headline act’ of the festival.

“Ross has sent the music to Sian and she is already rehearsing the arias,” Ms Findlay said.

“She is rapt and said she really loves the music,” she said.

The song cycle will premiere on Saturday, September 3, following a parade of lanterns, to be made entirely by local people at workshops in the lead up to the festival.

Full story in Tuesday's Advocate.