The last day of The Queenscliff Music Festival thankfully provided some welcome respite from the rain, in fact the sun was out and we could once again walk the streets of the pretty little town on the Bellarine Peninsula.

Upon arrival at the festival grounds, Kimbra, the woman out of the moment, was in full flight, belting out a selection of tunes from her hit debut Vows, as well as some newer material.

Resplendent in a red cocktail dress with a similarly coloured tambourine to match, the 21-year old Kiwi sensation seemed to pull just about the biggest crowd of the festival. This would certainly have been aided by the limited programming on the Sunday as compared to the day before, but even so, it was clear by the packed out tent that many festival-goers were very keen to see Kimbra.

Her band deftly replicated the sounds of the recording, and perhaps it was for this reason that it was hard to get caught up in the excitement, despite the fact that she was clearly giving it her all. Happily, the new songs showcased in the set sounded just as good as the Vows material, very catchy and in a similar vein.

Kimbra explained to the crowd that she was about to ride in a helicopter for the first time, as she was being rushed from the festival straight to the ARIAS, where she would perform “Somebody That I Used To Know” with Gotye, with that song winning Single of the Year, as well as taking out the Best Female Artist award as well.

Away from the screaming fans we made our way to The Pelican Bar, which at first seemed surprisingly packed to rafters, until, we excused ourselves through the crowd and found that after a few meters most of the middle aged set were sprawled out on the grass, watching The Blackeyed Susans from the comfort of their picnic rugs.

Arising like a phoenix out of the dissolution of The Triffids, with whom singer Rob Snarski and guitarist/accordionist/violinist J. P. Shilo had appeared the night before, the band went on to become one of the best loved acts of the 1990s, and that same audience was right there with them at Queenscliff.

Sounding as fresh as ever, The Susans provided an enjoyable moment of calm, perfectly suited for a Sunday afternoon, either at their loudest point; their 1997 hit single “Smokin’ Johnny Cash”, or their most poignant, when Snarski performed a song co-written, and dedicated for, the late Dave McComb.

Frente’s set was pleasant, and similarly suited for a lazy afternoon, if somewhat less than captivating for those who are not longtime fans. Angie Hart has a brilliant voice, and, despite the fact that she has stated for many years her dislike of their massive hit, “Accidently Kelly Street”, she performed it, and the rest of their set with a big smile on her face.

Halfway through, however, we were compelled towards the big tent to catch the last half of Stonefield, the four sisters on a mission to conquer the world. Coming out of the meters-high stacked PA system, the band sounded MASSIVE, and a good deal tighter than last time this reporter saw them perform, as a support act at The Corner earlier in the year.

Sure, their act is a little one dimensional and contrived but they are not lacking in talent, stage presence, or good songs. Amy Findlay, the drummer, in particular has an incredibly powerful voice, belting out the final number and leaving the Lighthouse stage cheering for more.

Gypsy and the Cat were pleasant and inoffensive, but the energy was raised infinitely after the majority of the crowds had packed up and headed back towards Melbourne. At The Pelican Bar the clock was rewound, as several of the best acts of the night before returned for encore sets.

These included the mighty Dynamites featuring Charles Walker, who were sounding at least as powerful as the previous night, possibly more so due to the excitement and commitment of the remaining crowd, and The Snowdroppers, who thrive in a packed tent environment.

We drank, we danced, and we bade farewell to a fantastic festival on the occasion of its 15th birthday, truly a weekend that had something for everyone without diluting the quality of it offerings. Thanks Queenscliff, See you next year!