Sounds like a daunting task – but musician Rob Webb is up for the challenge.

Determined to successfully run a regionally based music festival on a shoe-string budget, Mr Webb is transforming a former Creswick railway workshop into a cultural hub for one day only.

The family-friendly Happy Trails Festival will see up to 13 bands from Creswick, Ballarat and Castlemaine take to the rustic venue.

Local favourite Mark with the Sea will be one of the headline acts. 

“I always envisaged bands playing in places like Creswick,” Mr Webb said.

He said diversity was key to ensuring the event had wider appeal.

“I’ve tried to ensure there is a good gender balance and a mixed palette,” he said.

Mark with the Sea’s Marc Oswin said performing at a local music festival was something all bands aspired to. 

“We were really rapt to be asked to perform at the Happy Trails Festival,” Mr Oswin said.

The stage-less event will see performers roam through the audience, mingling and interacting with their fans.

“I think the artists who end up having real longevity in their careers are the ones who do that,” Mr Oswin said. 

“Fans love to get the opportunity to approach their idols.” 

Mr Oswin said the event had been “a long time coming” in the Ballarat area. 

To buy tickets for the October 31 festival visit www.happytrailsfestival.com.