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Gallery | Now & Forever concert lights up the showgrounds

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Back to his roots: Briggs organised Now & Forever in his native town of Shepparton. Photo by Megan Fisher

On Friday, October 6, iconic Australian hip-hop group Hilltop Hoods made the crowd at the Shepparton Showgrounds go absolutely wild.

After performing their set, they gave the people what they wanted, and threw on classic 2014 track Cosby Sweater.

Setting it off: Sparks were flying during the Hilltop Hoods set. Photo by Megan Fisher

The crowd of around 8000 people responded, the roaring getting even louder when home-town hero, Yorta Yorta man and event organiser Adam Briggs, joined the Hilltops on stage.

He was accompanied by other iconic Australian artists including Paul Kelly, Jimmy Barnes, Baker Boy and more, all of whom had previously performed throughout the day.

Giving back: Briggs makes one last point to the crowd before heading off stage. Photo by Megan Fisher

They joined in on the performance, some of them dropping their own verse on the hip-hop anthem, as an eventful concert drew to a close.

But not before Briggs and crew got a selfie on-stage with the chorus of fans in the background.

Now & Forever was devised by Briggs to campaign for a Yes vote at the upcoming Voice referendum and bring an all-star line-up to his native town of Shepparton.

Sharing a smile: Briggs and Jimmy Barnes. Photo by Megan Fisher

The full line-up was listed as featuring A.B. Original, Vince the Kid, Baker Boy, Barkaa, Emma Donovan, Hilltop Hoods, Jimmy Barnes, Mo’Ju, Paul Kelly and was co-hosted by comedian and presenter Sam Pang.

There were a couple of special guests who weren’t on the bill, including Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, much to the surprise of attendees.

Unity: Colin Walker, known as Uncle Col, with Prime Minister Anthony Albanese. Photo by Megan Fisher

The Prime Minister made a speech in support of the Yes vote and was joined on-stage by First Nations leaders and elders as well as Briggs’s sister, Belinda Briggs, who spoke about the significance of the event and the impending referendum.

The concert also had food trucks and merchandise stalls.

Showing out: A fan with Barkaa merchandise. Photo by Megan Fisher

It kicked off in the early afternoon and wrapped up shortly before 10pm.

Electric atmosphere: The crowd right at the front. Photo by Megan Fisher
Taking it in: A.B. Original on stage. Photo by Megan Fisher
Lit up: Crowd taking in all the action. Photo by Megan Fisher
All-stars: Briggs on stage with the Hilltop Hoods. Photo by Megan Fisher
To the moon: Hilltop Hoods asked everyone to put something in the air. Photo by Megan Fisher
MCs: Hilltop Hoods performing. Photo by Megan Fisher
Sing it: Hilltop Hoods feeling the crowd energy. Photo by Megan Fisher
Collaborating: Baker Boy performing alongside Hilltop Hoods and other artists. Photo by Megan Fisher
Bars: Hilltop Hoods were the closing act for the concert. Photo by Megan Fisher
Strike a pose: Hilltop Hoods performing. Photo by Megan Fisher
Legends combine: Briggs hugging Paul Kelly. Photo by Megan Fisher
The man: Briggs performs with his group A.B. Original. Photo by Megan Fisher
Hands up: The crowd going crazy for Jimmy Barnes. Photo by Megan Fisher
Joyful performance: Mahalia Barnes and Emma Donovan. Photo by Megan Fisher
Selfie: Barkaa grabs a pic with the fans. Photo by Megan Fisher
Strumming: Former Hunters & Collectors frontman Mark Seymour was a surprise performer. Photo by Megan Fisher
Hitting it: Jimmy Barnes roaring. Photo by Megan Fisher
Big personality: Sam Pang co-hosting the event. Photo by Megan Fisher
Taking in the scenery: Jess Hitchcock looking out at the crowd before performing. Photo by Megan Fisher
Getting jiggy with it: Baker Boy busting a move. Photo by Megan Fisher
Good times: Baker Boy enjoying his time on stage. Photo by Megan Fisher
Culture: Baker Boy performing. Photo by Megan Fisher
Good vibes: Emma Donovan and Paul Kelly embrace. Photo by Megan Fisher
Legend: Paul Kelly. Photo by Megan Fisher
Unity centre-stage: The stage at the concert. Photo by Megan Fisher
Tunes: Emma Donovan performs with a live band. Photo by Megan Fisher
Whiplash: Barkaa letting her hair down during her performance. Photo by Megan Fisher
Your turn: Barkaa getting the crowd involved during her performance. Photo by Megan Fisher
Number one fan: Biyala Atkinson-Jack, 2, watching Barkaa perform. Photo by Megan Fisher
Crowd surfing: Attendees right in front of the stage. Photo by Megan Fisher
Massive turnout: Around 8000 people attended the concert. Photo by Megan Fisher
Representing: Attendees with a front row seat to the action. Photo by Megan Fisher
Powerful words: Belinda Briggs speaking at the event. Photo by Megan Fisher
Hanging out: Mum Nicole Wells with kids, Abby, 11, Ahston, 9, and Lily, 13. Photo by Megan Fisher
Taking in the sunshine: Sophie Rose, Eva-Grace Rose-Nicholls, 3, and Brandon Nicholls. Photo by Megan Fisher
All smiles: Iman Sudi and Lado Suliman enjoying the festivities. Photo by Megan Fisher
Family affair: Luke O'Loughlan with son Ash, 6. Photo by Megan Fisher
Chilling: Pene and Tim Rice getting comfortable. Photo by Megan Fisher
Loud and proud: Sharon and Jeffery Jones at the concert. Photo by Megan Fisher
Electric: Mo'Ju performing. Photo by Megan Fisher
Golden boy: Shepparton artist Vince the Kid won a competition to perform alongside Australian music royalty at the concert. Photo by Megan Fisher