THE Narrawong Mechanics Hall was alive with the local community, kids and adults of all ages enjoying a warm meal and some fine music on Saturday night, in a scene reminiscent of the glory days of country town halls.

Central to the revival was Narrawong local Justin Carter, who organised the ‘Winter Gathering’ event with wife Robyn (and plenty of helpers), and also graced the stage as one half of headline act Little Georgia.

The sold out event well and truly packed out the hall - also on the bill was Victorian High Country singer songwriter Benny Williams, while local catering from ‘The Good Hoe’ kept the crowd satisfied with a warming curry feed.

“In a Portland winter, it's so easy just to lock yourself in, eat some chocolate and watch a movie,” Mr Carter said.

“The purpose was to provide an event for people to be able to come out to and still stay cozy but watch some live music and have some warm food and get out and about and have a chat amongst each other.

“I think (a friend) said it best, talking after, he said ‘that's exactly what I needed’.”

After some disconnected years, Mr Carter said it was important to find ways to reconnect, especially in smaller towns like Narrawong.

“A little bit of communication was lost, but hopefully these types of events can help sort of ooze that back into the community.

“The coolest thing is that that used to happen every Saturday night at that hall, I'm sure…whether it be a dance or a band or even I know they used to have a traveling cinema that moved through the halls.”

Mr Carter said they are inspired by the hall’s past to continue the events into the future, especially given the reception this time.

“We'll definitely start to plan for a summer gathering.

“It's cool because they're both two totally different things, winter is all dark, warm and snuggly, but we can spread out a bit more in the Summer.

“We're keen to have more events to, there may be one or two pop up before Summer if there’s something great we can bring to the hall, we’re open to anything really if it makes sense for the community.”