Festival has plenty to get you involved

A STRONG component of the Prom Coast Seachange Festival is to get people involved in enjoying what this beautiful region has to offer.

With over 60 events, the 2015 program provides plenty of opportunity for locals, regular holidaymakers and visitors from far afield to experience the Prom Coast in a variety of different ways.

The festival encompasses two big weekends, April 17 – 19 and 24 – 26, and includes a range of exhibitions and performances that run for extended periods throughout March to June.

According to the organising committee’s chairperson, Deb Bray, the biennial festival continues to grow in size, reputation and participant numbers, and fosters quality events that draw attention to this magnificent region.

“The festival is a wonderful way to draw people together by providing something for everyone,” said Deb. “From food and wine to sustainability and the environment, musicals and art to tours, sport and workshops.”

“We are especially pleased to welcome ABC Gippsland on board as our official media partner,” said Deb. “They have some great things planned for the festival, and will be with us during the first weekend running a free one-day workshop titled ABC Open Gippsland Writers Festival and covering the festival through a series of interviews content for online features.”

“As a follow-on to our successful ABC Open Writers Festival events in Inverloch, Sale and Orbost last year, we have decided to bring the festival to Prom Coast this year,” said ABC Open Gippsland producer Rachael Lucas.

The writers festival, which is being held at the Fish Creek pub, is basically a day of networking and storytelling for South Gippsland and Bass Coast writers. There will be an ABC Open workshop activity on the theme ‘Grandparents,’ followed by the ever-popular hot seat, where local writers are interviewed for 10 minutes about their backgrounds, interests and projects and read a sample of their work. For event details go to abc.net.au/Gippsland and open.abc.net.au/events/4453

A number of other workshops will be running throughout the festival, providing plenty of opportunity for hands-on participation and experience.

Students from local primary schools will benefit from free workshops with celebrated local author and Australian Children’s Laureate Alison Lester and her colleague John Cooper at the Alison Lester Gallery in Fish Creek.

Iconic Australian musician Margret RoadKnight’s relaxed, engaging workshop was an instant hit at the 2013 Seachange Festival. Margret is keen to return to Waratah Hills Vineyard in 2015 for her Sunday 19 April singing workshop. No experience is necessary, but committed singers will find plenty to get their teeth into. Margret will also perform at Waratah Hills on Saturday 18 April. Bookings for both the workshop and performance can be made through Main Street Revelations or trybooking.com.

Another return event is the The Ark Clothing Company workshop, a great chance to be ahead of trends and take a ‘first look’ at Winter 2015. Pick up handy tips for re-inventing your wardrobe and pre-order this season’s key styles. Make a booking for Thursday 23 April on 0428 393 786 and enjoy an evening of fashion, champagne and a good old-fashioned raffle.

The Foster Community House in Station Road has a lot to offer the body, mind and soul throughout the festival. Things kick off with an Open Day at the House on Saturday 18 April. Enjoy a tea or coffee in the Manna Gum Lounge, browse the recycled goods and take in Foster Primary School’s art display of handmade Turkish-inspired tiles. Children can join in on a range of art and craft activities inspired by the sea and everyone can enjoy a BBQ lunch at noon with music provided by local musicians.

A Mindfulness Workshop will be held on Sunday 19 April that will provide an introduction to techniques that help improve memory and concentration and aid in reducing stress. Following that, connect mind and body in gentle movements to soothing music in the Meditation and Movement session designed to free up expression and improve relaxation.

Let your thoughts fade away and just be in the present by trying Sahaja Meditation on Sunday 26 April. Further details regarding each of the Foster Community House events can be found in the festival program or by calling 5682 1101. A gold coin donation is suggested for each of these events.

Join in the fun again at Sandy Point with the Come Fly a Kite and Treasure Hunt event. Make, decorate and fly your own kite, then search for items and pass through checkpoints along the treasure hunt route around Sandy Point and the beach. No cost to participate with prizes and a sausage sizzle provided by the Sandy Point Community Centre. For further information contact Sally Gibson 5684 1545.

Beg or borrow a ukulele or bring your own and jam with Alex Burns as he works some ukulele magic with a workshop at the Rhythm Café in Foster on Sunday 26 April. Bookings can be made on 0407 632 242.

“There really is something for everyone,” remarked Deb Bray.”With so many great events being organised by local community groups, sporting clubs and traders it’s impossible to list them all.

“Pick up a program from local traders or check the festival website and Facebook page for updates and details on how to make bookings.”

Please visit www.promcoastseachangefestival.org.

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