Arts & Health- Free Community Information Session
Down by the River
Friday 26 August 2016, 4pm-9pm
After the success of the past three Down by the River events, the Rural City of Wangaratta will again present a winter version this August.
The part-music festival, part-twilight market has become a staple in Council’s event repertoire and as audiences continue to enjoy the combination it has become an offering not to be missed.
This installment coincides with the official opening of the Bullawah Cultural Trail – the 2.4km shared path, winding along the Ovens River. It will showcase sculptures/public art, Indigenous plantings, interpretive signage and an Elders Rock. The project compliments and enhances the natural environment and the cultural heritage of Sydney Beaches and the Ovens River, and will tie in an indigenous element to the whole Down By The River event.
Another element of the event is the twilight market. For each event, expressions of interest are taken for trader’s keen to showcase everything from lovingly handmade crafts and jewellery to sweet ciders and street food. To be involved in future Down By The River’s, visit the website.
As the bill of entertainment is being prepared by Council’s secret squirrels, it is just a matter of time before the play list of performers is launched to complement shopping and grazing along the Ovens Riverside.
Just because it is cold doesn’t mean you have to stay home. The winter version of this event promises a line-up of activities, food and music to keep you warm, chock-full and in good spirits.
See you Down by the River, Friday 26 August 2016, 4pm-9pm.
Life Stories- St. Johns Village
In 2010 three volunteers started Life Stories Life Stories Program at St. John’s Village in Wangaratta North East Victoria. Nobody was really sure if anyone would be interested in writing or reading the life stories of a group of elderly citizens living in retirement in regional Victoria. “Where do we begin” was the question on everyone’s lips closely followed by “But who would want to read my story anyway?”
Check out this fantastic project:
http://www.stjohnsvillage.com.au/lifestyle/life-stories/
Special Screenings- We Remember
Prepare to be amazed at ‘Down by the River’
Media Release
With 40 stalls already locked and loaded for the third installment of Down by the River, this chapter of the event promises to amaze you, drawing on the themes of Magic, Movement and Music.
The part-music festival, part-twilight market is set for Friday 11 March and combines extra elements of gourmet food, wine and boutique beers – in an offering not to be missed.
Council has this time partnered with the Wangaratta Makers Market to produce a twilight market component that is as interesting as it is diverse, winding along the riverside pathways in Apex Park.
With a stellar lineup just released by Council’s Event team, your ears are going to be wildly grateful:
- Woodlock – perfecting their sound for the live setting – these guys focus on strong, energetic and creative live shows to take their performance to the next level. Reika – this four piece party rock band hails from Melbourne and is sure to get your feet tapping and your mouth curling up at the edges
- Fion McKenna – silky, dulcet sounds that will leave you breathless…. beautifully honest.
And local acoustic specialists – Johnny Paola, Jeff Cabalar and Claire O’Connell.
The change in the venue layout will see the main stage moved to Apex Park and the acoustic component (the Guitar Bar) located in the Riverside Square – opening up the event to accommodate a spectacle like no other….. be prepared…. as night falls at 8:30pm a special performance by Strange Fruit will amaze! This not-to-be-missed fusion of theatre, dance and circus has to be seen to be believed.
Prior to the performance, Strange Fruit will be running an all ages workshop from 5.00 – 6.00pm. The workshop will be an opportunity to learn all about circus skills, clowning and movement.
See you ‘Down by the River’, Friday 11 March 2016, 4pm-9pm.
Down by the River is back…
After the success of the Spring and Winter versions of ‘Down by the River’ in 2015, the Rural City of Wangaratta will again combine some of the community’s greatest loves – food, culture and music on Friday 11 March. This season’s themes are MAGIC, MOVEMENT and MUSIC – think circus arts, summery tunes, breath taking trickery and just good ol’ clowning around! Before the days get shorter, we welcome you to an event that promises a line-up of activities, food and music to keep you entertained, enthralled and chock-full of enjoyment. Looking forward to seeing you Down by the River!
WHEN: Friday 11th March
WHERE: Ovens Riverside Precinct & Apex Park
We Remember Documentary- NOW AVAILABLE
We Remember – A Special Remembrance Day Event
Hundreds of people are expected to fill the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre and Ovens Street to honour the service and sacrifice of local veterans and the community. The Rural City of Wangaratta will host We Remember for Remembrance Day on Wednesday November 11.
The Rural City of Wangaratta received a $40,000 grant from the Victorian Government’s ‘Anzac Centenary Major Grants Program’ to work collaboratively with local school students to create a documentary and image projection installation that will honour and commemorate the service and sacrifice made by local World War 1 veterans.
Students from Our Lady’s Primary School, Myrrhee Primary School, Carraragarmungee Primary School and Wangaratta High School have been researching and creating interactive projects to unearth what World War 1 means to them.
Gold Logie award winning actor and writer, John Wood, will be the official MC of the event. Wood, most famous for his role as Tom Croydon on Blue Heelers has been involved in the making of ‘We Remember’, providing his soothing tones as the voiceover for the documentary.
This special event will include:
- World War 1 image projection onto the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, beginning at nightfall.
- The ‘We Remember’ documentary in the Alpine MDF Theatre
- The 100 Voices Commemorative Choir and local school choirs
- A community BBQ
- An exhibition of photographs, memorabilia and short films
Students from local primary school choirs have been practicing their singing ahead of the night.
ANZAC Centenary Commemorative Project – Remembrance Day Event
Short films made by local school students, displays of historical equipment, the 100 Voices Commemorative Choir and a World War 1 image projection onto the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre are some of the exciting aspects of the ANZAC Centenary Commemorative Event to be hosted by the Rural City of Wangaratta on Remembrance Day.
The evening event will be held at the Wangaratta Performing Arts Centre, the Holy Trinity Cathedral Forecourt and Ovens Street from 7pm – 9pm with the World War 1 images being projected onto the outside wall of the Performing Arts Centre at night fall.
The Rural City of Wangaratta received a $40,000 grant from the Victorian Government ‘Anzac Centenary Major Grants Program’ to work collaboratively with local school students to create a documentary and image projection installation that will honour and commemorate the service and sacrifice made by local World War 1 veterans. Students from Our Lady’s Primary School, Myrrhee Primary School, Carraragarmungee Primary School and Wangaratta High School have been researching and creating interactive projects to unearth what World War 1 means to them.
“Bringing together images, narration and song tells the story of World War 1 in a contemporary way that has significant meaning to our local community. Working with local school students to share history in new and innovative ways has inspired interest in the stories of local people who served in World War 1 and strengthens our community identity and ensures that our local stories live on” said Jaime Carroll – Director of Community Wellbeing.
The documentary will be uploaded to the culturewangaratta.com website which is a keeping place for local stories, films and photographs about people, memory and place. The website acts as a virtual museum so that local stories can be passed on from generation to generation and will leave an ongoing legacy for the future ensuring these stories are heard.
For more information please contact Council’s Cultural Development Officer Justine Ambrosio on: (03) 5722 0847 or email: j.ambrosio@wangaratta.vic.gov.au