Community festival is back

(Damjan Janevski) 329825_01

Whittlesea council’s Community Festival will return bigger and better this year on March 17.

Highlights of the program include the crowd-favourite Team Dream performance on the main stage, cultural performances and the world kitchen, showcasing the talents of five local cooks providing delicious meals to the community.

The festival also offers free theatre shows at Plenty Ranges Arts and Convention Centre. These include A Circus Sensation by ZAP CIRCUS featuring fire-eating, hula-hooping, acrobatics, comedy and freakshow stunts and the interactive show Someone in the dark by award winning Black Hole Theatre.

Families can enjoy many free activities, including face painting, art and craft, roving entertainers, and the chance to get up and close with our emergency service heroes.

For young people, the youth zone offers a buzzing hub of activities for ages 12-25, with a rock-climbing wall and performances by local young musicians and artists.

The much-loved pet expo promises adorable moments and valuable pet care tips. Meanwhile, the ageing well zone features entertainment with free activities including mini golf, ten-pin bowling, carpet bowls and croquet.

Sustainability will also take centre stage in 2024 as we bid farewell to single-use plastics at all our stalls and food trucks and introduce more water stations for refilling your bottle, contributing to a greener celebration.

Chair administrator Lydia Wilson said she was excited to see the community involvement in this much-loved council event.

“We are thrilled to bring our diverse community together at the 2024 Community Festival. This year’s theme, connections, is not just about a celebration of unity, it is an invitation for our vibrant community to create long lasting memories together,” she said.

“The Community Festival is a fun community event featuring local artists and performers, market stalls, entertainment, food trucks, cultural activities, a pet expo and plenty of things to see and do. It has something for everyone, no matter your age.”

The event in on March 17 between 11am-5pm at the Civic Centre, 25 Ferres Boulevard, South Morang.

Details: www.arts.whittlesea.vic.gov.au.