The City of Casey's Winter Arts Festival is back for 2024 offering an exciting line-up of arts, cultural and entertainment experiences to warm up your winter.
This year's festival will run from 14 June to 14 July offering more than 60 events across Casey from interactive experiences and workshops to engaging performances and immersive art installations.
Now in its 22nd year, the festival is the southeast's largest annual celebration of the arts.
City of Casey Chair of Administrators Noelene Duff PSM said the festival program offered something for all ages and interests.
"In 2024, we are turning the spotlight on our diverse and exceptional local arts and cultural communities across Casey, and we're also inviting the audience to take centre stage," Ms Duff said.
"Through various experiences, performances, installations and workshops, the program aims to blur the lines between creator and spectator, transforming every individual into an essential part of the festival.
"Every offering in the program is by the community, for the community or with the intent to build new connections and shine a light on our incredibly vibrant city, rich with arts and culture."
Some highlights of this year's festival include:
MUSIC AND PERFORMANCE
• School of Rock presented by Windmill Theatre Company: Based on the beloved film, this is an electrifying musical sensation that's taking the stage by storm.
• Queers of Concert: After a sold-out triumph in 2023, local queen of drag, Brenda Bressed is returning to host another fabulous evening of song, laughs and dazzle.
• Casey Live and Local Micro-Festivals: These activations promise a diverse range of musical experiences. Picture yourself savouring an acoustic set with your morning coffee or grooving to a surf rock band during an afternoon catch-up with friends.
VISUAL ARTS
• Hybycozo Deep Thought installation: Delve into the realms of geometry, math, and science intertwined with traditional pattern design when HYBYCOZO's mesmerising installation Deep Thought lands in the outdoor plaza at Bunjil Place.
• Berwick District Woodworkers Club Expo: Once again the BDWWC will open their doors to showcase the incredible work of members, including furniture, woodturning, carving, rocking horses, toys and more.
• People of Pearcedale: An opportunity to view this unique and compelling collection of portraits by local artist Christopher Pyett.
DANCE
• Salsa for Seniors: A free session where you can learn new moves and groove to the music in a fun and lively atmosphere, followed by morning tea.
• The South East Area Throwdown: Back for another year, the Southeast Sessions are bringing an afternoon of vibrant and dynamic street dance culture for all ages.
• Kids Dancehall Workshop: Join Jungle City for a fun exploration of Jamaican Dancehall and Afro Fusion. Learn basic grooves, rhythms and fun party dance steps accessible to all age groups and dance abilities.
Get ready to ignite your senses, spark your creativity and beat those cold weather blues by immersing yourself in the Winter Arts Festival.
"Join us and be more than a spectator; be the heartbeat of an unforgettable celebration of the arts in the southeast," Ms Duff said.
Check out the full program and book your spot on the Winter Arts Festival page on Casey's website.
Casey's home of arts, culture and entertainment - Bunjil Place - has a great program of events as part of this year's festival. Visit the Bunjil Place website
