Over the Queens Birthday weekend, the town of Woodend is combining literature, arts and music for the 13th time at their unique Winter Arts Festival. With both international and Australian artists, Woodend will become a hub of thought provoking and challenging performances and events over the long weekend. Forte is here to give you a run-down of what not to miss at the Woodend Winter Arts Festival this year.
Literature
If you have ever dreamt of writing a memoir, a personal essay or even starting a life blog, then author Spiri Tsintziras is here to help. We all have a fascinating story to tell, and memoirist Spiri Tsintziras will be holding a workshop for early and emerging writers to give them the tools to continue on and improve their writing journey.
There’s a chance for kids to get involved as well with beloved author Mem Fox visiting the festival. At the Woodend library on the Saturday morning, the award-winning author will be reading her very own enchanting Possum Magic. Adults are more than welcome to tag along too of course for one of Australia’s most loved picture books.
Arts
The Macedon Ranges potters are back again to display their works at the at the Woodend Community hub. The exhibition will run over the whole weekend including a variety of functional and sculptural works. Moreover, there is an open invitation for anyone to meet the artists on Saturday afternoon.
Right around the corner, the Macedon Ranges art group will also be exhibiting. During the festival, the Woodend Bowling Club will be displaying art from many local talents. There’s also an opportunity to take solace from the cold weather and come in for a free coffee and to chat to the artists.
Music & Film
To top everything off, there will be several live music performances scattered across the weekend. Tony Lee, who received the Australian National Piano Award will be performing a handful of songs at the St Ambrose Hall, and Caboclo Quinta Essentia at St Ambrose Hall with with original music for recorder quartet and arrangements of Brazilian popular tunes.
Encompassing the diversity of events over the weekend, a silent film, Earth by Alexander Dovzhenko, will be displayed at the festival. The 1930 film depicts the lives of Ukraine farmers during a time of rising political tensions. To accompany the film, Stefan Cassomenos will be playing the piano live in the St Ambrose hall.
To celebrate this annual event, the will be a free fireworks display on the opening night at Buffalo stadium and with several food trucks, this is definitely the place to start your weekend.
For the full program or to book tickets, visit woodendwinterartsfestival.org.au
When & Where: Woodend – June 9 – 12
Written by Chelsea King
