Making plans for the King's Birthday long weekend? Head up to the charming village of Woodend, located just an hour's drive from the CBD, for its annual Winter Arts Festival from June 9 to 12.
This year, the festivities will kick off with a night filled with vibrant fireworks synchronised to popular classical music, plus performances by Japanese drummers Taikokoro Inc and the Royal Melbourne Hospital Scrub Choir.
The rest of the diverse program features some of Australia’s leading classical musicians alongside many of the country’s greatest literary minds. Join in on discussions about big topics like climate change, the clean energy transition, peace and war, democracy and what has science learned from the COVID pandemic.
For music fans, there's a wealth of sound to consume. See the Alma Zygier Trio perform jazz and blues classics, catch six Victorian choirs take over the community centre for a five-hour marathon event, and enjoy a set by acclaimed jazz musicians Simon Tedeschi and George Washingmachine.
A new addition to the festival line-up is the High Street Festa, which will take over Woodend's main street. Buildings will be illuminated with colourful projected artworks by local artist Mary Larnach-Jones, while hundreds of singers join forces to perform in the Big Sing. Of course, there will be plenty of warming treats and goodies to enjoy, plus late-night shopping.
To grab tickets, head to the WWAF website.
