Media Release

Tuesday, 27 October 2009

Community members and visitors alike are being urged to ensure they don't miss out on all the great events on offer this week as the 2009 Go North Arts Festival continues until Sunday, 1 November.

Getting underway last Friday with Market Day in Swan Hill, the Go North Arts Festival was officially opened on Saturday at the Community Celebration Day in Riverside Park with around 500 people all up taking part in the celebrations and the performance of Pondi later that evening.

The day also included the announcement of the 2009 Cultural Achievement Awards, where Louise Macaulay and Lorri Lambert took out the honours for the Bushfire Benefit Art Auction, while local performer Tammy Shields was given the award for the youth category.

This Wednesday don't miss all the action at the Swan Hill Town Hall with the heat for the Nationwide Poetry Slam competition, hosted by the Swan Hill Library.

One of only six heats being held in Victoria, the evening will see performance poetry, lyrics and raps being shared with the audience, with audience participation and assistance with scoring highly encouraged! Registering for the event will take place at 6pm on the night, with the competition to get underway by 6.30pm.

Thursday will see the colour and glamour take to the stage for the 2009 Fairfax Festival Gala performance evening at the Swan Hill Town Hall from 7pm.

The night will involve performances from regional school across Victoria and will be the chance to witness the creativity, skills and professionalism of the young stars of tomorrow.

The Go North Arts festivities will continue into the weekend with the wonderful, weird and wacky at the Swan Hill's Got Talent! finals on Friday night from 7pm at the Swan Hill Town Hall, while on the Saturday, an illustration workshop for children of all ages by illustrator Craig Smith will take place at the Swan Hill Library.

On Saturday evening, don't miss the chance to foxtrot the night away at the Lake Boga Community Centre with the Gala Ball from 8pm.

Wrapping up the festival on the Sunday will be the Artist Market at the Art Gallery precinct from 9am to 1pm - an arts and artisan's bazaar with a range of local artwork and produce for sale.

“There's certainly plenty happening this week for the Go North Arts Festival,” Committee member Camille Cullinan said.

“And with so many great activities still to take place, we're urging our community and visitors to make sure they don't miss the opportunity to take part in the festival and enjoy its atmosphere and events.”

For more information regarding the Go North Arts Festival, please visit www.gonorthartsfestival.info.