Viva la Gong kicks off for 2018

Get ready for music, dance, great food, local art and more as Viva la Gong arrives in MacCabe Park, Wollongong on Saturday 10 November 2018.

This year there are new additions to the festival program including Japanese music makers the Stompin Riffraffs, a community weave installation – Archi-Loom, Erth dinosaurs and Viva Film, a short-film competition that showcases the talent of local filmmakers.

Acting Lord Mayor Councillor David Brown, said that attendees could expect to see local bands, artists, food and craft stalls, circus acts, community singers and dancers perform throughout MacCabe Park.

“The Viva la Gong program is jam-packed with diverse acts and performances as well as the chance to get involved in a huge community weave installation,” Cr Brown said. “There’s a big focus this year on international, national and local artists with some of the best talent on stage!”

To kick off the 2018 event, Acting Lord Mayor Councillor David Brown will launch the Viva la Gong program in the Arts Precinct on Burelli Street from 10.30am on Thursday 1 November. He will be joined by performers, musicians and artists.

Cr Brown said: “What’s great about Viva la Gong is how it brings together people from all walks of life to celebrate the artistic and cultural diversity of our City. I encourage everyone to pencil the date into their calendars for a fun day out for the whole family.”

A taste of what’s on…

Stompin Riffraffs Join the fun as Japanese band, Stompin Riffraffs, bring loads of energy to the Viva la Gong stage. Specialising in classic 50s rock-n-roll and rockabilly music this performance is sure to get you dancing.

Archi-Loom By Melbourne based ‘Slow Art Collective’ (Dylan Martorell , Chaco Kato)

Get creative with Archi-Loom – a 3D interactive artwork that transforms into a space to play, rest, craft and discover. We’re inviting you to add your own mark to the installation by weaving found materials directly into the loom. All skill levels are welcome!

For more information about Slow Art Collective, visit http://www.slowartcollective.com

Erth dinosaurs Travel back in time to the prehistoric era as giant dinosaur puppetry stomp their way across Viva la Gong. This interactive exhibition showcases all kinds of creatures from cute baby dinos to some of the largest carnivores that ever roamed the earth. Erth’s Dinosaurs is a unique and educational performance that is sure to delight all ages.

Viva Film This year Viva la Gong announced Viva Film – the festival’s first ever short-film competition. The theme for 2018 was ‘Wollongong’ and over 200 short films were entered. Entries have now closed and finalists will be able to show their work on the big screen as part of the Viva la Gong festival.

More information about the event program will be made available closer to the date on the Viva la Gong website.

Viva la Gong is a waste wise event so attendees are encouraged to bring along their own picnic, eating utensils, plates, water bottles, reusable cups and straws. There will be prizes on offer for those being waste wise!

For more information please visit Council’s website at www.wollongong.nsw.gov.au or call Customer Service on (02) 4227 7111.

Like Loading...