Bundaberg’s annual arts event Crush Festival returns this October to celebrate the region’s thriving arts scene. Locals and visitors will experience 10 days of unique arts and cultural events against the pristine backdrop of the Bundaberg region, gateway to the Southern Great Barrier Reef.
From breathtaking acrobatics by Australia’s premier circus troupe Circa, to irresistible live music from Australian rockers Moving Pictures, sand sculptures by the sea, and a special literary festival WriteFest – featuring a fantastic lineup of authors including human rights advocate Arnold Zable, this year’s festival offers something for everyone.
The festival’s centrepiece, Crush Carnivale will be an agricultural-themed extravaganza of entertainment and culture on 7 October – featuring music, circus and roving street performers including aerialists, dancers and local artist showcases.
The legendary Moving Pictures will open the 10-day festival more than 30 years after the release of their hugely successful debut album, Days of Innocence, which spawned the mega hit What About Me.
Circa Crush will see young Bundaberg locals perform with the troupe’s internationally acclaimed Circa acrobats in a farming-themed production, featuring plenty of tumbling, hoops, silks and a triple trapeze. Circa’s acrobats will also astound festival-goers with another hit show, 31 Acts in 30 Minutes – as they battle the clock and challenge how far their bodies can bend and fly.
A grand singalong will ensue when the 40-strong voices of the local Pub Rock Choir soar across the carnivale area. With members from all walks of life, the choir welcomes everyone to join in as they belt out pub classics such as You’re The Voice by John Farnham and Hey Jude by The Beatles.
Headlined by Australian award-winning writer Arnold Zable, WriteFest will facilitate workshops for avid readers and passionate writers to learn trade tips and tricks from successful Australian authors including prolific writer Aleesah Darlison and audiovisual storyteller Cindi Drennan.
The diverse range of activities, from Sand Sculptures at Elliott Heads beach, to Studio Tours – an interactive peek into artist studios in and around Childers, and irresistible events such as the tasty live music treats in Alowishus Delicious’ The Great Gelato Groove and Australia’s biggest rum and food festival Spirit of Bundaberg, makes Crush Festival the perfect getaway for adventurers of all ages this October.
The 2017 Crush Festival runs 6 – 15 October. For more information and full program, visit: www.crushfestivalqld.com.au for details.
Image: Stocklands Recycled Sculpture Project (supplied)