In a brushstroke of brilliance, Shepparton Festival has decided to kick off this year’s much-anticipated return with a celebration.
The two-week festival will begin with a grand opening at the Shepparton Showgrounds Grandstand on Friday, April 5.
Bustling with creativity, the event will showcase a diverse blend of music, food, drinks, and interactive activities.
An array of culinary options will be available, including food trucks such as Oh My Ceylon, Jam Packed Donuts, and Mr Sheppy.
The Shepparton Festival bar will open at 2pm, offering a selection of fine local wines and beers.
However, the event isn’t just about tantalising the taste buds.
A plethora of performances, workshops, and activities will take place throughout the day, including Live Long and Sparkle, a dance party for children and adults, and Marli Kelly’s floral workshop, where participants can craft floral armbands and headbands.
Those interested in music and performance can tune in to Opera for Kids by Allegra Giagu or Ukefied! by Numurkah Ukulele Club.
Instead of running away to join the circus, the circus is coming to Shepparton with demonstrations and lessons by Issy and Meg from the Flying Fruit Fly Circus.
A unique feature of the event is the debut of Rhonda the Roving Festival Hub, where attendees can interact with festival staff, purchase tickets, and pick up a copy of the festival guide.
At 5pm, the official formalities will begin with a Welcome to Country and smoking ceremony, followed by artist talks, show previews, and light refreshments provided by Nanna Marce.
Shepparton Festival chair Mimi Leung said she was excited to bring her children to the family-friendly atmosphere and enjoy the abundance of offerings.
“It’s an amazing opportunity to do things we wouldn’t usually do, and all in one place,” she said.
“We’ll definitely be doing the dance party, opera, circus lessons, ukulele concert and zine making, but we’ll probably get stuck into a bunch of other things on the day.”
Following the grand opening, Shepparton Festival’s two-week program will commence.
From drawing workshops by the river’s edge to percussive explorations by WHACKollective and more, the festival is set to celebrate the region’s art, culture, and creativity in spectacular style.
For more information and a full schedule of programs, visit https://sheppartonfestival.org.au/
Shepparton Festival’s grand opening is on Friday, April 5, from 10am to 7pm at the Shepparton Showgrounds Grandstand, Thompson St, Shepparton.
Admission is free, and no booking is required.