School holidays set to be AWESOME
Thousands of South West families are set to flock to the Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre this school holidays as the free AWESOME International Arts Festival for Bright Young Things makes its return to Bunbury.
More than 4300 kids and their families took part in the 2024 edition of the two-day arts festival, taking part in creative and activities designed specifically for children aged 12 and under.More than 4300 kids and their families took part in the 2024 edition of the two-day arts festival, taking part in creative and performance activities designed specifically for children aged 12 and under.
This year the festival is back bigger than ever. It remains completely free of charge, providing vibrant school holiday entertainment for families feeling the pinch of cost-of-living pressures.
On top of the many workshops and arts experiences on offer, families are invited into BREC’s main theatre for four free performances of the brand-new Barking Gecko Arts production, Walk of the Whales.
Based on the award-winning picture book by Nick Bland and adapted for stage by WA playwright Gita Bezard, Walk of the Whales is a moving and imaginative play about a world where whales leave the oceans and move into the towns in an analogy of human activities in the oceans, transferring to Bunbury straight from its premiere season in Perth.
Enterprising young creatives have been invited to take part in the Kids’ Maker Market. The young artisans will sell their crafty wares to the general public from their very own market stall, showcasing their skills and fostering young entrepreneurial spirits.
Local artists offer workshops, sharing their skills and fostering creative play. Candice Nannup will lead kids of all ages in exploring the beauty, creatures and textures of the ocean through paint, tissue paper, tulle, sand and oil pastels.
Busselton’s Sarah Francis will host a playful movement workshop in hour-long sessions designed for kids 5 and above to enjoy the freedom of contemporary dance – and gain some skills which might be useful for the daily Awesome Pop Up talent quest.
Theatre-maker Siobhan Maiden leads a drama workshop, introducing kids aged 7-12 to improvised storytelling through movement, props and spoken word.
The Gnaala Karla Booja Ranger Service will also be part of the festival, inviting families to stop by their stall outside BREC for activities, information and a yarn with the Rangers.
On top of a huge range of local talent, interstate and international artists are also joining the fun. Queensland’s Madame Lark flies in with a musical saw and a zeal for the many and varied voices of birds. From Scotland, Experts Radio Lab will be on air, inviting kids to talk about what they know about, what they love or what they are ‘expert in’. West Australia’s Glenn Swift, Awesome Festival’s Storyteller-in-Residence, will pop up sharing stories where you least expect it.
BREC Executive Director Fiona de Garis said she is hoping the festival will build on the success of 2024.
“We want BREC to be a place where everyone feels welcome, and AWESOME is a wonderful way of opening the whole building up to children and families. They can see fantastic professional work, make things, dance, tell stories and discover their own creativity – and because it’s free, every family can come along and be part of it.
“We’re incredibly grateful to all our partners, donors and supporters whose generosity has helped us bring this fantastic festival back to Bunbury.”
The AWESOME Festival is a stay and play experience, offering the perfect opportunity for families to connect. All children must be accompanied and supervised by a Grown-Up at all times.