Street festival to transform Kiama into a winter wonderland this July

Kiama will be transformed into a winter wonderland this July as it swaps ice rinks on the harbour for an open street party as part of this year’s newly titled Kiama Winter Street Festival.

Each year Destination Kiama creates a twist for its July school holiday winter event, with last year including the Kiama Winter Festival – Ice Skating By The Sea and the previous year’s Ignite Winter Festival.

Destination Kiama chair, councillor Matt Brown, said this year’s two-day Kiama Winter Street Festival from 13-14 July would involve downtown Kiama being transformed into a winter wonderland through an array of free entertainment and open street dining from the area’s cafes and restaurants.

Cr Brown said Terralong Street would close to vehicles and open for pedestrians and partygoers to enjoy dining, music, live art, interactive workshops, dancing and street entertainment. A magical light installation would then fill the evening sky.

“We are looking forward to creating a fun, engaging and vibrant festival, capturing our famous community spirit while supporting local businesses by providing expanded dining and shopping opportunities during the normally quieter winter months,” he said.

“We encourage everyone to come and immerse themselves in the festivities, enjoy the abundance of dining options and entertainment late into the night – well, 9 pm is late for us.”

Among the highlights will be Sydney and Melbourne based entertainment juggernauts Junkyard Beats, whose family friendly show draws on inspiration from everyday life, the streets and the junkyard as they present a high-energy routine of drumming, body percussion, dance, junk percussion, circus and hilarious skits.

There will also be pop-up sports in Hindmarsh Park as part of Hungerball, which will involve street games such as football, hockey and other ball games within the six sides of the inflatable Hungerball arena.

Illawarra talent will be represented through dance troupes, solo artists and bands such as Bronte Alva, Rolling Holy, Prodikal-1 and The Groove, while Laughter House will bring the latest national talent to the “Kiama Little Big Stage”.

Into the night, DJs will keep the party vibes alive, alongside a laser show by Flying Pictures, a glow zone and light installations highlighting Illawarra art by R & R Production Services.

Other installations include illuminated giant puppets by Curious Legends, a giant snow globe and roving fun by CirqueUm Navigate, including a magic and fire show.

It will all combine to create an immersive winter street festival experience.

Kiama’s licensed venues are invited to stock Destination Kiama’s branded pale ale, Kiama Winter Brew, provided by Gerringong institution Stoic Brewing.

Central Perk Cafe owner Cameron Thomas welcomed the opportunity for retailers, cafes and restaurants to be able to trade later and join in the winter fun by tantalising tastebuds with their eclectic range of fare.

“This is a great initiative, and we welcome all of the community activations that bring everyone together to enjoy our beautiful town, especially during the winter months,” Cameron said.

Destination Kiama tourism and events manager Sally Bursell previously said the key objectives for the winter festivals were to level out seasonality.

“We would like to fill up the beds, restaurants and attractions outside of peak times and show the world that Kiama in winter is really beautiful – and not that cold,” she said.

The event is funded by the NSW Government and is a free event.

Kiama Winter Street Festival will be held along Terralong Street in Kiama on 13 July from noon to 9 pm and 14 July from 10 am to 2 pm. Terralong Street between Collins and Shoalhaven streets will be closed from 13 July at 8 am until 14 July at 4 pm.