Expect to see artworks on walls and in windows for the festival. Photo: Thirroul Seaside and Arts Festival.
The “biggest thing that happens in Thirroul all year” is around the corner, as organisers get ready for the latest instalment of the beloved Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival.
This year, the festival has been brought up from its usual June weekend to March, as organisers hope to take advantage of the lovely weather.
From Saturday 14 March, shoppers can expect to see artworks hung on walls and placed in windows around Thirroul as local retailers kick things off with the traditional precursor to the festivities, “Art in the Shops”.
This year, a kids’ scavenger hunt of sorts will accompany the teaser, with children invited to find different art-related objects and images around the town.
“We want to get them thinking about the art, thinking about what they like best about it and why,” festival volunteer Kim Morris says.
“We have a wonderful lady who has crocheted children’s characters like Winnie the Pooh, Angry Birds and Smurfs, and they’ll be wrapped around trees and things around town at this time and throughout the festival period.”
The festival has been running for more than three decades and is proudly organised by the Austinmer Thirroul Lions Club and community volunteers. It consists of three main events over three days.
At its heart is the Art Show at Thirroul District Community Centre, which showcases the work of local artists from Friday 27 to Sunday 29 March.
The show offers the public the chance to meet the creators and, with more than 350 pieces of art, sculpture and photography covering a wide range of sizes and prices, perhaps pick up a work of art for their home.
A $25 ticket to opening night on Friday 27 March from 7 pm includes wine, soft drinks and canapes, as well as first pick of works for sale.
The exhibition runs for the rest of the weekend, and entry costs a gold coin donation that goes to the Lions.
“You’ll be supporting local artists and community projects of the Austinmer-Thirroul Lions Club,” Kim says.
Carrying on from its inaugural success last year, the Kite Day brings a blaze of colour to the skies at Thirroul Beach Reserve on Saturday 28 March.
Families can simply watch vibrant, large-scale displays by the Australian Kiteflyers Society or, if they want to participate, can bring their own kites, learn to make them at a workshop on the day or buy kites on the spot. There will be an ice cream truck, and the Lions Club will fire up the barbecue around lunchtime.
The festival then concludes with a full-blown community event — the Festival in the Park at Thirroul Beach Reserve from 9 am to 3 pm on Sunday 29 March.
Think carnival rides, more than 60 market stalls, live entertainment and food trucks, all set against the backdrop of Thirroul’s beautiful coastline.
“This is the biggest thing that happens in Thirroul all year,” Kim says. “We’re hoping this year, like last year, the weather holds out and people come out in force.”
For more information, visit Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival.
