Community merging ahead of Fiesta

THE 2023 Smythesdale Arts and Music Fiesta is only one week away and plans for the creative festival are being finalised.

Organiser and ceramicist Barry Wemyss said at least 18 stallholders are set to take part in the artisan market, while 30 artists are showcasing at least 80 works, including nine 3D pieces, in an art exhibition inside The Well.

A bill of live musical performers has been curated by Amie Brûlée, which includes singer, guitarist and mandolin player Peter Daffy, banjoist Peter Harrison, rock’n’roll ensemble Rhiz and the Sugarplums, and Mount Clear College band Fat Tuesdays.

“I had the band at the first Fiesta and the audience loved them,” Wemyss said. “They are a lot of fun.”

Brûlée will perform vintage classics, French and Spanish songs, and all musicians will join forces to play together in the last hour of the Fiesta as a high-energy treat for the audience.

There will also be spoken word performances throughout from poets including Megan J Riedl.

With funding support from the Golden Plains Shire, Wemyss and volunteers have created a new native garden bed, and installed murals which were painted during previous Fiestas, with an aim to further brighten the town and bring more public art to Smythesdale.

Community volunteer Fiona McGuigan encouraged visitors to the Fiesta to check out the new additions while they’re in town and get involved in the future.

“Come and look, enjoy the murals, enjoy watching the plants grow, and if you see any weeds or rubbish that have been dropped, pull them out,” she said.

“If you’re passing by and have a watering can in your car, you could give the plants a bit of a water from the tank attached to the stables, if you think they need it.”

Woady Yaloak Historical Society group members will open the courthouse building to the public during the Fiesta and be available to answer any questions.

Treasurer, Margaret Roberts, said the garden and murals are beautifying the heritage precinct.

Mosaic art embedded into local volcanic rocks have also recently been installed around the village green, created by members of Ballarat University of the Third Age students.

“There’s a lot of community happening here, and it’s all merging; the murals, Fiesta, the market, the community garden, and historical society,” Ms McGuigan said.

“A lot of friendships have been created. Come along, chat to the organisers, find out what you can do to help and get involved.”

The Smythesdale Arts and Music Fiesta will run from 10am to 3pm on Sunday, 26 February within the town’s historic precinct, also offering workshops. The event is supported by organisation GP Arts.