Young performers hop to it

ROVING entertainers will take to Bridge Mall during Easter Saturday to celebrate the holiday with songs and dance.

The entertainment is being provided by the Ballarat Centre of Music & the Arts’ child performers as part of Bridge Mall’s Easter at the Bridge celebrations.

Comprising over 15 young performers as well as guitar accompaniment and adult supervision, BCMA director Paula Heenan said the entertainment will ring in the season with the works of Lewis Carroll.

“We’ve decided to go with an Alice in Wonderland theme, so we’ve got the kids in costumes and learning songs and dances so they’ll be leading kids through call-and-answer type songs,” she said.

“It’s an engaging performance for the kids. We’ll have bunnies, Alice and the Cheshire Cat, with songs like Peter Cottontail and Going on an Easter Egg Hunt instead of Bear Hunt.”

The performances will feature familiar children’s songs as well as original music by musician Earl Leonard, who will accompany his tunes on guitar.

BMCA were approached by Bridge Mall traders as a result of their Christmas-themed roving entertainment down Sturt Street late last year.

The entertainers are aged between nine and 13, and will incorporate AUSLAN sign language into their performances to provide a greater level of accessibility for their roaming audience.

Heenan said the day will provide good fun for the community as well as essential skills and experience for their young performers.

“It’s good to be able to provide the kids with the opportunities like this after all the work they put in,” she said.

“They spend so much time training in singing and dancing, so it’s good for them to actually be out there and learning new skills and learning to be confident in public.

“It’s all just about engaging the community and providing some colour and excitement for everyone, and it’s an honour to be asked by Bridge Mall and to help attract people into their shops.”

Other upcoming events for BCMA include an Aladdin-themed performance at the Clunes Booktown Festival and an appearance at Ballarat’s Heritage Festival.

BCMA’s young entertainers will be at Bridge Mall from 11am to 3pm on Saturday, 16 April.