Seniors celebrated in annual festival

NOT even the COVID-19 pandemic can stop this year’s statewide celebration of seniors.

The annual Victorian Seniors Festival makes its return as an online event with the theme Keep’n On, to recognise the resilience of older residents over the last two years.

As part of the festival, a range of content has been curated for people to enjoy and includes music, plays, talks and shows starring a diverse range of artists.

Then Minister for Disability, Ageing and Carers, Luke Donnellan, said there was something for everyone to enjoy in the online program while the state remains under pandemic restrictions.

“While most of us aren’t able to get together in person this year, there are plenty of opportunities to come together online and be inspired,” he said.

The program is split into six series that explore culture, art, performance and conversation in video and audio formats, and seniors have the opportunity to discuss their thoughts on the material by leaving a comment.

The festival’s Cultural riches series includes the first five episodes of the premiering podcast series Women, Arts and Activism.

Stars of the Pure performance segment include magicians and illusionists, and friends for some 50 years, Ross Skiffington and Sam Angelico.

Making his festival debut is Kokatha and Gunditjmara songman David Arden, who performed original works from his recently released album Red Desert Man.

The reimagined online festival will be held until the end of the year with new content added each month.

To check out this year’s program, visit seniorsonline.vic.gov.au/festival.