Lismore’s laneways light up for LOLA

CREATIVITY and community spirit took centre stage at the inaugural LOLA: Laneways of Lismore Arts Festival last weekend, drawing an estimated 10,000 people from across the Northern Rivers and beyond.

The one-day event transformed the heart of Lismore into a buzzing cultural hub, with activities ranging from kids building a cardboard mini village and face painting to immersive light installations, fire dancing and high-energy DJ sets.

Local dance troupe Move It entertained the crowd with a colourful performance, while Tropical Fruits hosted a side show alley celebrating Lismore’s LGBTIQA+ community, with a giant rainbow arch, games, bubbles and music.

“I think it brought together the best of Lismore and showcased it in one day,” Lismore City Council destination coordinator Karen Hirst said.

Three live music stages were scattered throughout the festival precinct. The Emerging Sounds Stage gave a platform to up-and-coming local talent, while the LOLA DJ stage featured crowd favourites including Wax Addicts and Flo Records and the LOLA Live stage brought in Melbourne indie acts Cool Sounds and Eggy.

One of the evening’s highlights was a performance by Indigenous singer Mitch Tambo, who wowed the audience with his rendition of John Farnham’s anthem You’re the Voice sung in Gamilaraay language, along with a unique rap version of Twinkle Twinkle Little Star.

There was also a makers’ market showcasing handmade goods and local artworks and food trucks serving a variety of cuisines.

The County Lane creative hub was a hive of activity, offering art workshops, theatre games and fire twirling performances. Teachers from the Living School helped children build and paint a ‘Little Lismore’ cardboard village.

Kids also had the chance to learn block printing, design their own stamps, and decorate zip pouches to take home with The Artisans Table.

The event was presented by Lismore City Council with the help of a $30,000 grant from the Australian government’s Regional Arts Fund.

While there are already strong community calls to make LOLA an annual fixture, Ms Hirst said the future depends on financial support.

“I think there’s definitely going to be a call to see it return,” she said. “Watch this space.”