Venetian glamour in Goonellabah

LISMORE locals are invited to embrace Venetian glamour at the Beyond Venice masquerade party, held on Saturday, February 15, at Lismore Workers Sports Club in Goonellabah.

More than 100 people are expected to attend the event, which coincides with Italy’s annual Venice Carnival.

While masks are optional, most attendees embrace the tradition, event co-organiser Nancy Gava said.

“You can buy them from a cheap shop or online, or some people wear masks they bought in Venice,” she said.

“They buy them as souvenirs, and they have actually been able to wear them.”

Energetic Brisbane musicians Domenico and the Latin Mafia will perform at the event.

There will also be a range of Italian cuisine on offer, including bruschetta, arancini, polenta, panna cotta and tiramisu.

“We have a salami wheel instead of a chocolate wheel, which is always popular,” Gava said.

The event is one of two hosted by The Lismore Friendship Festival Inc, established in 2016 to strengthen ties with Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto in northern Italy.

The festival also celebrates the contributions of Italian immigrants and their descendants to the region.

People from Veneto – many of whom were survivors of the disease-ridden De Rays expedition aboard the ship India – began settling in the area now known as New Italy near Woodburn in 1882.

Tickets cost $90, including a glass of prosecco, canapés, and a three-course meal.

Proceeds will support the family-friendly LisAmore! Italian cultural festival at Lismore Turf Club on Sunday, July 6

For more information or tickets, visit lismorefriendshipfestival.com.au