Festival on the horizon

New events at 2023 Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival

With the Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival just over two weeks away, the Committee is urging people to secure tickets to popular events including the State Opera performance and Shenanigans.

Tickets for key Penola Coonawarra Arts Festival events are selling well, with some already sold out, according to committee member Katie Moorhouse.

“We couldn’t be happier with how ticket sales are going for the Arts Festival,” Ms Moorhouse said. “To avoid disappointment, we urge people to book now for events that they are keen on before they sell out,”.

On Thursday, May 18, Bellwether’s presentation ‘Hand Me Down Hoedown’ invites the audience to put together their best ‘Op Shop’ outfit and head along to Bellwether for the hilarious folk duo ‘The Tuck Shop Ladies’, with pre-ordered food and wine available.

The addition of ‘Comfort Food Cabaret’ to the festival program will be held at Brands Laira on Friday night, featuring a three course meal and glass of wine on arrival, all weaved into the award winning cabaret show.

A night at the Coonawarra Hall with acclaimed movie ‘The Kid with a Bike’ will see all proceeds going to the Stand Like Stone Penola sub-fund.

Live music is once again a firm fixture in the festival’s program, with Simon Weston securing established and emerging acts for the perenially popular Coonawarra Vignerons Shenanigans at the Coonawarra Hall on Saturday night and hosting an ‘Open Mic’ competition on Sunday afternoon at the ROAK Hotel. Live music will be on offer at the ROAK on Friday night.

On Sunday, families are invited to head ‘Down the Lane’ as Petticoat Lane comes alive with activities for kids along with food, wine, music and a Makers Market. Centred around a ‘Green’ theme, everyone is invited to join in the fun and wear something green, upcycled or recycled to celebrate.

The full program of events and tickets are available at www. artsfestival.com.au