Lake Bolac Eel Festival: March 2011
Music and art festival by the lake celebrates the environment and indigenous culture
With the lake full, visitors to the Lake Bolac Eel Festival will enjoy an exciting weekend of quality live music, art, sculpture, workshops and other activities.
The main festival day is on Saturday 26th March, with the Art
Exhibition preview evening on Friday March 25th followed by a meal and live music in the Lake Bolac Hotel.
Saturday commences with the Environmental Forum looking at Biodiversity of Indigenous Grasslands. The forum will be supported by a range of grassland information, and followed by a community planting of a native
grassland area at the Festival site.
There will be plenty of quality live music throughout the afternoon and evening. Neil Murray, Shane Howard and Archie Roach will each give a special presentation of their iconic songs, adapted for children’s picture
story-books.
Other bands will include the Tealeaves, Bart Willoughby with Ross Hannaford, Hannah Acfield, Dirt River Radio and The Quarry Mountain Dead Rats.
Indigenous dance groups will gather around the campfire to welcome the return of water to the lake at the Twilight Celebration. Local students will contribute stories developed from a grassland project facilitated by
Dunkeld artist Trevor Flinn. The giant Mother Eel puppet will join the celebration.
The acclaimed documentary “Our Generation” will be screened on Saturday. Through the stories of the Yolngu of NE Arnhem Land, the film takes a fresh look at unresolved issues for indigenous people, with music by John
Butler Trio, Yothu Yindi, Archie Roach, Gurrumul, and Goanna.
Feature artist for the Festival Art Exhibition is former Lake Bolac resident and internationally recognised photographer Carolyn Johns. In keeping with the emphasis on photography the Many Australian Photographers (MAP) group will also exhibit work. The exhibition will be open all weekend, and work will be available for sale.
People are encouraged to enter the Recycled Sculpture competition with prizes for both open and student sections. Recycled sculptures should reflect the festival theme “Biodiversity of Indigenous Grasslands”.
With plenty of childrens’ activities including environmental activities, circus skills, the Connies and Pat-Trick the magician, along with a range of quality food, and the craft and produce market, the Lake Bolac Eel Festival is a
great day for the whole family.
Festival Tickets are $30 adults, $50 family, $12 Under 18, FREE for U12.
Camping is available. For more information phone the Lake Bolac Information Centre on 5350 2204 or email
festival@eelfestival.org.au
