celebrate!Escape ArtsFestEscape ARTfest is described as “10 days of artistic bliss in the MUD”. This annual celebration is a majorevent in the Milton-Ulladulla District attracting audiences from far and wide.Rather than focusing on just one art form, this uniquearts festival covers the full spectrum of creativity –visual arts, music, literature, film, performance andgourmet delights. It is a true celebration of the coastalculture.With its “everything from grass roots through tointernational acts” approach, the Escape ARTfest has alwaysbeen a charmingly popular event with the local community.The festivities continue to bring many art-loving visitors tothe area in search of the fresh talents offered by the event.It provides a wonderful platform for emerging artists to gainpublic exposure as well as opportunities for audiences towitness and experience the plethora of arts that exist inthe area.Sarah and Rick Stein of Rick Stein at Bannisters RestaurantMollymook have been the official patrons of Escape ARTfestfor a number of years. Their support speaks volumes aboutthe vibrancy that the festival offers the local community.The festival typically features several key events – RIPE:Sculpture at Cupitt’s Winery, Chefs @ ARTfest, Milton MusicFest, PechaKucha, Moonlight Cinema and the ArcadiaFilm Festival just to name a few. These large events arecomplemented by up to 70 smaller events across the 10 days,including art exhibitions, theatre shows, films, workshops,readings, book launches and youth art projects. The festivalalso hosts up to 15 arts prizes. With major sponsorship fromthe Australian National University, Bendigo Bank and manylocal businesses, on offer is $15,000 in prize money acrossart, music, literature, photography, postcard art, youth artand sculpture.www.escapeartfest.com.au32shoalhavenholidays.com.au
celebrate!The people of the <strong>Shoalhaven</strong> love tocelebrate with many festivals throughoutthe year. Whether its a food, wine or arts,this vibrant coastal community comestogether with great enthusiasm andpassion.Arts in the ValleyKangaroo Valley Arts Festival is a biennial festival, known asarts in the valley, featuring classical and fine contemporarymusic integrated with visual arts. The 2010 festival saw someof the best Australian musicians, ranging across solo recitals,vocal ensemble, percussion and dance with collaborationsbetween artists. Also included is an exhibition of gardensculpture with the work of sculptors from across the regionand beyond.www.artsinthevalley.net.au<strong>Shoalhaven</strong> Coast WinterWine FestivalThe <strong>Shoalhaven</strong> Wine Festival is an annual event held eachJune long weekend. Purchase a festival glass at the first cellarfor free wine tasting at all other participating wineries.Cellar doors will be open for the festival 10am – 5pm daily,unless otherwise specified. The event also offers a ‘Hop-on,Hop-off Bus’.shoalhavencoastwine.com.auBerry Food and Wine ShowTaking place in February, this popular local food and wineevent gives visitors the opportunity to sample an excitingarray of the region’s wine and produce, including wine,cheeses, handmade sweets and chocolates, olives andgourmet baked goods.www.berryshow.org.au/foodwine.htmlSEE CHANGE WINTER ARTS FESTIVALHeld every two years, Jervis Bay and Basin’s See ChangeWinter Arts Festival offers up to 16 days of art, music,performance, food, wine, word and family activities againstthe magnificent backdrop of Jervis Bay and the beautifulsurrounding area.An exciting program of exhibitions and events that highlightthis region’s cultural wealth.www.jervisbayarts.asn.auUlladulla Harbourfeast Foodand Wine FestivalA two-day weekend event showcasing the talents of thebest food, wine and entertainment in the area, includingtwo days of food and wine activities such as live cookingdemonstrations, creative cuisine from local restaurants, cafesand producers with wine from the area’s wineries. Local andperforming artists provide entertainment.Next scheduled for 2 and 3 November, 2012.www.harbourfeast.com.auBlessing of the FleetHeld each Easter in Ulladulla, the annual Blessing of the Fleetfestival attracts people from far and wide to witness thestreet festival parade on Easter, followed by the pilgrimageto Ulladulla Harbour for the traditional blessing ceremonyled by the character of St Peter, patron saint of fishers as wellas the festival princesses.The afternoon brings entertainment and music, alongwith the fun beach games, activities and the range ofcommunity displays and exhibitions for the whole family.Festivities culminate at night with anspectacular fireworks display.www.blessingofthefleet.infoKANGAROO VALLEYFOLK FESTIVALA celebration of music,dancing, art and craft, theannual Kangaroo Valley FolkFestival goes for three dayswith concerts on each day,a welcome dance on theFriday night, poets’ breakfast,music, singing and danceworkshops. Saturday nightsees an evening concert aswell as a bush dance.www.kangaroovalleyfolkfestival.com.aushoalhavenholidays.com.au 33
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