Culture, cuisine, a fantastic fishing comp at the St Leonards Festival
A record crowd of more than 3-thousand people is expected to attend this year’s St Leonards Festival.
The event, now in its fourth year, will be held on Saturday October 30th in the picturesque bay-side township.
Organiser Steve Walsh said the high level of community interest in the forthcoming event reflects the variety of activities and displays on offer.
“We strive to ensure there is something for everyone and this is why we continue to grow in popularity”.
“From fine arts and fishing to culture and cuisine this year’s Festival promises to be one of the most vibrant events ever staged on the Bellarine Peninsula”, Mr Walsh said.
No fewer than five live bands will perform as will solo acts and buskers.
The various musical acts will be interspersed with displays by ethnic dance troupes.
Food stands will be positioned throughout the Festival site as will stalls displaying the local produce for which the district is famous -honey, wine, mussels and olive oil.
The event will also feature a thick slice of local history.
Two photographic exhibitions will also be staged, one a showing of rare historic photographs depicting the original Anzacs from St Leonards who enlisted in the Great War.
An historic walk around the township set out for those with a keen interest in local history.
Key sites will be marked with large information boards containing details of St. Leonards past with a walking tour map available on the day.
The walk will take about 40 minutes to complete.
Many Festival goers will relish a nostalgic trip down memory lane courtesy of an impressive display of vintage and classic cars.
Star of the show will be a 1923 Buick Roadster restored by local enthusiast Roy Cook.
Sedans and sports cars from the Hillman Car Club, the Morris Minor Club and the Western District Historic Vehicle Club will also be on display.
Mr. Walsh said children and teenagers have again been well catered for.
“It’s important that the younger set have an enjoyable and memorable time”, he said.
“We have face painting and a baby animal farm for the youngsters and electronic games van and a skate ramp for the teens”.
The Bellarine Art Show will again be staged in conjunction with the Festival.
The Show will run over three days, the Friday evening, the Saturday and the Sunday of the Melbourne Cup weekend at the St Leonards Yacht Club.
Hundreds of exhibits will be offered for sale, many them from popular regional artists.
A fleet of free shuttle buses will connect the Festival site and the nearby towns of Portarlington and Indented Head with the Art Show venue all day Saturday.
A major fishing tournament is also being held.
A thousand dollars in prizes and trophies will be shared between winners of the various divisions.
“For many families this will be a major highlight of the weekend’s activities, as it focuses on the towns fishing village heritage”, Mr. Walsh said.
The St Leonards Festival will held be on Saturday October 30st.
