WA’s oldest inland town kicks off its annual community celebration of culture and arts on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 September at the 2017 The York Festival.
Thousands will visit the charming, historic town as York comes alive across the weekend with music, art, food, performance, workshops, exhibitions and activities for all ages.
This year, festival exhibitions will be month-long for the first time, culminating on October 14-15 at the renowned York Festival Maker’s Markets.
York’s location and heritage inform much of the content of the York Festival program, of which highlights include:
- The Hay Bale Challenge sculpture competition
- The launch of the Americana Music Association of Australia with an Americana country music showcase
- and the The Act-Belong-Commit Mt Brown Run-Cycle event.
The York Festival activities take place throughout the town in many of the historic landmark buildings which will host exhibitions and entertainment, including the York Town Hall, Old York Courthouse, the Troopers Yard, Peace Park, the RSL, CWA and the Sandalwood Yards.
Wander down Avon Terrace, enjoy the sounds of street buskers and soak up the charm and heritage of York.
Entertainment, art performance highlights include:
- Roald Dahl's The Twits presented by Spare Parts Puppet Theatre
- The Act-Belong-Commit York Conversations: a ‘slice of life’ exhibition at the Town Hall, featuring stories and artefacts from people who were/are a part of York history, in their own words
- Bilya Yep Waangkiny – readings from Balladong poets
- The Artitja Fine Art Spring Salon: showcasing Australian Aboriginal artists from regional and remote communities from across the North-west, central Australia and the Northern Territory, presented in York for the first time
- The Act-Belong-Commit York Society Art & Craft Award, an annual event that runs from October 7-15
Entry to most of the festival is free.
Photo: Artist Jacky Cheng, Director Jenny Garroun and Artist Leonie Oakes next to Ms Oakes' handmade dress and standing in front of Ms Cheng's artwork in the 2016 York Festival pop-up gallery.
