C&G Guide to the St Kilda Festival
As January turns into February, St Kilda adds another must-visit attraction to its already incredible offerings: the St Kilda Festival. With a bumper program boasting a whole week of activity, today Chisholm and Gamon shares the four events you won’t want to miss.
Kicking off the Yalukit Wilum Ngargee festival day as well as the entire St Kilda Fest itself, the traditional ceremony will present a combination of performance art and visual and ritual theatre, choreographed by Melbourne based director, designer and performer Margie Mackay. Expect fire, puppetry and dance in this free family friendly event that precedes a great program of events celebrating Indigenous music and arts.
Saturday 31st January, 1:30pm, O’Donnell Gardens Stage
Jewish Museum of Australia’s St Kilda Walk
Designed to compliment the museum’s permanent exhibition Calling Australia Home, this St Kilda Walk traces the history of Yiddish St Kilda, which after Carlton, quickly became the home and socialising hub for Melbourne’s Jewish migrants. Stops include Linden Art Gallery, Luna Park and the Palais Theatre before finishing at Acland Street with all its delicious cake shops. Comfortable shoes are recommended!
Sunday 1st February, 10am, Meet at St Kilda Town Hall, http://stkildafestival.com.au/2015-s2/band/983
Combining the powerful Vinyasa Yoga with freestyle dance and a live DJ, Discoyoga may be just the thing to convince you exercise can be fun. Spandex optional, the friendly and inviting atmosphere of the free event makes it the perfect place to kickstart your Sunday and let your hair down – and maybe practise some moves for the great music program that follows.
Sunday 8th February, 10am, GO JAM Stage, Catani Gardens
Simon and Girfunkle have been making waves in the local music industry – and it’s not just for their great name. This year saw them featured on Rage’s Indie Clip of the Week and Winners & Losers, perform at the 2014 Southbound Camping Festival and receive a nomination for a West Australian Music Award for Best Pop Act. Their harmonic and folky sound is the perfect by-the-seaside-soundtrack. We also recommend staying around to check out more of the great acts performing for the final night of the festival, including Banoffee, San Cisco, The Delta Riggs, The Pierce Brothers and Remi.
Sunday 8th February, 4.10pm, New Music Stage
Whether you’re after activities for the kids, music after sunset or something cultural, St Kilda Festival is sure to deliver.