By Kim Morris of Horizon Bank, the community event's gold sponsor
The last day of Autumn and the first day of Winter – a perfect time for the 33rd Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival. Blessed with a soft breeze and brilliant sunshine, these ideal conditions, combined with the tireless efforts of our dedicated volunteers and the Austinmer Thirroul Lions Club, made this year’s festival one of the best yet!
The Festival’s Four Highlights
- Art in the Shops: In the two weeks leading up to the festival, local businesses proudly displayed artwork, creating a delightful “appetiser” to the main Art Show. It brought colour and creativity to the streets and sparked curiosity for what was to come.
- The Art Show & Awards: Friday night marked the opening of the Art Show and awards, with the exhibition continuing throughout the weekend. Over 500 pieces of gorgeous art were on display, with an impressive number sold. Thousands of visitors wandered through; many leaving inspired and with a new piece for their homes.
- Family Kite Day: At Thirroul Beach Reserve, the sky was alive with gigantic, colourful kites showcased by the Kite Association. Families came with their own kites or enjoyed making one on-site, while the Lions did what we do best: manning the barbecue and keeping everyone well-fed.
- Festival in the Park: The fun didn’t stop there! The next day, June 1, saw the festival continue at the park, with 80 vibrant stalls, live entertainment, carnival rides, pony rides, and plenty of food trucks. Thousands took advantage of the perfect weather to enjoy the festivities, with many stopping by the Lions barbecue for a snag sanger!
A Lasting Impact
Thanks to the incredible community turnout, the festival raised over $33,000. While we’re still finalising how these funds will be allocated, rest assured they will go towards projects that will make a meaningful and lasting impact on our community.
A huge thank you to everyone who joined us, and an even bigger thank you to the volunteers and supporters who made this festival a shining success!
