People attending next month’s inaugural Milbi Festival gala event will become part of a world premiere in song and dance to celebrate the spirit of the Bundaberg Region.
Council's community and cultural services portfolio spokesperson Cr Judy Peters said the gala opening in Buss Park will be held on Friday, 15 November from 6pm.
“The festivities will start by teaching the audience a Welcome to Country song and dance, which will then become part of the world premiere of a new composition – a soundscape written for the environment of Buss Park including the lorikeets at sunset and the church bells adjacent to the park,” Cr Peters said.
“The event in the park will focus around a drum kit on a raised stage in the centre of the park.
“It’ll be really something to experience.”
Following the free gala opening in Buss Park, a special concert called bandabara will take place at the Moncrieff Entertainment Centre.
“This unique event will include new music written for the Milbi Festival by local and international composers featuring a local schools choir and Topology, the Festival’s Ensemble in Residence,” Cr Peters said.
“Topology is a world leading contemporary music quintet – saxophone, double bass, piano, violin and viola.
“Their music, as well as a special projection by Mic Gruchy, will help transform the Moncrieff into something truly spectacular.”
Cr Peters said the official opening of Milbi Festival was made possible due to its whole-of-community approach.
“We’re really proud to include so many professional and emerging artists from the Bundaberg Region,” she said.
“There will be people who have gone away and come back for a little while or a long time – it just goes to show what talent this region has produced over time.
“This will be a night you won't forget.”
Festival celebrates our unique region
Mayor Dempsey said the festival officially launched in March 2019 with the signing of a MOU between Bundaberg Regional Council, Bundaberg Tourism and Gidarjil Development Corporation.
“We are very excited to be working together to put forward this unique event for the whole community to enjoy,” he said.
“This festival will celebrate our region’s iconic turtle encounters from salt water to fresh water and will encompass the broader themes of environmental care, connection to the Southern Great Barrier Reef, water catchments and local storytelling.
“The arts and culture community will also be showcased throughout the festival, with a range of artists and organisations getting involved to help us celebrate the unique identity, spirit and liveability of the Bundaberg Region.”
Milbi Festival program
With just four weeks to go until the festival begins, now is the time to mark your calendar.
The Milbi Festival Gala Opening Ceremony will be held on Friday, 15 November from 6pm in Buss Park to celebrate the start of the festivities.
It will follow with a two-week long list of entertainment and activities around the entire region.
To keep up to date with the Milbi Festival, pick up the free program at any of Council's service centres, visitor information centres, cafes, and online.
To find out more, visit the website and Facebook page.
The Milbi Festival is supported by the Regional Arts Development Fund (RADF), a partnership between the Queensland Government and Bundaberg Regional Council to support local arts and culture in regional Queensland.
