Laugh your arts off

Laugh your arts off

Docklands’ own arts, blues music and comedy festival gets underway next month.

Organisers are hoping the five-day, multi-venued Docklands Arts and Laughs Festival will put Docklands on the cultural map of Melbourne.

According to organiser Melissa Head, the year could be the start of something big that will help define Docklands and bring plenty of visitors to the suburb.

“We hope the event builds momentum and becomes one of Melbourne’s iconic annual festivals celebrating Docklands,” she said.

“It’s great for our community. We will be presenting children’s events, cabaret, theatre, stand-up comedy, and a blues festival on Sunday so there will be something for everyone. Don’t see one show see them all.”

“It’s a team effort programming this event with thanks going to Destination Docklands, NewQuay, and Waterfront City being the main sponsors. We want all Docklanders to feel proud that our suburb can step up and host something really entertaining like this.”

“It would be great to see as many locals as possible falling around laughing and enjoying the music and other events.”

“We all need a good laugh!”

The event will culminate in a blues festival on the Sunday, October 7. A variety of blues bands will be playing on multiple stages along NewQuay Promenade and venues within Harbour Town.

Ticket prices vary amongst the different shows but there are many free events thanks to Destination Docklands, New Quay and Waterfront City.

“The event charity is The Big Umbrella; we’ll be raising money for its Real Meal program through gold coin donations from those attending free events,” Ms Head said.

The festival will include performances by Lloyd Speigel, Dream Boogie, Jane Badler, Stevie Paige, comedians Jeff Green, Dave Callan, Greg Fleet, Brad Oakes,  The Amazing Drumming Monkeys, Catfish Voodoo and more.

Festival venues include Wonderland Fun Park’s Spiegeltent, Harbour Town Hotel, The Ice House, Harbour Town, Oscars Table, Berth, Medici and Groove Train.

You can also use your Docklander deals card to receive fabulous deals at participating restaurants 

The annual ANL Maritime Art Prize and Exhibition at the Mission to Seafarers in Flinders St is also included in the program, as is a photographic exhibition at Banc Café in the NAB building.

The full program is included as an insert in this edition of Docklands News and a full-page ad can also be found on page 20.

For more information see http://www.docklandsartsandlaughsfestival.com.au

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