The Black Gully Festival is back for its 9th year – demonstrating it is a sustainable community event.
“The Festival was created and continues to be run by a range of community groups – for the community,” said Sara Schmude, Black Gully Festival Co-coordinator.
“Core themes are Music, Art and the Environment. At the same time, the Festival is a showcase of sustainable practice. We ensure that the concept of ‘sustainability’ is fundamental – from products available for sale, to displays and activities, through to our management practices!”
The 9th annual Black Gully Festival will be held between 10am and 10pm on 9th November in the parklands behind New England Art Museum in Armidale. It is free and open to all ages!
While the festival began to support live local music, it has grown to include much more.
For the first time this year, the Festival will feature a ‘Fixit’ space.
“People can bring their damaged or broken items to be repaired or mended,” Ms Schmude said.
“Volunteers with skills will be on hand to help mend clothes, repair and maintain bikes, repair wooden items or glue things back together. Most things can be repaired rather than thrown away!”
The Slow Fashion tent is back and invites everyone to bring along clothes to swap for others.
“This activity is always popular and provides one of many opportunities for us to reuse, repurpose or rehome things we no longer use. Many people find some great new fashion pieces!”
A Makers’ Market will feature local artisans and great food. There will be displays by groups/organisations including Armidale Tree Group, Southern New England Landcare, Sustainable Living Armidale, Armidale Regional Council and an exhibition of Northern Inland Regional Waste ‘Inspire Us’ photography award finalists.
“A program of sustainability-themed films will screen throughout the day and EcoArts Australis will be weaving willow shelters and sculptures on site for us to use and enjoy!”
Festival costs are covered by our generous sponsors who are mostly local businesses and community groups including ‘Super-Mega’ sponsors: Green Jelly, UNE Life, Sustainable Living Armidale and Southern New England Landcare and ‘Very Special’ sponsors: Phoenix Foundry and Regional Australia Bank. Many people volunteer their time or loan equipment to put this event together.
For more information look for Black Gully Festival on Facebook.
