As we enter the last quarter of the year, the west of Melbourne is abuzz with festivals and Western Melbounrne Tourism has been curating a festival season hit-list.
Western Melbourne Tourism executive officer Richard Ponsford said the upcoming shows and festivals feature big names and emerging performers alike.
“There is a rich tapestry of activity always across the region with some many great venues, driven by our diverse arts community and multicultural population,” he said.
“As we emerge out of the pandemic there is more and more happening. Melbourne’s west has an ever- expanding program of what’s on. We are working hard on the engagement of the west in the Melbourne major events calendar. For this month in October, the west has a strong ‘sub-programs’ as part of the Melbourne International Jazz festival (Jazz Westside) Melbourne Fringe (Fringe Westside) and the Always Live program later in November. “
In the coming days there’s still a chance to check out some Fringe Westside between October 19 and 22 including Puppet Mayhem at Williamstown Seaworks, The Astonishing Comet Box at Bluestone Church Arts Space in Footscray, or fly high above Footscray station with Swing.
For lovers of beer, connoisseurs and casual enjoyers alike can head to the Westie Beer Festie for tastings on October 21.
On October 29 Jazz Westside returns to Maribyrnong with a take over of Footscray’s hidden civic square for an afternoon of incredibly diverse, hip-swinging rhythms and beats flowing out of Africa including NIASHA, Yusupha Ngum and The Affia Band and Sylent Nqo and The Experience.
Moving into November, on the 11th Melton’s Djerriwarrh Festival kicks off, the huge program of family friendly events and activities will be headlined with massive music acts including Regurgitator, Pseudo Echo, FOOLS, Jess Hitchcock and Lotte Gallagher.
As November ends the Always Live festival kicks off, beginning with rap star ILLY performing at Plaza Tavern in Werribee, then on December 2 the Jamaican Music and Food Festival hits Williamstown seaworks, with Soul Trains featuring Lee Fields & The Expressions on at Mama Chens in Footscray the next day.
Williamstown will round out the Always Live Festival with End of The Line at Commonwealth Reserve featuring Alex Lahey, Alice Skye and Meghna & Philly.
Details: www.melbourneswest.com.au
