The Big West Festival 2013

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Thu 22 Nov 2012 - Fri 22 Nov 2013

'Radical and spectacular' - the Big West Festival 2013 is on from November 22nd to December 1st.

Yes, the arts are more than alive and well in the western suburbs, and are being showcased in all their vitality and diversity. Over 65 original and multicultural events and works are being presented for our viewing and listening pleasure: plays, dance, music, art exhibitions, street art, public performance, and interactive events inviting community participation.

With numerous performances to book for, everyone likes a bit of free stuff too and if you explore the program, you'll find plenty of that. Including these big events:

The festival opens on Friday November 22nd with the Opening Night Parade from 6 to 10pm, starting at the Grimes Reserve and culminating at the Footscray Community Arts Centre. This sounds like a load of family fun, with the chance to make a cardboard costume, boogie along to the jazz fusion bands, explore a sensor-activated sculpture park, help build a 'city', marvel at a giant light mobile, and that's just touching the surface of the evening's frivolities.



Another free event, and back by popular demand, is the Braybrook Big Day Out: a Walk and Ride celebration of Braybook's new community gardens. This starts with a bike ride from the Footscray Arts Centre along the Maribynong River, stopping for lunch (with a $2 donation) at the Quang Minh Temple. Then onward to tour the community gardens, enjoy art installations and performances under the palm trees. A very nice afternoon to be had, if you ask me, on Sunday November 24th from 2 to 4pm.


At the end of the Big West program, the celebrations will close with the People's Day Street Party on Sunday December 1st. It's all happening outside the Little Saigon Market, corner of Leeds and Byron Streets in Footscray. Food, fairs and fun are planned, with dance performances, music, prizes from festival competitions, kids entertainment, and art by the people for the people. Did I mention the food? Check out all the happenings here, or just turn up between 11am and 5pm and surprise yourself.

The Substation at 1 Market Street Newport is another Big West venue for booked performances and exhibitions. On December 1st, they will also hold their inaugural Farmers Market (9am to 2pm) in conjunction with the Substation Artists Market (10am – 4pm). Bring a gold coin donation for entry.

If you haven't caught a Big West Festival before, make this your time to go west and get involved in this unique part of Melbourne. If you do live out west, no excuses – don't miss it.

To get the details on venues, galleries, booked events and free happenings, visit www.bigwest.com.au .

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!date 22/11/2012 -- 01/12/2013
%wnmelbourne