I have always wanted to take a drive to the small coastal town of
Kiama, only 120 kilometres south of Sydney - not only to see the famous Kiama blowhole and numerous other tourist attractions, but also because my family history research has led me there.
Photo courtesy of KISS Arts Festival
This April from Friday 27th through to Sunday 29th, Kiama will come alive for the annual
KISS Arts Fest 2018. KISS stands for 'Kiama International Sea Side' Arts Festival and was the inspiration of Tamara Campbell and Dave Evans. From different countries, they met while travelling overseas and after settling in Kiama they reflected on recollections from their time abroad to create a festival celebrating the seaside as well as combining the vibrant artistic talents of local and international acts and experiences. There will be Circus troupes and hula-hoop entertainers, comedians, raft race, juggling chef, psycho medium, music, mischief and mayhem, lamp posts,
lantern parade, glow show, licenced bar, food and drink along with a combination of humour and hijinks. Acts from Canada, New Zealand, USA as well as Kiama locals Kiki & Pascal and celebrity guests brings Kiama's KISS Fest to a European-style of merrymaking.
Photo courtesy of KISS Arts Festival
From the first festival held at Kiama's Hindmarsh Park in 2012, this festival has grown in size and entertainment to now being located at
Kiama's Black Beach providing plenty of room for the increasing patronage.
The place to be for the best entertainment over the weekend is the new Kazador Tent at Black Beach, which will host Friday nights Kabaret as well as other shows over the weekend. The line-up of entertainers is as follows.
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Le Quatuor Stomp – French Canadian Acrobats
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The Space-Cowboy – 56 x Guinness World Record Holding Sword Swallower
Coriandee – Laughter Therapy Yoga (bring you mat)
Ill Will – USA Break Dancer
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Nick Rheinbeger -ABC Musical Egg Head
Kiki Bittovabitsch and Pascal - Hosts
Photo courtesy of KISS Arts Festival
Entry to the festival is free all over the week; only the
Kabaret Tent will be ticketed at $35.00 per person. Tickets for this latter venue are selling fast, so go to the webpage to secure your seat.
Photo courtesy of KISS Arts Festival
The main stage situated at the bottom of the natural hillside amphitheatre is a great spot to bring a blanket and settle in for the afternoon and night to watch the presentations. Other venues of activities include the Circus Drop Zone sponsored by
The Pines Micro Dairy Farm, Café de Rude sponsored by
Kiama Chamber of Commerce, Air Kiss Test and Kisstopia sponsored by The Bugle and La Petite Grande sponsored by
Numbers Count Gerringong. Other sponsors include
Kiama Municipal Council, NSW Government, Destination Kiama South Coast,
Kiama Farmers Market and
Penny Whistlers.
Photo courtesy of KISS Arts Festival
Further information can be located on their official website, which includes a contact page and map of the venue. If previous years are anything to go by, the KISS Arts Fest is an event you will not want to miss.