Wollongong’s arts community is stitching up a colourful weekend in the beachside city to celebrate the annual Viva La Gong cultural festival on November 7, and a great accommodation package is available for festival visitors.
MacCabe Park will be the central location for the event, with this year’s ‘A Stitch in Time’ festival theme, celebrating Wollongong’s rich migrant heritage and the contribution of industrial and textile workers to the city’s development.
Israeli born singer-songwriter LIOR will be the headline act, with his Middle Eastern heritage and musical influences offering the perfect fit for the theme.
Also central stage will be local band Roger Loves Betty, The Baro Lové Gypsy Brass Orkestra, and alternative artists hip hop rappers Morganics and Wire MC.
Other entertainment on the day will include roaming circus performances, craft workshops, food stalls and rides, while lead-in events from now until the big day will include a range of free Viva La Gong workshops for all ages, including guerilla knitting, crochet and hip hop dancing.
Tourism Wollongong General Manager Greg Binskin said Viva La Gong traditionally attracted visitors from all over Australia.
“It’s a great time of year in Wollongong and Viva La Gong is the perfect time to check out everything on offer right along Grand Pacific Drive,” Mr Binskin said.
“For those driving south for the event, take the time to drop in to the Southern Gateway Centre at Bulli Tops, which officially opened in September showcasing all the activities, accommodation and restaurants available along the South Coast.”
Best Western Wollongong is offering an enticing package to celebrate the festivities with overnight accommodation in a stylish apartment, a complimentary bottle of Charles Strong wine on arrival and dinner for two at Epano Greek Restaurant all from $259* per room per night. For bookings call 02 4222 4000 or visit www.bestwesternwollongong.com.au
Further information about Viva La Gong is available at www.vivalagongfestival.org
For more information about Wollongong and beyond go to www.visitwollongong.com.au
Image shows: Viva La Gong stilt walkers.
* Subject to availability. Conditions apply.
