General News
14 September, 2022
Colour Festival to return!
THE Colour Terang Festival is poised to make a triumphant return on September 23 following a three-year hiatus.
THE Colour Terang Festival is poised to make a triumphant return on September 23 following a three-year hiatus.
The inaugural event captivated the community in 2019, filling a void on the cultural calendar following the closure of the Terang Country Music Festival.
However, the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic brought the popular event to a standstill with cancellations in 2020 and 2021.
Organisers have been hard at work behind the scenes in the hopes the festival can return with its biggest offering yet.
Terang Progress Association secretary Des McKinnon said the organisers have aimed to continue the inaugural approach of offering a unique festival.
“With the movement of traffic over the long weekend, we noticed in 2019 there was through traffic and people were inclined to stop if they were just passing through Terang,” he said.
“We had people from Hamilton and Colac who were attracted to the variety of events, and the kites were certainly a big feature.
“There were lots of people out and about in the avenue, and we hope to create that again.”
Mr McKinnon said it had been disappointing to have launched such a successful inaugural event, only to have been impacted by restrictions since.
However, he said he was optimistic the initial success could be recaptured.
“Even in 2019 it rained, so that had a dampening impact, but the festival was so well accepted and we really hit the ground running,” Mr McKinnon said.
“I know a couple of the local shops were inundated with customers and taken aback by the number of people out and about.
“But we’re excited. It’s going to be a whole variety of unique events to showcase which bring a balanced perspective, with something for everyone.
“We’re still learning with it, and it gives people an opportunity to explore the different things showcased.”
Terang Progress Association president Ben Dennis said this year’s colour festival would provide a diverse range of family-friendly options.
“The colour festival will run in the main avenue, Civic Hall and cricket ground,”he said.
“Huge stunt kites from Kites 4 Kids in Melbourne will put on an aerial display and they will also be hosting a kite workshopfor kids.
“Butterfly Adventures from Melbourne will be bringing down their butterfly tent, which people can walk in to and experience live butterflies.”
The highly popular Colour Splash will be held at the Terang cricket ground at 1pm, giving people the opportunity to get splashed with coloured Holi powder.
Vintage cars will arrive in style in the car park opposite Civic Hall, and Tim Tim will be roaming with his signature massive bubbles and balloons.
There will also be harp workshops and a harp performance by Harpistry.
“Federation Handbells will be on loan for the last time from Melbourne Museum, with a hand bell performance and people can play the handbells,” Mr Dennis said.
“Colour Terang Choir will be led by Dermot Tutty from the Victorian College of the Arts, and arts, craft and flower display in theCivic Hall.
“Two live stages of music will play with one in the avenue and a second at thecricket ground.”
“A Bunning’s workshop for children, making coasters, will be available in addition to children’s entertainment with K&K Entertainment including crazy bikes, spin art and ride-on animals.”
A merry-go-round and face painting will be sure to draw a crowd, with a diverse range of food and drink stalls also available.
The Colour Terang Festival will be held on Friday, September 23 from 10am to 3pm.