Source : Perth Now news
Bondi is trading surfboards for ice skates to mark the return of an annual winter festival, which is breathing much-needed warmth into the chilly ocean air.
Food stalls, live performances, a Ferris wheel and beachside outdoor ice skating rink are all fixtures.
But to make sure there’s something for everyone, the program also includes an art competition and a comedy gala.
It is the first major outdoor festival to be held at Bondi since December’s shooting attack which claimed 15 lives.
Police were a visible and constant presence for Friday’s official launch of the event, which runs until July 19.
The sight of armed officers is now commonplace at Australia’s most famous beach.
Yet it didn’t detract from the atmosphere belonging to a community ready to heal and reclaim the fun-loving spirit for which it is globally renowned.
New Zealand-based dancer, Sacha Copland said it was a privilege to be part of the festival, help bring people together and share the fun around at a time when it was needed.
Ms Copland and the Java Dance Theatre are taking audiences on a bus journey of sorts; a travelling dance performance that stops in surprise locations.
As well as the novelty of being on wheels, she says the show is about bringing joy and connecting people.
“At the moment I think there’s a lot of things separating people and there’s also a lot of things that aren’t bringing joy,” she told AAP.
“People want to connect; there’s just often quite a lot in the way.
“The arts, full stop, are really important right now; just as something that can soften people a little bit.”
Long-time festival organiser, Lisa Walton said the comedy shows were a new focus this year and another means to deliver laughter and storytelling to Bondi.
While shows including a one-man cabaret and local DJs and live musicians are primarily weekend fixtures, food stalls and children’s entertainment will be present along the beach for the span of the festival.
“It’s about bringing people down here in winter and showing that there’s more here than just the beach,” Ms Walton said.
An annual Paw Parade also returns by popular demand, giving Bondi residents and others the excuse they never needed to dress up and parade their pooches.
“We didn’t do it one year and they were like, ‘Where is it? What are you doing?” she said.
Visiting Bondi for the weekend from the NSW Central Coast, Emma Richomme looked on as her delighted daughter Ivy Rose and her friend Ruby took a turn around the ice.
“It’s lovely,” she told AAP.
“And if there’s something for the kids to do it’s always better.
“We can get out, get some fresh air and bring the dog.”
