On Saturday, November 9, the west will come together for another year of the Be Bold Festival. Throughout the Bowery Theatre and the St Albans Community Centre, a number of activities will be available for the entire family to enjoy, with a focus on celebrating the arts, culture, creativity, and people of Melbourne’s west. From painting sessions, music, markets, cultural performances, fashion, and food, the day will have something for everyone.
There will be cultural performances by Kala Dyuthi Academy of Indian Classical Dance, Jana Garjana Dhol Pathak Music, Kiganda Dance Group, Maidens of Polynesia and more. Also on show and performing will be the Giant Puppets of the West, created by Snuff Puppets. Puppet facilitator Lachlan Plain said while the puppets have featured at the festival previously, this is the first time all groups they work with will be represented.
Snuff Puppets has worked with multiple cultural groups to create many puppets that represent different cultures within the west. “The puppets will be roaming around, interacting with people, it’s lots of fun,” Mr Plain said. “The kids love them, they get a lot of squeals, but they’re great for adults too – they’re spectacular, they’re big, playful, fun and a bit mischievous at times.
” Puppets representing local communities of Pacific Islanders, Vietnamese, and Somalian will be present at the festival, greeting people and performing. The day starts at 11am, and there will be plenty to see and d.