Woytopia - 'as green as you want it to be'
The Woytopia sustainable living festival will be held at Woy Woy South Public School on Sunday, October 13.
The festival, organised by the voluntary non-profit Peninsula Environment Group, will feature green talks and stalls as well as live music, food stalls and children's entertainment.
"Woytopia is as green as you want it to be," said event manager Mr Julian Bowker.
"If you want to explore sustainable living, we've got some amazing talks and workshops.
"But if you just want a good day out with the family, we've got great music, food stalls, and a full day of kids' activities and entertainment.
"There are free yoga and meditation sessions.
"It's a nice shady setting, with plenty of seating, and it's free."
"The aim of Woytopia is to combine inspiring ideas about sustainable living with a fun day out celebrating the Woy Woy Peninsula and the local community," he said.
The music lineup focusing on emerging local talent.
"Headlining is Ruby Archer from Phegans Bay, who last year won Triple J's 15 Years of Unearthed High, with dynamic and emotionally compelling songwriting that embraces everything from jazz to punk.
"The Cat Snatchers take you back to a 70s and 80s of stadium-style anthems and yacht rock vibe, while Goblet and Turtle Custard blend funky grooves and psych-rock.
"The children's fun includes circus shows and a circus skills play space by Roundabout Circus, and a roving 'silent disco' with games and prizes.
"All-day activities include old-fashioned games on the playing field, and a storytime corner and under-5s play space for little ones.
"There is also Indian dancing, kids yoga and creative art, and native animals shows from Australian Wildlife Displays"
The festival will include a clothes swap in the morning.
"We encourage everyone to bring some clothes to swap," Mr Bowker said.
"You can drop them off when you arrive at the festival, then the swapping starts at 11.30am. "It's a fun way to freshen up your wardrobe for free."
Food options include paella, dumplings, Vietnamese, nachos and gozleme, and sweet treats such as churros, donuts and Spoon Bay gelato, with plenty of vegan and veggie options.
"Talk highlights are Mr Jake Cassar's edible and medicinal wildplant show and talks by native bee expert Dr Tim Heard.
"Ms Kerrie Anderson and Mr John Seed will introduce permaculture and deep ecology, two philosophies that explore our relationship with the natural world - and could change your life.
"Other talks include home energy, solar and batteries with Mr Ian Garradd, and sustainable home design and material reuse with architect Mr Milos Obradovic, plus aquaponics, composting and natural pest control.
"The program begins with a smoke ceremony by Mr Tim Selwyn from Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences and concludes with a drum circle from local favourites Drumbala."
The festival will run from 9am to 4pm.
No dogs are allowed in the schoolgrounds.
Further information, including parking and program details, is available online at woytopia.org.
SOURCE:
Media release, 19 Sep 2024
Mark Mann, Woytopia