The Ipswich Festival is in full swing with a huge weekend ahead.
One of the highlights of the Ipswich Festival is the Parade of Lights and this year’s theme is ‘From the Pages of a Storybook’.
Ipswich Libraries has run a series of free workshops for children to make the paper lanterns for the street parade.
Ipswich Library public program team leader Rosalie Stafford said she had been very impressed by the children’s enthusiasm.
“We chose the very popular children’s book, The Very Hungry Caterpillar by Eric Carle, for our lantern theme,” Ms Stafford said
“We have spent the past few weeks constructing a giant caterpillar and the various fruits it eats in the story.
“We have plums, strawberries, pears and individual lanterns that the children will carry.
“Families and staff will be proudly showcasing their work and bringing the story of the hungry caterpillar to life through this parade”
The book themed parade will go along Brisbane Street from Waghorn Street to Bell Street.
Ipswich Mayor Andrew Antoniolli is encouraging those coming along to get into the spirit by dressing as your favourite storybook character.
“It’s always great to see children lining the street having a great time and it’s even better if they are dressed up as their favourite book character,” Cr Antoniolli said.
“The display of lanterns is truly spellbinding and it’s a highlight, for many, of the weekend.”
The action kicks off in the afternoon at 3pm with Creative Kidz at d’Arcy Doyle Place. There will be a variety of family friendly entertainment such as the plaster fun house, face painting, terrarium making, puppet making and you can also make your own lantern for the parade.
After the light parade there will be the Heritage Bank Street Party until 9pm.
There will be a few stages with Mental as Anything performing on one and Brisbane swing rhythm and blues outfit Dezzie D and the Stingrayz on the other and DJ Cutloose on the third.
Honk! Will line the street straight after the parade of lights. It’s a combination of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles ready to take you on a nostalgic journey through time.
In 2018 the festival runs from 12 to 22 April and will deliver a celebration of local and national talent, Ipswich heritage and community spirit. This year marks the 17th annual Ipswich Art Awards which provides a platform to inspire, showcase and recognise local artists.
Ipswich Festival highlights:
• 13 April – Mayor’s Festival Ball featuring Mental As Anything
• 14 April – Creative Kidz in d’Arcy Doyle Place
• 14 April – Parade of Light with giant lanterns based on the theme from the Pages of a Storybook
• 14 April – Street Party with Mental As Anything, a free concert for all the family
• 15 April – Ipswich Gala Doll Fair
• 20 April – Fiesta: food, flavour and fun under the evening sky in Queens Park
• 21 April – Jazz, Wine and Blues: a celebration of wine, food and smooth jazz and blues with a feature performance by Joe Camilleri and the Black Sorrows
• 21 April – Festival Gala Concert with the Ipswich City Orchestra
