There are plenty of exciting events for kids and families in the days to come. Photo: Visit NSW.
The Riverina is busy this week with circus open days, handmade markets, stage performances, art exhibitions, special music events and more.
It’s a big week for performances, with the Riverina Anglican College putting on a special production of Beauty and the Beast, and Byte Sized Productions putting on a hilarious production of Ian Fleming’s Chitty Chitty Bang Bang.
And families with bored kids during the holidays will find a lot to do. There are meet and greet encounters at Wagga’s zoo for the younger kids and the Flying Fruit Fly Circus School open day.
All this and a whole lot more in this week’s guide to all the best to see, do and experience.
Multiple Days
A classic tale told by the Riverina Anglican College’s talented students. Image: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre.
Beauty and the Beast at the Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre
When: Performances from 19 to 25 June
Where: Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre, Burns Way, off Tarcutta St, Wagga
Cost: Tickets from $24.30 to $43.50 | Book online.
Wagga Wagga Civic Theatre is hosting the Riverina Anglican College’s production of Beauty and the Beast, the classic musical that thrilled audiences so many years ago.
Talented local students will bring this beloved story to life, faithfully retelling the tale of Belle, a complex young lady who sees beyond appearances and looks at the qualities within a person rather than their surface-level attributes.
This production will have the same musical numbers, great choreography, humour and heartfelt emotion, celebrating the transformative power of love.
A First Nations collective showcasing skill in ceramic art. Photo: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery.
The Blak Manta Collective: A New Wave of First Nations Ceramic Art
When: 19 to 25 June, during normal gallery hours
Where: Wagga Wagga Art Gallery, Civic Centre, Corner of Baylis and Morrow streets, Wagga
Cost: Free.
This new exhibition at the Wagga Wagga Art Gallery displays works from the Blak Manta Collective, a dynamic group of First Nations artists determined to change the face of the nation’s artistic scene.
Drawing inspiration from the cultural and geographic roots of South Australia, the collective’s name means “Black Mud” in English. Their name connects both to the works they’ve contributed, mainly made of mud or clay, and to their connection to the country.
Works shown embody law, tradition and narrative passed down through generations.
Ian Fleming’s classic tale comes to the stage. Image: Albury Entertainment Centre.
Chitty Chitty Bang Bang Jr. – Performance at the Albury Entertainment Centre
When: 19 June, 7 pm and 20 June, 2 and 7 pm
Where: Albury Entertainment Centre, 525 Swift Street, Albury
Cost: Tickets vary | Book online.
Prepare yourself for a magical adventure with this special adaptation of Ian Fleming’s novel Chitty Chitty Bang Bang for the stage.
Well-known for its 1968 adaptation, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang is packed with catchy tunes, hilarious moments and plenty of heart and this junior production, manned by young talented theatre enthusiasts, is sure to delight.
The story follows oddball inventor Caractacus Potts and his kids as they go on an adventure in their extraordinary car. On their trip they will encounter beautiful scenery as well as danger, making daring escapes, as villains covet their flying car.
Common subjects rendered with uncommon skill. Image: Visit Albury Wodonga.
Stillness and Flight
When: 23 to 25 June, 10 am to 4 pm
Where: Gateway Gallery, Lincoln Causeway, Gateway Island
Cost: Free.
Artist Cathie Waller’s new exhibition at Gateway Gallery is a collection of works in the realist tradition, carefully created with a focused eye for detail, colour and form.
Works in this exhibition explore everyday objects and scenes, brought to the canvas vividly. Subjects include native Australian birds, expressive portraits, still lifes, seascapes and landscapes, rendered with delicacy and a respect for the subject matter.
Get up close with some of the zoo’s most cuddly creatures. Photo: Wagga Wagga City Council.
Meet and Greet Encounters at the Wagga Zoo
When: 20 and 21 June
Where: Wagga Wagga Botanic Gardens, MacLeay Street, Turvey Park
Cost: Free. Donations welcome.
Wagga’s favourite zoo is running special meet-and-greets during the school holidays, giving kids a chance to get close to some of the Botanic Gardens’ amazing animals. Curious kids will be able to feed some of the zoo’s most lovable residents. There will also be photo opportunities, deer interactions and camel feeding.
Meet near the dingo enclosure to get started.
Saturday
There’s plenty to find at the ERA Art and Design Market. Photo: Visit NSW.
ERA Art and Design Market
When: 20 June, 10 am to 2 pm
Where: Station Creative Workspace, 54-58 Johnston Street, Wagga
Cost: Free.
Head to the Station Creative Workspace for the ERA Art and Design Market. There will be plenty of local artists, designers, artisans, creatives, musicians performing live and plenty of food and coffee.
Pick up an original artwork, a handmade gift for a loved one or something for yourself.
Celebrate World Music Day at Meccanico. Image: eventbrite.
World Music Day – Fete de la musique – at Meccanico
When: 20 June, 3 pm
Where: Meccanico, 171 Fitzmaurice Street, Wagga
Cost: Free entry | Book online.
Meccanico Wagga is hosting an afternoon of music and delicious food to celebrate the winter solstice.
There’s good reason to celebrate the shortest day of the year. It signifies that the darkest days are behind us and we can start looking forward to summer. Celebrations at Meccanico will be marked with plenty of delicious food, great drinks and live music.
Don’t miss out.
Monday
The Flying Fruit Fly Circus may be just what your kid needs. Image: Humanitix.
Flying Fruit Fly Circus School – Open Evening
When: 22 June, 4 to 5:30 pm
Where: Flying Fruit Fly Circus School, West Wodonga
Cost: Free | Book online.
The Flying Fruit Fly Circus School is opening its doors this Monday, with a special open evening for students and their families interested in acrobatics or the circus. The Flying Fruit Fly Circus is great for active, energetic kids who like the combination of creativity, exercise and self-expression that circus and aerial acrobatics offer.
A typical week at the Flying Fruit Circus combines classroom learning with circus training across a variety of disciplines, with each student’s age, ability and interest taken into account.
The night includes an introduction from the leadership team at the school, a walkthrough of what a day looks like for students at different levels, a tour of their classrooms and plenty of question time.
More information is available online.
