Melbourne is known to be one of the most liveable cities in the world and you can see why. One of the things that I love about Melbourne aside from it being a sport mad city is that there’s always a festival going on whether it’s film, comedy, arts, design or music. This is probably why Melbourne is considered to be the entertainment Capital of Australia as there is always something to see and do. Since arriving in Melbourne I have been to:
- New Years Eve Celebrations in Federation Square
- St Kilda Festival 2013
- Moomba Festival
- Melbourne International Comedy Festival
- Melbourne International Jazz Festival
- Australia Day
- Pride Festival
- Emerge Festival 2013
- Light in Winter celebration
St Kilda Festival, 2013
Pride Festival, 2013
Australia Day Celebrations, St Kilda Botanical Gardens, 2013
New Years Eve celebrations in Federation Square, 2012
On Saturday afternoon I found myself heading to the Good Shepard Festival Day at Abbotsford Convent in celebration of the 150th anniversary of the Good Shepherds Sisters in Melbourne. Upon arrival it was clear to see what a success the festival was, seeing many people enjoying the weather, food and various other activities that’d been organised. I was greeted by Frances, a volunteer, who pointed me in the direction of a guided tour lead by one of the Good Shepherd Sisters. On the tour we explored many of the Convent rooms, including the laundry, the Good Shepherd Chapel and a newly built exhibition featuring never before seen artefacts . I really enjoyed my tour around the Convent, and particularly enjoyed listening to the stories of convent life as it was for the Sister and residents.
Good Shepherd Festival Day, 2013
Following the Good Shepherd Festival Day I followed the City Trail bike path to Federation Square in time for the Winter Solstice Celebrations. This celebration brought more than twenty of Melbourne’s culturally diverse communities with a night of music, performance and food from around the world. The performances took place on the centre stage, around the Helix Tree and camp fire. All the performances were fantastic but my favourite had to be the Square of Light project funded by Vic Health which saw individuals and groups explore cultural understanding through the form of music and performance around the warmth of a camp fire.
Winter Solstice Celebrations, 2013
Lighting up the Helix Tree, Winter Solstice Celebrations, 2013
So, if you are planning on visiting Melbourne be sure to check out one of the many festivals taking place across the City – they are great!
On the Road with Marlow 