There will be a feast of visual and performing arts at Rhyll on Australia Day.
The highly acclaimed Melbourne Djembe Creative Dance and Drumming Company will be performing at the Rhyll Hall and Park on Thursday January 26.
The family-oriented event, according to Peter Buitenhuis, President of the Rotary Club of Phillip Island and San Remo, is a significant departure from the traditional Australia Day celebrations.
Peter said: “We understand that attitudes to this day vary and we hope that the event which has been dubbed a ‘Gathering of Neighbours’ can encourage us all to reflect on our shared history and show respect for all cultures bringing us together by acknowledging that we are all part of the story.
“The day will also include an array of food, fun and free activities for all the family including the highly entertaining circus playspace, live music, face painters for adults and children and of course a magnificent art show in the historical Rhyll Hall.
“It really will be a day with a focus on families and just getting together and having fun.”
Melbourne’s Djembe will also be holding workshops for those interested in learning drumming skills. “I have seen them perform and they are absolutely sensational,” Peter said.
The Djembe (pronounced jem-beh) a symbol of West African culture, is one of the most versatile and widely played percussion instruments in the world.
The djembe drum is goblet-shaped instrument, traditionally carved from a single piece of African hardwood, covered with an animal skin as a drumhead and is played by using the hands and fingers.
The fun starts at 11am and goes until 3pm on Australia Day.
Artists exhibiting at the Rhyll Hall on Australia Day are all exceptionally talented and award-winning Phillip Island locals, whose work ranges from abstract to classic styles in various mediums.
Featured artists include: Carolyn Jane, David Taylor, Dianna Edwards, Ian Pascoe, Jan Taylor, Jenny Jackson, Jill Rogers, Joy Brentwood, Lois Green, Marilyn Forrest and Tom Tyrell.
Australia Day at Rhyll – something for everyone, starting at 11am at the Rhyll Mechanics Institute Hall and Park on Thursday January 26.
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