Wreckfest returns next weekend

WARRNAMBOOL’S Flagstaff Hill will come alive with all the colour, excitement, fun and activities of the early 1800s during this year’s second annual ‘Wreckfest’ celebration.

By Staff Writer

Alaine Burgess welcomes visitors to Mrs Kuck’s Confectionery.

To be held on Sunday, November 3, this unique festival will take visitors back 150 years for an emersion into the lives of our forefathers – and offer a glimpse of the way they lived.

There will be working displays, old trades, cane fishing rod demonstrations and high tea in the lovely tea rooms of Flagstaff Hill.

Wreckfest committee members Ken Sharpe and Glenda Peterson are excited to see the rare trades festival return to Flagstaff Hill and believe next weekend’s event will be even better than before.

“We were thrilled with the response we had last year and I’m sure we will attract just as many visitors, if not more, next weekend,” Mr Sharpe said.

“The museum and village have a unique cultural system; it portrays the story of the coast and portrays life in a shipping port back in the 1800s.”

This year’s festival will see an array of skilled artisans including knife makers, wool spinners, hand shearing, laser-cut fire pits, screen printing and glass art.

Visitors will also be able to enjoy calligraphy lessons and tarot reading sessions while live music, family entertainment and face painting will highlight the fun, family-friendly atmosphere.

And visitors to Wreckfest won’t go hungry, with amply food vendors on hand to satisfy hungry stomachs, along with some traditional lollies and plenty of games and activities for children to enjoy.

“Community events have a unique ability to bring local groups together, giving people a sense of ownership and pride in their local areas and an opportunity to celebrate and embrace local diversity,” Glenda said.

And for those who can’t make it to Flagstaff Hill on the Sunday, there’s plenty of activities also planned for the day prior – Saturday, November 2.

A silk scarf art workshop will run from 10am, a cider crafting workshop with Mike Juleff will also start at 10am and at 11am and 3.30pm Donna the Tarot Witch Lady will host palm readings.

Wreckfest will run from 10am until 4pm on Sunday, November 3.