Gladstone youngsters will display newfound skills in clowning, puppetry, the art of living statues and more at tonight’s Arrow Energy SUNfest Showcase.
Up to 1500 10 to 17-year-old children have been involved in the annual SUNfest school holiday program since January 6, participating in activities from Dreamtime art to go-karting.
The fortnight of activities comes to a head this evening when all performing arts participants stage a free show at the Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre to show their families what they have learned.
Their stage show will be backed by a display of completed artwork in the convention centre foyer.
Arrow Community Relations Manager Glenda Viner said Arrow was proud to support SUNfest for a second year as it provided entertaining and enriching activities for local youth during the school holidays.
“SUNfest has become a fixture on the calendars of Gladstone community members and provides much more than holiday care; it is an opportunity for participants to learn new skills and meet new friends,” Ms Viner said.
“Arrow is pleased to give SUNfest participants the chance to showcase these new skills tomorrow night, at what is sure to be a fun event for the whole family.”
SUNfest began in 1998 after a study examining spates of vandalism during school holidays showed there was a lack of low-cost activities for youth in the Gladstone region.
Gladstone Festival and Events Event Manager Kathy Andrew said supporting youth holiday activities had a range of social benefits, including a potential reduction in low-level crime.
She said between 400 and 500 people were expected to attend the showcase.
“Gladstone Festival and Events and SUNfest are extremely proud to be partnering with Arrow to bring benefits to local youth and the community as a whole,” Ms Andrew said.
For more information visit the SUNfest page of the Gladstone Regional Council website.
Media contact:
SUNfest
Kathy Andrew
Phone: +61 7 4972 5111
Email: [email protected]