The rhythms of Africa will descend on Teesdale for its annual twilight lantern parade and music festival on Saturday.
Live@Turtle Bend 2017 features seven-person Afrobeat band Alárìíyá, which will bring funky rhythms and a taste of Nigeria for an evening of music, food and community.
“This is Teesdale’s night of nights,” said organiser and Golden Plains’ Citizen of the Year Stewart Seaton.
“We are really proud of our event. Live@Turtle Bend is organised by the community for the community.”
Local students will lead a lantern parade down the main street, while Alárìíyá and The Tiny Giants from Ocean Grove will play at Teesdale’s unique Turtle Pavilion.
“The children at Teesdale Primary School have made some amazing lanterns over the past few years,” Stewart said.
“It’s wonderful to see them at twilight as they wend their way to the pavilion.”
Nigerian musician Olugbade Okunade, aka GP Saxy, heads Alárìíyá after touring the world with Afrobeat band Egypt 80 as a trumpet player for 14 years.
Live@Turtle Bend begins at 5pm on Saturday at Teedale’s Turtle Bend Pavilion with free entry for all ages and food and drink stalls.
“It is unique in the shire and is supported by Golden Plains Youth, FReeZA and many local business and community groups,” Stewart said.
FReeZA is Victorian Government initiative that supports drug, smoke and alcohol-free music and cultural events for young people.
