Bubbles of fun: Kids of all ages love Poppykettle.
ERIN PEARSON
GEELONG’S iconic Poppykettle festival will celebrate 30 years next month after entertaining the children of Geelong for three decades.
Today, the Poppykettle Children’s Festival remains one of Geelong’s largest family events, held across two days and dedicated to promoting and celebrating performing arts for young people.
GPAC General Manager Jill Smith said hundreds of children from primary schools and kindergartens across the Geelong region were expected to attend this year’s festival.
“We’re thrilled to be celebrating the 30th birthday of what has become a Geelong institution,” she said.
“Now some of the kids who came along in 1981 bring their own children to the Poppykettle Festival.
“That makes it even more special.”
First held in 1981, Poppykettle Children’s Festival was created by the Geelong Corio Teacher Librarians Association who decided to hold a literary day for children.
Held as part of the week-long Springding Festival, the event was inspired by local author Robert Ingpen’s award winning children’s book The Voyage of the Poppykettle.
Ingpen’s The Voyage of the Poppykettle is a tale about a group of “hairy Peruvians” who set sail from Peru in a very unconventional “ship” in search of a new home.
Geelong born and raised, Ingpen is a world renowned author and artist who has written and illustrated more than 100 works.
GPAC’s Youth and Education Program coordinator Kelly Clifford said this year’s festival would offer a plethora of entertainment.
“On Thursday, Kinder Day will encourage children to play, make, laugh and create as they join in a range of free activities organised by kindergartens from across the region, as well as the library and art gallery,” she said.
“Friday’s Primary Day will be chock-full of activities, including hip-hop dancing, singing, drama classes and even a “sound safari”.”
Ms Clifford said in honor of the 30th anniversary great prizes would be on offer for children who come as their favourite character from The Voyage of the Poppykettle or favourite book character.
“We really want kids to embrace the festival this year,” she said.
“A lunchtime concert with musicians The Mudcakes will also follow with songs about the ups and downs of family life from potty training to new teeth and all the things parents and kids go through,” she laughed.
“On our outdoor stage children from Roslyn Primary School, Christian College, Northern Bay College and Hamlyn Banks Primary School will perform across the Friday.”
Poppykettle Children’s Festival will run in Geelong’s arts precinct and at Johnstone Park on October 27 and 28.
