Swell is a marvellous festival held every September on Currumbin Beach. There are usually about 50 sculptures, literally sitting on the sand, where visitors can wander around, touch them (naughty) and get up close and personal. There are artists' talks, twilight walks, night time lights, and workshops for kids and adults. If you have any interest in art/sculpture, this really is a must-do. This year was the 12th annual Festival; here's hoping there are many more. I find it a really magical and marvellous event, and wouldn't miss it for the world.
glorious artworks at Swell |
We wended our way down the highway into deepest, darkest NSW, heading for our motel in Pottsville. We were pleasantly surprised by this little gem of a town, and by the motel which was comparatively inexpensive, clean and modern after a refurbishment this year. The sea is just a couple of hundred metres behind the motel, and is glorious (I keep saying that word) and very serene; and best of all, we were virtually the only people on it!
A white yacht was sailing off into the distance; and yes this shell was very long! There were many, many mangrove seeds along the beach as you can see |
Next day we headed out to Bangalow, trying to get there early enough to avoid the big crowds. Even by 9.40am, the crowds were starting to swell, and people were drinking champagne already! Apparently there was a record crowd this year, so I guess it can only get bigger next year. We wandered around the food stalls, and bought local sparkling water from a lovely young girl who leapt out from the stall in hot pursuit of actor Chris Hemsworth who was trying but perhaps not succeeding in being incognito. I suppose it didn't help when I walked by him and yelped- "oh look that's Chris Hemsworth" to my clueless spouse (even tho he likes that movie Thor). Bangalow Showgrounds are seemingly endless, with lovely trees and plenty of parking- well at that time of day anyway. We sat and watched the winner cook up his successful dish using local macadamia products- macadamia coconut chicken satay. It was really delicious and spicy; not surprising since the winner owns the Byron Bay Chilli Co.
the day was sunny and the crowds were happy and hungry |
the winner of the macadamia comp.with chef Alex Herbert; lovely ladies selling Bangalow Banquet cookbook delish pork bun from 100miletable; actor Chris Hemsworth giving some local lads a big thrill! |
coffee truck; Zest Byron Bay spice pastes and blends; tasty chicken satay |
The CWA ladies were a real hoot. They took turns sitting in the front window of the store, knitting and laughing and having a ball. I peeked inside the store and there was another (young) lady dressed in fifties gear and dancing up a storm in the doorway. There was such a wonderful atmosphere in the town, and everyone seemed to be having heaps of fun. I bought the Bangalow Banquet cookbook from the lovely ladies at the Festival stall, and I will be posting up a recipe or 2 down the track.
More to come from our northern NSW trip in the next post!
Hi Sherry, looks like a great event, beautiful pictures.
ReplyDeleteThanks Cheri. It was a really fun trip away.
DeleteLooks like you had a fun time Sherry:)
ReplyDeleteOh yes rachel we had such a great time!
DeleteSherry, both the festivals hat you visited look wonderful - the Sculpture Festival must have been so interesting and the Food Festival look like it was a ton of fun with lots of different things to discover and taste - certainly must have been one wonderful weekend!
ReplyDeleteThank you for stopping by my blog and leaving such a kind comment! And nice to get to know your blog!
Andrea
hi andrea
Deletethey were both wonderful festivals. we had such a good weekend away. thanks for visiting my blog.
i will keep an eye on your blog!
cheers
sherry
Looks like a great weekend, and I am soooo jealous, I love Chris Hemsworth :)
ReplyDeletei know sara. he is gorgeous and so tall. i was def. starstruck!
DeleteI went to the Bangalow Sample Food Festival last year and loved it. Was a shame I missed it this year so it was nice to read about your experience Sherry!
ReplyDeletehi Jem
Deleteit was a great day out. i am glad we went early as it apparently got very busy a bit later in the day. their most successful one yet they said!
What a gorgeous day! It looks like there is a bit of everything for everyone! :D
ReplyDeletehi lorraine
Deleteyes it was a most fab day! we really enjoyed ourselves.
That looks like a terrific day out!
ReplyDeleteHi Maureen
DeleteYes indeedy we had a marvellous time away.