A brand-new children’s festival is coming to Bendigo – and it’s set to take over the Ulumbarra Theatre precinct with an explosion of creativity, curiosity and immersive play on Saturday October 11.
‘The Creativerse’ presented by Arena Theatre Company, will invite children aged 3 to 12 and their families from across the local region to enter an exciting universe of art, technology and playful storytelling.
The festival will showcase a myriad of local arts talent from the Mount Alexander and Macedon Ranges region including The Gardeners (pictured).
Supported by the Australian Government’s Festivals Australia program and the City of Greater Bendigo’s Partnering for Impact Grant, this vibrant one-day festival features free and ticketed events, immersive installations, live performances, and creative zones where kids are the artists, makers and inventors.
Arena Theatre Company CEO Debra Allanson said The Creativerse was their latest adventure: a place where young imaginations ran wild.
“We’re not just inviting kids to watch – we’re inviting them to participate and play!” Debra said.
“We’re excited to showcase amazing artists — both from around the world and right here in our region — for a day of fund and creativity the whole family can enjoy.”
Festival highlights will include:
• Polite Mammals – A totally wild variety show the whole family can enjoy.
• Finnegan The Fart Detective – The funniest whodunit ever heard, seen and smelled!
• Kiki and Zuki – This enchanting shadow puppet show explores what it means to belong in two worlds.
• Somone in the Dark – An immersive adventure to face fears and discover bravery in the wild.
• Free Activities across the day: workshops, storytelling, pop-up performances, digital projections, 3D AR – all driven by the young participants.
Federal Member for Bendigo Lisa Chesters MP welcomed the initiative.
“The Creativerse showcases the vibrant creative community in our region and gives children the chance to make art, not just watch it. It’s exciting, playful and uniquely Bendigo,” Ms Chesters said.
The Creativerse aims to become a fixture on the regional festival calendar, celebrating innovation, community and creativity in all its forms.
The event kicks off at 10am and runs through until 4pm at the Ulumbarra Theatre precinct, Bendigo.
Visit www.thecreativerse.org.au for tickets and more information.
