Uncovering York Festival’s exciting 2024 program

York Festival returns for its eighth year this month, bringing a vibrant program of music, theatre, family activities and workshops to the historic Wheatbelt town from Friday, September 20 to Sunday, September 29. With Day and Weekend Passes on sale now, attendees can enjoy access to all activities for a single fee, making it easy to experience everything the festival has to offer. OLIVIA WILLIAMS caught up Festival Coordinator Joanna Bryant to unpack the program and find out what we can look forward to this year.

With the festival kicking off on Friday, September 20, what can people look forward to on opening night? Are there any special highlights or unique features planned to make it extra memorable?

Attendees can look forward to a truly special experience. The evening will feature a standout performance by the West Australian Opera with Wundig Wer Wilura In Concert, created by Gina Williams and Guy Ghouse. This concert is deeply rooted in local culture, based on York’s Two Mountains dreaming story and sung in Noongar, offering a powerful blend of storytelling and music. The event will start with local Ballardong Elder Dennis ‘Noongali’ Kickett providing a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony.

Prior to the main concert, attendees will enjoy a performance from award-winning dancer and choreographer Floeur Alder. Djilba, named after the Noongar season of transition, celebrates the emergence of new life and the abundance of spring. The performance is a collaborative creation by Floeur Alder and sculptor and writer Virginia Ward.

How did The York Festival get started back in 2014, and how has it changed and grown over the years? What are some of the ways the festival has evolved?

In 2014, Festival Founder Jenny Garroun launched the event with an arts market, designed to offer visitors to York an engaging and stimulating experience. This initiative quickly evolved into the York Festival, a multi-arts, multi-weekend annual celebration of the vibrant arts and culture scene in the historic town.

Over the years, the festival has collaborated closely with local community groups and individuals to develop a program that nurtures and showcases local talent. This commitment has not only provided a platform for local artists but has also made York an attractive destination for creative individuals seeking a lifestyle change. As a result, the town has seen a significant influx of experienced artists and artisans over the past five years, further enriching York's artistic community.

The York Festival takes place during Djilba and Kambarang, which are important seasons in the Noongar calendar. How do you weave the cultural significance of these seasons into the festival’s events and programming?

At the York Festival, we deeply respect and honour the cultural significance of Djilba and Kambarang, which are vital seasons in the Noongar calendar. These seasons guide much of our programming and artistic direction. The artwork that brands this year's festival, 'Seeds to Superstars – Everlastings' by local Noongar artist Michelle 'Wilura' Kickett, reflects the flourishing of life during these seasons.

Our program is thoughtfully curated to include performances, workshops, and events that celebrate and educate about Noongar culture, with a strong emphasis on the natural environment and its seasonal cycles. Many of our activities take place outdoors, allowing participants to connect directly with the land and experience the unique beauty of York during Djilba and Kambarang. The location of the festival and its timing ensure that the environment and its seasonal changes are integral to the experience, fostering a deeper understanding and appreciation of the Noongar cultural heritage.

The York Festival features a great mix of crafts, theatre, dance, music, and storytelling. How do you go about picking and curating such a diverse line-up? What do you look for to make sure it stays engaging and representative?

Curating the York Festival's diverse line-up is a thoughtful and intentional process that reflects our commitment to showcasing a rich tapestry of arts and culture. We aim to create a program that is not only engaging but also representative of the unique spirit of York and its community.

When selecting artists and events, we prioritise several key factors. The first is local and regional talent. We actively seek out artists and performers from York, the surrounding areas, and broader Western Australia. This ensures that the Festival remains deeply rooted in the local culture while also introducing fresh perspectives.

The second is cultural significance. We look for performances and workshops that celebrate and explore the cultural heritage of the region, particularly the Noongar culture, which is central to York's identity.

Diversity of expression is also important. We strive to balance traditional and contemporary forms of art, offering everything from crafts and storytelling to theatre, dance, and music. This diversity ensures there's something for everyone, regardless of age or interest.

Another thing we look for is engagement and interactivity. We prioritise events that encourage audience participation and interaction, fostering a sense of community and connection. Whether it's a hands-on craft workshop, a dance performance, or a storytelling session, we want our audience to feel involved and inspired.

Finally, we look for innovation and creativity. We are always on the lookout for unique and innovative artistic expressions that push boundaries and challenge perceptions. This keeps the festival dynamic and ensures it continues to evolve and surprise our audience.

By focusing on these elements, we ensure that the York Festival remains a vibrant, inclusive, and engaging celebration of the arts, reflective of the diverse voices and stories that make up our community.

Community involvement and creativity are big parts of The York Festival. Can you share some examples of how the festival connects with the local community and encourages creative expression among attendees?

Community involvement and creativity are at the core of The York Festival, and we take great pride in offering opportunities for local residents and visitors to actively participate and express themselves. For example, our 'Artybrellas' activity invites kids and families to collaborate on decorating an umbrella, fostering creativity and family bonding. Other engaging workshops include 'Floer Alder's Poetry and Dance' workshop, Frankie's Polymer Jewellery-making sessions, and the popular paint-and-sip art classes.

We collaborate closely with local artists, musicians, guides, and community groups to create events that resonate with the people of York and interest visitors to York. This year, the River Conservation Society is offering a guided river walk, while local tour guide Mike Bryant invites families on the 'Heritage Quest: Family Fun Walk.' Additionally, local musician Simon Charles and poet John Kinsella will showcase their collaboration, 'Visceral Fragments,' blending music and poetry in a unique performance.