Melbourne’s first two-day, one site music and arts festival for kids is coming to the iconic Sidney Myer Music Bowl this November.
PlayFest is hoping to set a new benchmark in family entertainment, instilling a love of quality music and the festival atmosphere in kids under 12 – and reigniting it in their parents.
Sprawl on the grass and soak up the festival atmosphere, or wander about and enjoy the various stages, music genres, zones and activities at Melbourne’s first ‘big day out for little people’.
Choose from Pre-schooler Friday, Festival Family Saturday or both – each day has a carefully selected mix of acts designed to appeal to kids both young and ‘not old yet…’
The idea was conceived by three Melbourne mum’s unwilling to put their own festival days behind them and convinced there was a gap in Melbourne’s market for an event that truly appealed to both kids and parents.
Founder and Director Jo Bertrand says similar events exist in New York and London and Melbourne is the perfect market for something like PlayFest.
‘We love our music, the arts and our city. And of course we love our kids! But trying to find something that combines all of that and keeps everyone entertained has – until now – been a challenge,’ she said.
‘With the tendency towards having children a bit later, we’ve all grown slightly more attached to our quality of life and want to find ways we can keep our kids – and ourselves – happy!’
The PlayFest line up features Melbourne’s own sextet WooHoo Revue who are straight from Glastonbury , plus Sam Moran, Yo Gabba Gabba, Alex Papps and Abi Tucker (as seen on ABC4Kids’ PlaySchool), Ali McGregor, Em Rusciano, Georgia Fields and bands that have perfected the ‘adult-kid’ crossover genre such as The Mudcakes, The Rrrrrockets and the Mighty buZZniks.
Tickets for PlayFest go on sale via Ticketmaster Pre-sale at 12pm, Monday 15th September. General Sale begins Friday 19th September. Prices start at $38 for Friday (3 hr sessions) and $55 for Saturday (all day).
PROGRAM AND LINE UP INFORMATION
FRIDAY: Choose from a morning or afternoon session perfect for preschoolers.
PLAY-PEN MAIN STAGE: Abi Tucker and Alex Papps (as seen on ABC4Kids’ Play School) will MC as well as performing songs from their own albums. The Kazoos will be putting on a Bear Hunt, and kids will recognize the tone of Nay Nay Let’s Play’s- Naomi Young as the voice of Hootabelle from ABC4 Kids. The Mudcakes have been described as “Roots-rock aimed at discerning kids (and their equally discerning parents)”, and if Dr Seuss started a rock band, it would be The Mighty buZZniks.
SATURDAY: All day fun for the whole family.
PLAY-PEN MAIN STAGE: Festival Family Saturday hosted by Luke & Wyatt from Nickelodeon will host an exciting mix of music and acts including the super-talent WooHoo Revue, queen of postcard pop, Georgia Fields; the Minibikes with their endless summer vibe, and dance-inducing quintet, Mighty Duke & The Lords.
Yo Gabba Gabba needs no introduction to anyone under 12, nor does Sam Moran, star of Nickelodeon’s Play Along With Sam. The Rrrrrockets are officially ‘out of this world’ and The Playground Craze will sing and dance their way into the hearts of older kids.
BOTH DAYS
The Mudcakes and the Mighty buZZniks will play both days.
BIG TOP CABARET MARQUEE: With Ali McGregor’s acclaimed Jazzamatazz show , and Em Rusciano, with the voice that shot her to fame as one of the country’s original Australian Idols. Both will perform on Friday and Saturday, with Em only appearing on Friday AM session.
ROVING PERFORMERS: Bananas in Pyjamas, Spot the Dog and Peter Rabbit.
READINGS STORYTIME TIPI: Featuring author readings from the likes of Andy Griffiths and Sally Rippin, and music from 11 & 14 year old sisters Charm of Finches, and Barry Peters.
YAMAHA MUSIC CORNER: Music education workshops for all ages.
IKEA LITTLE PLAY ZONE: Music and soft play for mini rockers under 3.
VARIETY LIVE LAUGH AND LEARN ZONE: A sensory area with appropriate workshops and activities for kids of all abilities.
For more information, please visit www.playfest.com.au.
