On the 2nd of April the World Music, Dance and Food event was held in Lithgow, bringing together the Union Theatre, Western Sydney University Maldhan Ngurr Ngurra Lithgow Transformation Hub and the Tin Shed Restaurant into a connected entertainment and cultural precinct.
The event was fully funded by the NSW Government Department of Planning, Industry and Environment through the Festival of Place Summer Night Fund.
The event activated the night-time economy with the direct employment of 30 people from the hospitality, entertainment and event sectors that has been heavily impacted by the COVID 19 pandemic over the past 2 years.
The event also supported the community wellbeing by providing the opportunity for locals and visitors to Lithgow to safely return to public spaces and to enjoy a night-out.
The night began with the viewing of the Western Sydney University Lithgow Region Transformation Art Exhibition and the announcement of the People’s Choice awards in the Youth Art Competition by Lithgow by City Council Mayor Maree Statham.
The winners in People’s Choice were
- Adam Menezes, ‘Transformation’, Category 13-18 years
- Jakub Pigott, ‘Free-Style’, Category 12 years and under (joint winner)
- Anabelle Kelly, ‘The Gift of Life’, Category 12 years and under (joint winner)
The Western Sydney University was transformed into a sea of colour with the exhibition’s art works projected onto the windows of the building on Bridge Street adding to the lighting elements on the Union Theatre and the Tin Shed.
The Vanilla Café provided a sumptuous selection of cakes and desserts that was appreciated by all, with the Tin Shed having the choice of street style food with the international flavours coming with their very own ‘Toshi’ Japanese Curry.
The entertainment program began with an entrancing performance from the Caravan Dance Company, followed by the band ‘The Beez’ from Berlin bringing the international mix of music to the night. The 8-piece disco funk band ‘Freq Out’ got the dance floor pumping with the great sounds of the Disco Era to finish off the night.
Lithgow City Council Mayor Maree Statham said “I was pleased to see a great turnout to the World Music Dance and Food event, and thank the NSW government for their contribution and all those involved in making the event a success. It was wonderful to see nightlife again, especially as it was a fusion of art, music and food, something special after the ravages of Covid19”.
The event highlighted the collaboration with local businesses and the Western Sydney University along with the recent upgrade of the Union Theatre. It is envisaged that this will help to attract more events to Lithgow for locals to enjoy, and to activate the night-time economy even further.
