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Julians Late Summer 2012 Newsletter

Hard to keep up with all that is happening in Byron Bay! 

The Byron Arts Classic

Did you know, for instance, that the Northern Rivers Region boasts the largest population of artists and ‘creatives-in-general’, per capita, in Australia?  Yes, it’s true:  the Byron Arts Classic this January (6th – 11th) has been another major success with over 400 entries and the opening night was cram-packed with arty hopefuls, judges and spectators alike.  Considering you have to live within the Byron Shire to enter this competition/exhibition, the numbers validate the arty population just in Byron alone!

Northern Rivers Writers Centre

Writers also have their chance to shine with the collectiveness that is the Northern Rivers Writers Centre (and Writers Festival – on again this year so check out their website for details).  So many workshops happening, so if you feel you might want to try your hand at that children’s book, mini-drama series or just write down your memoirs, perhaps joining the Northern Rivers Writers Centre might give you the opportunity you need?  Visit their website at www.nrwc.org.au or www.byronbaywritersfestival.com and book your stay at Julians well in advance.  You don’t have to live in the Northern Rivers to be part of this fabulous writer’s collective.

Byron Bay Blues Festival

Music is also a major feature of the Byron Bay culture:  the 23rd Annual Byron Bay Blues Festival is counting down (April 5th – 9th) so if you are aiming to come to Byron and haven’t booked your accommodation yet, you had better get cracking.  Major acts and new information come through almost daily, so check out the line-up on the Byron Bay Blues Festival site and become part of the music scene. 

If you’ve recently missed out on the Summersong Music Camp “embracing musicians of all levels in a round the clock music-making celebration” perhaps you could book ahead for next year? 

Byron Spirit Festival

Let’s not leave the ‘spiritual being’ out either:  Yogis and Yoginis converge February 17th – 19th at the Byron Spirit Festival, uniting young and old in this inaugural festival.  Mullumbimby will be chockers with spirit at selected venues – with over forty classes running over the duration.  Check out their website www.spiritfestival.com.au  and book your stay at Julians to recharge your batteries.

Everything’s gone ‘filmy’

Northern Rivers Screenworks, with sponsorship from the SAE Institute, have created Flickerlab, a workshop bringing key industry practitioners to give emerging filmmakers the heads-up on the process of development, production, distribution, financing and other guidance. 

Byron Bay International Film Festival is on in March, so best book ahead for March 2nd – 11th – we don’t want you to miss out on this one!  BBFF will screen a cornucopia of films in all genres over this 10 day period at the Byron Bay Community Centre, supporting independent filmmakers:  over 100 films will be featured throughout this festival, hosting a plethora of workshops and free seminars, all in magical Byron Bay, the creative hub of the universe!

Book in early for Friday, March 9th, for 2012 Filmmaker Workshop with Philip Bloom and Ric Creaser, in conjunction with SAE Institute.  More information at www.byronbay.sae.edu.

Circus, you say? 

Knee Deep (presented by Casus) boasts “modest circus with a contemporary twist” – with five performers doing their best to wow you at the Byron Entertainment Centre, February 16th – 18th.   Book through Byron Entertainment Centre on 6685 6566.

Northern Rivers Performing Arts (NORPA) have their exceptional line-up for 2012 already on line, so if you want to connect your holiday plans with a show or two (always excellent), you can check out their program at www.norpa.org.au and book ahead.  Keep an eye out for their homegrown work, Railway Wonderland, which promises to be a memorable event, if NORPA’s past Generator productions are anything to go by!

Markets, art and more...

Markets, be it Artisan Markets (Saturday evenings in the Railway Park) or Byron Markets (first Sunday of each month) or Bangalow Markets (fourth Sunday of the month) are a big part of the Byron experience. 

Art on the Move, an artists’ collective, have an ongoing art exhibition at the Moller Pavilion, inside the Bangalow Showgrounds (band end of the markets – sit and listen to local musicians after you’ve purchased that wonderful painting, glass object, print or metal sculpture):  this art exhibition coincides with the Bangalow Market Day.  Food, entertainment and art – what more could you want from a day out? 

Coming up in May there are just too many events to elaborate on (maybe in our Winter Newsletter – come back and visit our site again when the first tendrils of cool wrap around your body!)  Here are a few taste tempters:  Nimbin Mardi Grass; The Big Swim; The Triathlon; Bangalow Billy Cart Derby; Harmony Day; Mullum to Brunswick 10km family paddle; and the Visual Arts Fest to name but a few!
Experience Byron Bay and all it has to offer. 

See you soon……………
The Team at Julians – we are here for YOU.