The 2022 Moore Park Beach Arts Festival was a great success, with “something for everyone”. The Festival started with the junior launch on the Friday morning. After the Official Opening by Cr Bartels, guests were treated to stage performances by a few local choirs groups, including Kids and Co, Gooburrum State School and Moore Park Beach State School. Kolan South Drum Corps then performed on the oval.

This year’s new initiative was the School Art Competition, sponsored by Moore Park Beach Pharmacy. After the awards presentation, students, teachers and families were given a sneak peek of the art competition (awards to be held later that evening) and the school art competition entries. They were also invited to add to our Festival mural, titled – “Our Moore Park Beach”, which is now on display at the Moore Park Beach Community Centre. To finish the commencement of the festival’s first day, the Moore Park Lions then provided a very welcome sausage sizzle.

The Art Competition Awards were held on the Friday night. This year we chose to celebrate with a gala event. People were dressed to the nines while the harp played. All accompanied by delicious food and drinks. And then what everyone was waiting for, the anticipation and announcement of the winners.

This year there was a 70% increase on last year’s entries, with 264 entries from 117 entrants. The winner of the Pat Walker Memorial Award (“Best in Show”) was Marilyn Vizard. This prestigious award is named in honour of Pat Walker, long term President and Patron of Moore Park Beach Arts Inc.

Then it was festival day on Saturday. After an inspiring Welcome to Country followed by stage entertainment from 10 am, it was a great start to what would be a fabulous day.

Kites flew high, keeping everyone transfixed on their free-flying movements. Add in the magic of the labyrinth on the beach, market and food stalls on the oval, the art competition in the Community Centre, and workshops and displays throughout the event.

Then, festival-goers were encouraged to bring a picnic rug and sit and enjoy the Twilight Concert. Performers included The Big Notes, featuring top local jazz musicians – Clem Soppa Sax/Clarinet, Chris Poulsen piano, David Lye drums and Mike Lye Bass.

But the festival still had more to offer the community. The Moore Park Beach Arts Festival finished in spectacular fashion with fireworks at 7.15 pm on the beach.

The annual festival was a great success with two (2) days of jam-packed fun and events. From discovering treasures at our markets, to enjoying tasty food and drinks, to learning new skills and enjoying great art and entertainment, people of all ages had plenty to enjoy at the 2022 Moore Park Beach Arts Festival.