Brolgas, Bogong Moths ready to light up River Arts Festival on August 10

Excitement is building for the Galari River Arts Festival with the creation of Bogong Moth lanterns. Co-director of the the Galari River Arts Festival, Ro Burns, ran a workshop on Saturday, July 13 where participants made large Bogong Moths made of cane paper. "Like our giant pair of Brolgas (both now flood repaired and ready to dance again) these lanterns are shining a light on two of the species in our ecology which are under threat or have disappeared from our local landscape," Ro said. If you missed out on this workshop and are keen to make your own lantern there will be a Gazebo for lantern making workshops at the River Arts Festival on Saturday, August 10 from 10am to 3pm. "Festival goers can make their own little Bogong Moth and participate in the parade in the evening." You can even make your own lantern at home and join the Ripple of lantern lights parade as the Galari River Arts Forbes facebook page will be sharing their tips and ideas for making your own lantern. Show off your at home creation in the parade, which will be marshalling lakeside opposite to the festival site at 5pm. As well as lantern making there will be a healing space featuring yoga, meditation and sound healing, an extensive selection of artisan stalls from all over the region for you to indulge in. The community is also encouraged to get involved with the community mural with Sheree Stokes. Entertainment will have you dancing and singing throughout the day starting from 9am. Featured performances include Lolo Lavina from Sydney, Rockabilly trio Felix and Albert and the Gentlemanly Two and Nerida Cuddy from Canowindra. Dance performances by Kristen Woods Studio, North Forbes Public, and an awesome Marimba performance from Bedgerebong Public School will also keep you entertained as well as the the Forbes Town Band on the Pontoon, supported by Forbes Lachlan Dragon Boats. This year's festival was given the name 'Ripple'. This is inspired by the shore of Lake Forbes as the River Arts committee wants to send out ripples of creativity and positivity out to the Forbes community and beyond through the Arts. The Galari River Arts Festival is sure to be a day full of creativity, arts and music that the whole family will enjoy so don't miss out.