Byron Bay articles of interest.

BOOMERANG FESTIVAL FOR BYRON IN 2013 Launched at Bluesfest 2013, Festival Director Peter Noble in partnership with leading Cultural Creative Rhoda Roberts, a Bundjalung women and Boomerang’s Festival Director & Curator announced details of an exciting new cultural event titled Boomerang Festival. To be staged annually over the October Labour Day long weekend at the Bluesfest site and featuring an eclectic line up of artists from around the globe, Boomerang Festival will be a unique world cultural exchange where audiences will experience living cultures through traditional and contemporary music. Featuring some of the world’s oldest instruments, dance and rituals along with traditional arts practices and workshops with a focus on mother tongues and first instruments. This multi-arts event is the [...]

Crowds winding up for a big day at Splendour in the Grass 2010 listening to Yacht Club DJs. BLUESFEST director Peter Noble has hit back at claims that he doesn’t understand the issues surrounding Byron Shire’s policy on major events. Mayor Jan Barham said recently that Mr Noble’s belief that the events policy was “anti-music” was “confused”. Music events had been singled out because they were occasions which had an impact on the wider community and could cause conflict, so needed planning regulations. But Mr Noble said there was no confusion around the fact that most people in the community wanted to see music presented in a safe, friendly setting outside of pubs and clubs in the town. He also [...]

IT’S official. Splendour in the Grass will return to Woodfordia in Queensland this year. Because the application for a permanent site at North Byron Parklands is still being consid-ered, it won’t be held at the Yelgun site this year. North Byron Parklands general manager Mat Morris said: “The NSW Department of Planning are still processing the North Byron Parklands application for a sustainable cultural arts and music event venue. It is hoped that they will make a decision shortly.” The three-day music event kicks off on July 29 and finishes on July 31 in its second year at the Queensland site. Despite damage to the Woodford site during the Queensland floods, Splendour organisers are “confident” it will be restored in [...]

LISMORE’S inaugural Sonic Festival is ready to take off this weekend with more than 40 DJs and bands strutting their stuff on three stages. After 18 months’ planning,co-organiser Malcolm Fine is happy to see everything coming to fruition and was confident yesterday that the planets were aligning for an awesome weekend of music, arts and culture. “All is ready,” he said. “The bands are coming, the DJs are coming, and the artists are coming. “We have an extraordinary line-up of DJs and bands, and there also has been a huge response from Northern Rivers professionals wanting to contribute.” While the weekend forecast is for mostly fine weather, fears of rain have not perturbed organisers as much of the festival is [...]

Rock the YAC is proud to present a massive day of music and performance art, the first in a series of events to be entirely conceptualised, produced and managed by youth for youth. The Tiki Mash Up on Saturday April 24 at the YAC from 3pm to 11pm will showcase a variety of up and coming bands, DJs and roving performance artists from Byron Shire and interstate, including sets from local upcoming rockers Primary Colours, Sexisles and Polaroid Fame, electro funk maestros Red Bantoo as well as interstate bands The Phonies (Sydney), The Rude (Brisbane) and Darky Roots (Brisbane). Tiki Mash Up will feature roving local circus artists, Fire twirling, acrobats, juggling and group stunts. There will also be interactive [...]

Celebration is at the heart of Byron’s creative culture and you can share the experience in the Tipi Forest at SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2009. With its organic vibe, colourful décor, video art and performers, it’s easy to immerse yourself in the distinctive local ambience and dance your way through the festival. The dance floor is outdoors, at once huge and intimate. Filled with non-stop, back to back DJ action, interlaced with cutting edge Northern Rivers producers and sampled with local MCs, the music of the Tipi Forest resonates with transformational, deep and soulful, dance floor communion. Within the abundant ring of the Wollumbin Caldera, in the Bundjalung nation, the incredible landscape has welcomed a diverse population, many seeking an [...]

A New South Wales whale researcher says some humpbacks have started their northern migration earlier than usual. Wally Franklin from the Oceania Project says whales have been spotted off Byron Bay, in northern NSW, and should now have started making their way around the eastern side of Fraser Island off south-east Queensland. Mr Franklin says he does not think there is any reason why some whales have started the journey early. “There haven’t been many reports since, so I don’t think it indicates any general change in the migration, but I would expect from here on in to begin getting regular reports and of course June and July is the peak of the migration, so there’ll be plenty flowing up [...]

Early bird tickets for FEHVA are now on sale and this includes early bird tickets for the FEHVA art auction if you purchase before May 20th. The evening includes food and wine. Special guest Sydney Morning Herald Art Critic John McDonald will stir up pre bidding interest with a brief address on ‘The role of the art critic in forming the art market’ Art auction will be conducted by maestro of the hammer Robert Bleakley. 50% of the sale price will go to the artist and 50% to the New Buttery Centre of Excellence in Addiction Recovery project. Keep a watch on the FEHVA website for artwork updates each week full selection available for viewing by June1st. We thank all [...]

It is sold. We all know it is. We all know who to.. heres the blah according to fairfax. The big question is, Will it be better or worse? A CONSORTIUM of businessmen led by a Melbourne restaurateur has paid a record $65 million for Byron Bay’s Beach Hotel, the money-spinning pub built in 1990 by Paul Hogan’s sidekick and business partner John Cornell. The foreshore pub was built for $9 million in 1990 by Cornell, the producer of Crocodile Dundee, and has become the coastal town’s largest and most lucrative entertainment venue. The hotel, which includes an apartment complex, bottle shop and gaming area, generates up to $150,000 a day during the summer and caters to an eclectic crowd [...]

Temple Byron (formerly the Aikido Centre)… At 46 Melaleuca Drive opposite Arts and Industry Estate With SOUL GARDEN presents… The AMEN concert – 6 pm Sunday April 22nd…. Blessings – A place for heart and soul and community spirit events The Creative Intuitive – Sacred Events – Yoga Teacher Trainings, workshops, classes (www.ishtasystem.com), Yoga DVD’s, Yoga Music, Chanting, Creativity and Intuition Workshops – www.inspirational-music.net for our multi award winning devotional chanting and inspirational music CD Ph: +61 2 66847827 Mobile: +61 432291913 PO BOX 447 Byron Bay NSW 2481 Australia

SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS 2007 We’re back! SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS, Australia’s premier mid winter music festival will return to the beautiful sub tropical environs of Byron Bay for its 7th birthday this August. The event will again take place at BELONGIL FIELDS but at a slightly later than usual timeframe of SATURDAY AUGUST 4TH and SUNDAY AUGUST 5TH and will feature a stellar cast of music performers from here and around the globe. Before we reveal the first acts confirmed to appear at the 2007 SPLENDOUR IN THE GRASS event we want to remind you that the personalised ticketing system that was introduced in 2006 will again be used this year along with an exciting Green Ticket initiative. The [...]

The Department of Immigration is investigating claims that sham marriages arranged by a religious sect have taken place in Byron Bay, on the New South Wales north coast. A national newspaper alleged last week that devotees of the Indian guru Osho, known as sanyassins, have taken part in the marriages to obtain residency for foreign worshippers. A spokeswoman for the department confirmed that officers will be sent to the Byron Shire this week. She says the investigation was prompted by reports from residents and the newspaper article.

What happens when poets respond to paintings? We will soon find out with the results of our upcoming Poetry Contest co-sponsored with Tweed River Arts Gallery. Join us for the upcoming workshop to stimulate your poetic inspiration. There is limited enrolment, so please contact us asap. Tweed River Art Gallery Cnr Tweed Valley Way & Mistral Road, Murwillumbah NSW 2484 Phone: 02 6670 2790 Fax: 02 6672 7585 Email: tweedart@tweed.nsw.gov.au Open Wed to Sun 10am – 5pm Admission is free http://www.dangerouslypoetic.com

Rous Water Regional Water Supply (Property currently connected to the twin water supply in the Ballina, Byron, Lismore and Richmond Valley Local government areas) Phone: (02) 6621 8055 Water Saving Device: Rainwater Tank: 2,000- 4,499 litres Rebate: $100 Notes: Tanks purchased on or after 1 July 2005 are eligible for the current rebate. + $120 if all toilets connected and + $50 if washing machine connected to Rainwater Tank. Water Saving Device: Rainwater Tank: 4,500 – 8,999 litresRebate: $400 Notes: Tanks purchased on or after 1 July 2005 are eligible for the current rebate. + $120 if all toilets connected and + $50 if washing machine connected to Rainwater Tank. Water Saving Device: Rainwater Tank: 9,000 or more litres Rebate: [...]

Justine Elliot, the Member for Richmond met with Barry Evans the Director of The Buttery this week to discuss the Buttery’s plans for a new facility in Bangalow. The Buttery began in 1973 as a drop-in centre for youth, run by volunteers. Since those early days it has developed into one of the most successful programs of its kind providing residential treatment and outreach services for adults seeking treatment and assistance for addiction problems. Barry Evans Director of The Buttery said ‘The existing premises in Binna Burra are almost 100 years old and space for expansion is limited – the Buttery simply cannot meet the growing demand for beds in our therapeutic community’. The Buttery’s new facility will not only [...]

The blues fest kicked off as per usual with a bang. Thursday was nice weather…. then of course it started bucketing down on friday. It is raining on and off sunny rain.. music goes on as it does.. love it.

We work to provide a safe environment where children are able to reach curriculum expectations whilst integrating social and emotional skills. Thus, through the content of the curriculums, “skills for life” are developed. Being a small school, we have been able to build a cohesive working vision committed to fostering an informed community where all members feel heard, supported and involved. The intended result is that everyone feels ownership for the school and its programs. Byron Community Primary School 53 Tennyson St, Byron Bay NSW 2481. Phone 02 6685 8208 Fax 02 6685 8590

TOP PRIORITY FOR IMMEDIATE BROADCAST NSW TSUNAMI WARNING Australian Government Bureau of Meteorology New South Wales Issued at 0908 on Monday the 2nd of April 2007 For people in coastal areas of New South Wales, Lord Howe Island and Norfolk Island. An earthquake of preliminary magnitude 8.1 occurred at 06:40 am EST this morning near the Solomon Islands, [epicentre 8.6S, 157.2E] and may have generated a tsunami. At the time of this warning a Tsunami has been detected. Further monitoring is taking place to determine the extent and severity of the threat. A series of waves associated with this tsunami may impact Australia later this morning, reaching Norfolk Island from Midday [Norfolk Island time], Lord Howe Island from 11:00 am [...]

FEHVA festival director Dee Tipping has announced this week that Jill Eddington is coming on board to mentor the FEHVA program for 2007. ‘As soon as I knew Jill was available to take on mentoring positions after her amazing run with the Byron Bay Writers Festival I was queuing up to see if she would be interested in working with us ’ said Ms Tipping.’ ‘Jill and I had worked together as part of the Writer’s Festival sponsorship of the FEHVA event, bringing wonderful guest speakers such as Betty Churcher in 2006. Through this I gleened that Jill had a real passion for the visual arts – as well as tertiary qualifications to back them up.’ ‘Our aim is to [...]

Byron Bay Premium Ale, it seems to be a winner. This low-key beer is gaining traction despite have a minuscule marketing budget and a small distribution network. It is a cheeky drop and not because it is a surprisingly well-flavoured brew with a 5 per cent alcohol bite. For a start it is a lager and not an ale, for those who care about the distinction. And the Byron Bay Brewery doesn’t exist – yet. The beer is concocted in Sydney by contract brewers and the bloke who runs the show lives on the Central Coast of New South Wales, which is a long swim from Wategos.

Byron Bay’s Danny Wills vs Kelly Slater on Gold Coast. EIGHT-times world champion Kelly Slater yesterday nominated the Gold Coast’s Joel Parkinson as the man who could deny him an unprecedented ninth world title this year, but first he has to get past veteran Suffolk Park surfer Danny Wills. Slater, 35, starts his quest today when the season-opening Quiksilver Pro gets underway at Snapper Rocks on the Gold Coast. Last night’s forecast was for a one-metre swell to kick off the $300,000 World Championship Tour (WCT) season, building in the wake of a cyclone in the Coral Sea towards the end of the week.

BEN Harper will headline Byron Bay’s East Coast Blues and Roots Festival in April, as well as doing a series of gigs in Sydney and Melbourne. Although Harper has played hundreds of festivals around the world, he says there’s something special about Byron Bay that keeps bringing him back. “The crowd … they’re ready to have a great time and to lift you up,” he says. Ben Harper and The Innocent Criminals play Sydney’s Enmore Theatre on April 4 and the East Coast Blues and Roots Festival on April 9.

Land near Byron Bay added to national parks The Bundjalung people say the addition of 14 parcels of land near Byron Bay, in northern New South Wales, to national parks, marks the end of a long struggle. More than 70 hectares of Crown land will be added to the Arakwal National Park, and the 50 hectare Ti Tree Lake Aboriginal Area will be created at a site considered sacred by Bundjalung women. Land south either side of the Cape Byron lighthouse and areas along the beach-front will be jointly managed by the Bundjalung people. Bundjalung member Yvonne Stewart says the lake is of particular importance. “The most significant land that’s been handed back into national parks is the Aboriginal women’s [...]

Welcome David Gulpilil to kuntri Acclaimed Indigenous actor David Gulpilil will be welcomed to kuntri by Bundjalung, Arakwal, Widjabal and Yaegal Elders in a gathering being hosted at Gnibi College of Indigenous Australian Peoples on Wednesday, February 14. Mr Gulpilil is visiting the region to support a new peace film, Think About It, in which he plays a starring role. Lecturer at Gnibi College, Bilyana Blomeley, said he was pleased the college could act as a nexus to bring together Aboriginal people from the east coast of Australia with such a renowned person and peace activist from the northern areas of Arnhem Land. “This unification is a good example of how we hope to one day provide a bridge between [...]

Youth Activities Centre – The YAC shuts down!! While waiting for the second last live gig on Tuesday night, young YAC enthusiasts consider a future without the venue. A petition was handed around, collecting over 200 signatures. It called for Council to commit to renovating the YAC so that it can gain its Place of Public Entertainment Licence (POPE) and continue providing a drug and alcohol free venue for Byron Shire’s young people. For many years now it has been clear to Byron Shire Council inspectors and to staff at the Byron Bay Youth Activities Centre (YAC) that the YAC facilities require a considerable overhaul to make it a safe place for youth entertainment. So clear in fact, that nine [...]

Vanessa Wagner is one of Australia’s most colourful and entertaining identities. She started as a dedicated housewife and part time hostess. Vanessa was crowned Sydney Mardi Gras Miss Fair Day 1993. For seven years she coordinated and hosted the spectacularly successful Drag Race Meet at Bondi Beach for the Sydney Fringe Festival. From early 1993 till 1996 Vanessa captivated audiences with Jamie and Vanessa parties and stage shows. Vanessa now produces her own parties, events and shows. She is proud dance mistress of her very own Crystal Stepz Dance Company, creating works of a kind rarely seen! Her sell out hit dance show, Vanessa Wagner’s History of Dance broke box office records and may become a film. Visit Vanessa >>

There are many reasons why choosing to stay at Cavvanbah Beach House is a great idea but one of the best reasons is its location. It’s just a short stroll from the township of Byron Bay and enjoys direct access to beautiful Belongil beach. No busy roads or crowds of people between you and the beach! Situated on the north coast of New South Wales, and world-famous for its natural beauty, relaxed life style and alternative culture, Byron Bay enjoys a year-round subtropical climate with an average temperature of 25°C (77°F), which makes it close to perfect at any time of the year. There’s nowhere quite like Byron. Where else can you enjoy anything from international bands, whale watching, kayaking [...]

The American Pie actress Tara Reid was snapped lapping up the sunshine in Byron Bay. Athletic Tara Reid showed how she manages to maintain her fabulous figure, running along the beach and throwing a rugby ball around before diving into the surf to catch some waves on her bodyboard. Tara Reid, 31, jetted into Australia to attend the glitzy Magic Millions racing carnival held in the town. “I’m having such a great time here. Everything has been awesome, especially the people,” Tara Reid said. The popular resort town seems to be perfectly suited to action-girl Tara Reid energetic pastimes. Byron Bay offers a whole host of sporting possibilities, with scuba diving, sea kayaking and sailing all on offer. If Tara [...]

“The Blue Birdy” is Byron Bays hottest new venue for jazz and cutting edge creative music. A space where some of Australia’s most acclaimed and adventurous musicians have the rare luxury of performing their original and favorite music in a spunky, fresh new venue run by musicians, for musicians and lovers of seriously happening sounds. Taking flight on Wednesday the 17th of January from 8pm onwards, with a huge opening night. We will feature some of the areas finest artists including Di Horder, Jim Kelly, Natalie Gay, Angela Biason, Dave Sanders, Elliot Dalgleish, James Sherlock, Sharney Russell, Sonia Leeson and more. With a hot house band on the night of Thierry Fossemalle, Greg Sheehan, Matt Smith, Connor Fitzgerald, Mitch Carey [...]

MOSAIC will be joined on stage at the Byron Bay Beach Resort by their musical collaborator, Kenyan percussionist Bandika Ngao, to perform original material from their new album release “Colours of Kenya”, and from their previous CD “Common Ground”. Their unique sound explores influences ranging from African to Jewish, Brazilian to American music, with a particular focus on beautiful vocal textures, underpinned by a fantastic rhythm section. “Mosaic are a unique group – an inspired collaborative project that combines plenty of creative jazz chops with sublime vocals. On this latest recording the masterful percussive contribution of Kenya’s Bandika Ngao adds an extra layer of subtle rhythmic inventiveness to Mosaic’s impressive work.” Seth Jordan, music journalist The band emerged in 2002 [...]

PLAY NIGHTCLUB again with Isaac Tucker from the UK electro tech band Spektrum. Isaac played a killer set last December and returns on Friday 12 January with fresh UK tech-funk and electro house. Local DJs fill the rest of the weekly line-up from Wednesday to Saturday plus Sydney guests Matttt Vs Tomas play on Thursday. Then on Saturday the Beats on the Beach local stage headliners Flynn n Clegs spin ay PLAY>

The Space Cowboy is back in Byron Bay! The Space Cowboy’s extreme performances have pushed the boundaries of the human mind and the physical body. This is a performance you will never forget! Displaying Supernatural Feats Live On Stage: *Drawing pictures from people’s minds *Bending spoons in their hands *Swallowing glass neon tubes that shine through his skin from the inside! The Space Cowboy is a truly unique and exciting performer who has amazed audiences in 26 countries around the world to audiences ranging from 100 to 20,000 delighted onlookers at a time in packed theatres, circus big tops and stadiums. He has shown his diversity and skill by performing at the Edinburgh festival eleven years in a row sometimes [...]

THE JUDGES who named Byron Bay’s Main Beach the sexiest in Australia probably caught a glimpse of Philippa Wester and Jeremy Bennett f&*^%ing in the ocean. The soon-to-be-married, good looking Byron Bay couple are regular beach-goers and were not surprised to hear their home stretch of sand was one of the sexiest in the world. The list of the world’s 25 sexiest beaches was compiled by the famous US Forbes Traveller magazine based on research by their own journalists, and other industry experts including tour planners, meteorologists, hotel owners and marine biologists. Byron Bay was the only Australian beach to make the list, which also featured Eleuthera in The Bahamas, Lover’s Beach on the Baja Peninsula in Mexico, and Fijiâ’s [...]

Tickets on sale now at The Great Northern Hotel or at http://www.byronbayentertainment.com/gigguide.htm $25+bf or $30 at the door (if they last that long) LUCIANO – 1st Australian Tour Alongside the conscious sounds of Mikey General (UK/JA) & the Mighty Selector Ricky Trooper (JA) And Raz Bin Sam & Lion I, Rhythm Collision Sound (Bris) & Krazy DayV Luciano is the most universally revered, iconic figure to emerge in reggae over the past decade. Known as “The Messenger,” Luciano is beyond doubt, the greatest cultural artist of his generation. Not only is he a consummate songwriter, a wonderful singer but also a spellbinding live performer. His work contains important teachings for humanity and who peacefully strives for the betterment of society. [...]

The kids are punching each other, its bloody and scary for them. they are 12-16 years old and just learning about responsibility. boys and girls are effected alike. where are the parents? Do you care if your kids are harrassed in the street by kids that are taking out frustration on each other and mixing drink and drugs? Do you care that your daughter or son might be the next one??? A simple kids punch in the wrong place might end up with a serious injury. Parents: take responsibility !!! AND HURRY UP!!!!

important information regarding next year’s Splendour in the grass… To get straight to the point – the festival dates will be moving from their usual spot in the third or fourth week of July. We can’t tell you right now what the new dates will be, we’re hoping to do that in March (as per usual). For now, we just wanted to alert you that the festival timing will be changing so that you didn’t make plans based on the festival’s previous dates. DO NOT make bookings for accommodation or flights or organise time off work and DO NOT pay deposits on accommodation until we announce our new dates. Please wait for the official word from us via our newsletter [...]

It’s time for the cats to come out and play! Meow to the Moon is a one day festival that will showcase the talents of fourteen female-led bands and solo artists from Northern NSW and SE Qld. The festival will be held at Coorabell Hall, in the hills west of Byron Bay on Saturday, 6th January beginning at 2pm.

KRIS BARKWAY’S WORKSHOP in Byron Bay 12th December 2006 The golf day with Kris Barkway at the Byron Bay Beach resort. Bayshore Drive, Byron Bay, NSW, Australia 2481 (see map attached) 2 sessions: 8-10am and 10 -12am $220, 10 people per session. bring 10 golf balls and a 7, 8 and or pitching iron for a truly inspirational day

If you’ve flown in to Ballina/Byron Airport lately you’ve probably wondered what’s THAT as you come in to land over Thursday Plantation’s tea tree fields. ‘THAT’ is a very large-scale artwork called “Pablo in the Field”, the creation of Thursday Plantation’s East Coast Sculpture Show curator, Priya Woolston, and local artist Suvira McDonald. “For many years, I have wanted to create something really big using the dormant tea tree fields as a canvas,” explains Priya. ” With inspiration from many sources, and in collaboration with Suvira who came up with the design, we have used the annual field slashing to create a homage to Picasso, wink a greeting and announce that the 11th East Coast Sculpture Show is well and [...]

Tabulam farmer Keith Cameron raises more than soybeans and cattle on his property. Large steel sculptures and massive stone structures have been cropping up over the years, as he turns into art whatever he can lay his hands on. He has transformed obsolete machinery and discarded junk into objects of fascination, and from 400 tons of dumped stones built circular walls near his viewing tower, which is a converted grain silo. The Thursday Plantation East Coast Sculpture Show is organising a field day at the Keith Cameron Sculpture Park and studio, on Saturday, 11 November. Join the bus at Thursday Plantation, Ballina, at 8.30am or at Lismore Regional Gallery at 9.15am: $40 includes bus, morning tea and sausage sizzle. Or [...]

Its a mix of electronic music and samples. The influences are sly and robbie, african music, reggae, hip hop, raggamuffin and dance, as well as a world of music ranging from country classics to pop radio jive. Gimme any black music and set my soul free! 01 Take Your Bag Along..> 04 Force of nature.mp3 06 Six Months.mp3 10 Miss FM.mp3 12 Caress Yourself.mp3 14 That doesnt mean anything.mp3

Do you feel strongly about climate change? Then do your bit and join the fundraiser on Thursday November 2. Al Gore’s movie An Inconvenient Truth about global warming will be shown at Byron Cinemas – and the North Coast Climate Action Group and the Rainforest Information Centre have purchased tickets for both the 6.30pm and 8.30pm sessions as a fundraiser. Buy the tickets ($15 and $12 concession) from Santos stores at Mullumbimby and Byron. The film, An Inconvenient Truth, is a documentary on Al Gore’s campaign to make the issue of global warming a recognised problem worldwide. The film has got some great reviews: It’s not a story of despair but rather a rallying cry to protect the one earth [...]

A Byron Bay surfer has created a wave of success thanks to a new water sports leg. Ron Fidler, 56, has developed a waterproof prosthetic sports limb with a shock absorber that allows amputees to surf standing up. The limb was developed over six months thanks to a Southport prostheticist. Fidler’s leg was amputated above the knee after an industrial accident when he was 19, according to The Courier-Mail. From them, and until now, Fidler had been unable to catch a wave standing up. He is now looking to start a disabled surfing competition, as part of the world surfing circuit. “No one has ever done it,” he said. “It will snowball, I know it will.”

If you are looking for some action this weekend, head to Lennox for the second annual Lennox Kite Surfing Classic. The competition is for thrill seekers from New South Wales and Queensland. There are reportedly between 60 and 70 competitors who are keen to show off their skills to the judges and spectators. A freestyle session on Sunday afternoon will be judged by a panel of riders, with prizes on offer for big aerial manoeuvres. The championships are run in divisions — junior men (Under-18), women, open men and masters (Over-35). The sport is still in its infancy but is rapidly growing in popularity. In 1998, there were probably less than thirty kitesurfers worldwide. In 2006, the number of kitesurfers [...]

Keep your dance card free for November 3 to 5 … because the Byron Latin Fiesta is going to shake up the town. The fiesta describes itself as “the weekend feast of Latin music and dance”. The festival is going to light up Byron with street performances – including dance and live music from countries throughout the Latin Americas. There are two days and two nights of Latin dance workshops and parties planned. National teachers and performers will be showcasing the hottest moves around. Australia’s hottest Latino band “Mi Tierra” will be performing. Check out the full program HERE. For bookings and more information, email info@picantedance.com.au.

For music lovers out there, it’s time to add a new festival to your list! The Bangalow Pacific Songwriters Festival 2006 is launching this weekend. There’s some great acts lined up, including Midnight Oil’s Rob Hirst and Cruel Sea’s Tex Perkins. Diana Anaid is also headlining the festival. As well, Byron Vista Social Club recording artists will be showcased at the festival. Organisers of the event imagine the festival turning into the musical equivalent of the Byron Writers’ Festival. The Mission of the Bangalow Pacific Songwriters Festival is to display and publicise, support and promote, teach, impart and encourage songwriting in all its forms as a creative performing art. Youth are also encouraged to get involved – the Bangalow RSL [...]