The Wanderer arts program has become a defining feature of the festival. What was your vision when curating this year’s program, and how does it build on past editions?
We really go out of our way to create a unique experience at the festival. The arts is not an “add-on” or a side dish. This year there is a concentration on physical performance and LOTS of interaction and participation. So we have Circus Trick Tease coming, who were such a crowd favourite in the first iteration, doing a brand new show. But each of the members of that troupe are also incredible solo performers in their own rights, so we’ll see them doing “street” style shows in the Lost area. Lost is where to go to get your surprises! The hobby horse gymkhana, lots of dancing, tug of war, plus our various workshop things including the I Wear Wanderer fashion experience. Legendary local venue Sam’s Caravan is there too. Oh and FLING doing flashmobs. It’s going to be great at Lost.
This year’s lineup features everything from circus to physical theatre and interactive installations. How do you strike the balance between spectacle and intimacy in the program?
The way we do it is pretty simple. We put together a weekend that WE would like to go to! Big things, smaller things, things to do, things to see. Things that you know about, and things you’ve never dreamed of. Plus a bunch of things that we don’t tell anyone about, that just unfold.
Wanderer is known for being as much about community and connection as it is about entertainment. How does the arts program foster that sense of shared experience?
The Big Lost Band I think really exemplifies how we celebrate community and connection. 140 community musicians meet on the four Sundays before the event and rehearse four bangers. The gig (on Sunday at 2.30 at Sam’s Caravan) will be really something. Maximum rock and roll. But simply working with that group of people has been bliss in itself, show or no show. I’m also really thrilled that we have the exceptional local choir Riverbend singing three songs with Missy Higgins. Good on Missy for saying yes to that! That’s going to be pretty special. Both these projects are incredible acts of creativity, but are also good community process . It helps that the community here on the coast is so strong and creative and up for making things happen.
The inclusion of acts like Circus Trick Tease, Hannah Cryle’s Giant Wheel, and Josh Phillips’ Giant Ladder suggests a strong focus on physical performance. What excites you about showcasing these kinds of works?
Physical magnificence, great wit, cheekiness, gobsmaking ability. These folks are the best in the country. It’s a privilege to present them.
Interactive pieces such as Wheel of Fortune Karaoke and Hair by Mouse blur the line between performer and audience. How important is interactivity to the Wanderer experience?
I am a huge believer in breaking those two categories down. I like to say that some folks will leave the festival saying that their favourite part was something they did themselves. It may have been line dancing with May, walking the catwalk in the fashion show, coming third in an event at the Hobby Horse Gymkhana or, indeed, singing with the live band at Wheel Of Fortune Karaoke.
The festival is held on the Sapphire Coast, a region known for its natural beauty. How does the setting influence the arts programming you design?
Well we can’t compete with that beauty. But we DO love the work of our amazing decor team, who seek inspiration in the colours and shapes of the beach. What we can showcase, of course, are the wondrous locals artists and volunteers. They really make a difference to the vibe. If you come along you’ll feel it. I promise!
Wanderer celebrates both established artists and emerging talent. What opportunities does the festival provide for up-and-coming performers to showcase their work?
We have local physical youth theatre FLING back with us, at Sam’s Caravan we are featuring multiple youth bands and musicians (watch out for the pretty fabulous Banana Sliders – average age 8!), The Big Lost Band has a strong though representation. We’re always looking out for the up and comers.
The arts program also includes cultural experiences such as the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony with the Duurunu Miru Dancers. How do you ensure the festival respectfully integrates First Nations voices and traditions?
We have spent a lot of time listening and talking with the local mob. We take our lead from them. Especially in regard to ceremony and protocol. We’re very lucky to be able to create this festival on this beautiful Country – Yuin Country. Also over the course of the festival we have featured lots of local indigenous voices. Also this year, for the first time, we have a group of indigenous young people being mentored by our mainstage production crew.
What’s one moment, performance, or surprise in this year’s arts program that you personally can’t wait for audiences to experience?
One??! I’m going to say The Big Lost Band’s version of Creep. But honourable mention to the moment when the local choir sings “Everyone’s Waiting” with Missy. And the second runner up in the Hobby Horse Finals receiving their ribbon. Not a dry eye!
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Wanderer is biennial so it would just be too long of a wait until the next one in 2027 if you miss out!
October 4th-5th Wanderer Festival Pambula Beach, NSW
3rd-5th Oct Onsite Campground
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Wanderer Festival is supported proudly by the NSW Government through its tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW
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