SPARK Ipswich is hitting its high notes as its second week begins, featuring a festival designed specifically for children, must-see cabaret and historic music collaborations.
Mayor Teresa Harding said SPARK Ipswich, the reimagined Ipswich Festival, had captivated audiences and the community as it entered its second and final week of all-age events.
“It’s been wonderful to see so many residents and visitors out and about in Ipswich celebrating the people, places, art and culture that make our city so special,” Mayor Harding said.
“We’re at the halfway point for SPARK Ipswich and there‘s plenty of exciting events to enjoy over the coming week.
“Little Day Out, the city’s first contemporary music and arts festival designed specifically for city’s youngest (and young at heart) residents, promises plenty of fun.
See St Mary’s Church like never before with deLight as part of SPARK Ipswich.
“Ipswich has never seen a children’s event like Little Day Out before, with exceptional music and arts experiences and a strong focus on sustainability.
“Two of Ipswich’s oldest musical institutions, Ipswich Orpheus Chorale and Amberley Brass, along with Jam Pact will join forces with Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra – to present an evening of British music.
“SPARK After Dark in the CBD will continue until the festival concludes, featuring three world-class light installations at St Mary’s Church, on the Bremer River, and in Tulmur Place.”
Mayor Harding reminded anyone attending SPARK Ipswich events to adhere to COVID-19 restrictions.
“The festival has been purposely designed to be COVID Safe, with many events being held outdoors and Queensland Government guidelines strictly adhered to for indoor events,” Cr Harding said.
“I encourage the community to enjoy the fun on offer while observing social distancing and being mindful of COVID-19 restrictions that are in place.”
Enjoy gob-smacking comedy with Dirty Laundry as part of SPARK Ipswich.
Events running across the festival’s second week include:
SPARK After Dark: Until 18 July
Three major light installations within walking distance of each other in the Ipswich CBD.
The works of 11 local artists will be displayed like never before as part of deLight when they are projected from 6.30pm each night onto the iconic St Mary’s Church.
Council’s new administration building in Nicholas Street will light up with artworks created by equations for pixel.
The Bremer River will become centre stage for Refraction – an art, light and water installation defined by the refraction of light through liquid, creating an ever-changing kaleidoscope of colour.
Refraction is a fully immersive experience with viewers encouraged to dress warm and bring their digital device and headphones to experience the soundtrack of the installation.
Swich & Grit: 16 July
An industry breakfast to spark the imagination of local creatives and ignite opportunities for future collaboration as we build the city’s new festival.
Best of British: 16 July
Ipswich Orpheus Chorale, Amberley Brass and Jam Pact, join forces with Camerata – Queensland’s Chamber Orchestra to present an evening of British music at St Mary’s Church.
Little Day Out at Ripley Town Centre promises big fun. Artwork by Hanna Jones.
WOMI: 16-18 July
Featuring music from across the globe, WOMI celebrates Ipswich’s vibrant world music scene featuring Cigany Weaver, Las Chimilitas, MZAZA and The Barleyshakes.
Little Day Out: 18 July
Ipswich’s first contemporary music and arts festival designed for the young and young at heart at Ripley Town Centre.
Dirty Laundry: 18 July
The Briefs boys present a night of physicality, gob-smacking comedy, unapologetic truths, and ridiculous showmanship.
The full SPARK Ipswich program and event information is available at Sparkipswich.com.au
SPARK Ipswich is delivered through the support of the following partners:
Foundation Partners: Ipswich City Council and The Queensland Government; Major Partners: Tourism and Events Queensland, Ripley Town Centre, Riverlink Shopping Centre and Stockland Providence; Support Partners: Brisbane Multicultural Arts Centre (BEMAC), Ipswich Junior Grammar School, QMusic, and Quest Springfield Central; Media Partners: Bishopp, 9News Queensland, 4MBS and The Queensland Times; Programming Partners: Ipswich Art Gallery, Studio 188, Ipswich Civic Centre, Ipswich Catholic Community and Ipswich Libraries.
SPARK Ipswich is supported by the Queensland Government through Arts Queensland.