THE small township of Manilla will be a hub of ideas and innovation next week with hundreds expected to attend the Renewable Manilla festival.
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After years of planning and numerous postponements, the four-day festival will finally go ahead from April 6 to 9 at the Manilla Showgrounds.
The event has been a labour of love for the Manilla Community Renewable Energy Inc (MCRE) to celebrate its successful journey on the way to building a 4.95mW solar farm.
MCRE president Emma Stilts said while the project is ongoing and currently awaiting grid connection approval, the not-for-profit group has been focussed on delivering events aimed at bringing the community together.
"In 2020 our group successfully received $30,000 from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal to hold a community event. A lot has not happened since," she said.
"It has resulted in many conversations with local artists and scientists. We have developed a plan for a fun, relaxed yet meaningful festival."
Ms Stilts said there will be an array of events beginning with a Welcome to Country on the Wednesday evening.
"Each morning will start with free Yaama Yoga from 6am to 8am," she said.
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"This will be followed by workshops both tickets and freestyle including building insect hotels and animal houses, weaving and crochet, painting and illustrating, print making, mandalas, sculpture and watercolours. Plus dinging and dancing.
"We have support of local groups such as Manilla CWA who will have spinning weaving demonstration local school and service groups are also in support of the event."
Over 200 students are booked in for workshops on the Thursday, which cover everything from upcycling and knitting to art and science.
A local ecologist will be on hand over the fours day to offer knowledge on local species, funded by Tamworth Regional Landcare.
On Saturday, there will be numerous workshops, live music, Cow Pat Lotto, and a country markets day.
And, after the success of 2018 and 2019, Manilla will play host to another 100 Mile Dinner, which is an opportunity for people to get together and enjoy a delicious meal made from local produce.
"We are certain the event will also provide the local businesses of Manilla to share in the economic benefit from the event, as well as wider community a chance to get together, have fun, be creative, relax together and maybe even learn something," Ms Stilts said.
To view the jam-packed program of events, or purchase tickets, visit www.renewablemanilla.com.au
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