Prepare to be transported back in time at Australia’s largest celebration of all things Art Deco – the Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton!
The event promises an unforgettable experience for enthusiasts and party goers alike.
A golden era
The charming town of Leeton in the Riverina region of NSW is often described as the jewel in Australia’s Art Deco crown, a testament to early 20th-century design with its retained architectural heritage, vibrant community spirit, and rich agricultural backdrop. Over a joyful weekend on 12-14 July, you can immerse yourself in the culture, food, music and fashion of the 1910s-1940s with an extensive program of exciting performances, exhibitions, markets and workshops.
The Festival was founded to celebrate Leeton’s history, heritage and culture. Take in the iconic Roxy Theatre – a beautifully restored Art Deco gem – and while wandering the streets discover plenty of other architectural marvels boasting intricate period detailing.
The town will be buzzing with live performances, dance, fashion and culinary delights that capture the spirit of the era. Think flapper dresses, swing and jazz music, vintage cars and more! From the cabaret at Sir Samuel McCaughey’s mansion to the High Rollers taking over the Hydro on Friday night, the festival is a whirlwind of entertainment with amazing performers guaranteeing a great show.
Immerse yourself in Art Deco
This year, the festival embraces the history of the 1930s-1940s, delving into the shadow of World War II with a performance of a radio drama full of “Spies and Lies in Masterful Disguise” – a tale of romance, espionage and intrigue set against the backdrop of the growing Murrumbidgee Irrigation Area. The Leeton Museum & Art Gallery will also host a major exhibition centred around Anne Frank, adding a poignant touch to the festivities.
Make sure you catch ‘LOVE & FORGETTING – Tales from a Young Mixer’: a contemporary cabaret performed by a “bartender” in a working cocktail bar. An immersive encounter devised at the Sofitel Melbourne On Collins for it’s acclaimed Artists-in-Residence Program, it plays with the distinction between the real and the unreal in the stories we tell ourselves and each other.
Leeton’s Rotary clubs will spice things up with bootlegging on the sly, and the billy carts will be racing once again, adding a dash of excitement to the already vibrant event.
There will also be a wealth of experiences from restaurants and market stalls offering tantalising Art Deco-inspired cuisine, to engaging workshops and artists sessions. Learn iconic dance moves, indulge your creative flair and sample a variety of delicacies, including classic cocktails and canapes which pay homage to the flavours of the era.
Whether you’re a seasoned Art Deco enthusiast or a first-time traveller, the Australian Art Deco Festival Leeton promises an exciting journey for all through a golden, bygone era.
Visit artdecofestival.com for tickets and more information.
Travel to Leeton
Rex flies to Narrandera-Leeton. Book your tickets here and check out the route map below.
