The Woytopia sustainable living festival is set to return bigger and better than ever on Sunday, October 30.
Woytopia is the Central Coast’s biggest green event, with green living talks and a large “eco-market”.
But it’s not just for Greenies; it includes a packed line-up of live music, kids’ entertainment, food stalls and more.
Heading an exciting music stage this year will be up-and-coming Sydney/Central Coast indie-pop quartet Jet City Sports Club.
They will be supported by local soul six-piece Rosie and the Quest, politico-punk-pop from GI Jane and Kirsty Bolton’s cool soul-jazz.
For kids, there will be a heap of fun activities, including Roundabout Circus, the colourful CrudMuffins’ art tent, soccer, a retro games space, drumming with Drumbala and drawing workshops with leading children’s illustrator Sami Bayly.
There will be all-day storytelling for littlies, and the kids’ fun culminates in a fabulous silent disco party in the afternoon.
Back on the green side of things, Woytopia will feature talks on such topics as keeping chickens and bees, permaculture, solar power and energy-saving – all more relevant than ever as energy and food prices soar – as well as stalls by Walkabout Wildlife Park and Jake Cassar’s Wild Plant Show.
Tim Selwyn from Girri Girra Aboriginal Experiences and Tracey Howie from Guringai Tribal Link will share local Indigenous perspectives, while renowned environmentalist John Seed will take festivalgoers on a journey to Deep Ecology.
“We want to give people a chance to explore sustainable living and connect with local green groups,” event co-organiser, Mark Mann, said.
“But importantly, we also want to make sure it’s a great family-friendly day out.
“You can spend the day exploring green stuff, or just come and grab some tasty food and explore the market, or enjoy the music and children’s entertainment.”
co-organiser mark mann
A new element at Woytopia this year will be the Wellness Space, featuring free meditation, yoga, qi gong and tai chi sessions.
The festival’s eco-market will feature a wide range of stalls including clothing, jewellery, bodycare, food and homewares.
There will also be a selection of food stalls with cuisines from around the world as well as coffee, gelato and sweet treats.
“We’ve got more than 60 stalls this year so our market is going to have something for everyone, from sourdough bread to solar power,” Mann said.
“We go to a lot of trouble to track down stalls that fit the green theme of the festival – for instance, products that are organic, chemical-free, ethically and sustainably sourced – which makes it a little different to other markets.”
Mann said the festival is also a chance to see some renewable power in action, with a solar-powered sound system, a solar cooking demonstration and a bicycle-powered cinema, which will be showing Damon Gameau’s inspiring Regenerating Australia.
Woytopia is organised by the Peninsula Environment Group.
It is held every second year and has been running since 2010, although the 2020 event was cancelled due to COVID-19.
Entry is free with an optional door donation).
No dogs are allowed due to school regulations.
Woytopia will be held in the grounds of Woy Woy South Public School, on Sunday, October 30, from 9am-4pm.
See full program details online at woytopia.org.
Source: Media release and interview , Oct 17, 2022, Peninsula Environment Group