ASSUMPTION College’s three-day community event, RURBAN, will go ahead on November 19, 20 and 21.
The event was established in 2019, and organisers are hoping the 2021 festival will be an occasion the whole community and visitors can enjoy after the past year of cancelled events.
RURBAN features a huge pop-up theme park with rides for all ages and tastes, showbags, animals, fireworks, roving entertainment, live music, a farmers market and loads more.
The name RURBAN is a combination of the words rural and urban. It reflects the country roots of the region and its increasing proximity to the urban fringe as Melbourne expands.
The college’s dream is to develop RURBAN into one of the largest events of its kind in regional Victoria – one that will draw tourism and interest from across the state to Mitchell Shire and surrounding municipalities.
It is hoped RURBAN will become a much-anticipated annual event and provide a conduit that will encourage non-residents to visit Kilmore, and its businesses.
This year, large crowds are expected to RURBAN following the easing of COVID-19 restrictions.
Ticket sales have already shown strong interest for all three days but numbers have been capped to ensure the health and safety of those attending while adhering to State Government COVID guidelines. Entry is free though tickets must be pre-booked.
“After the couple of years we have had due to the pandemic, we are thrilled to be able to be offering our community an amazing fun-filled event,” principal Kate Fogarty said
“The RURBAN festival will be an opportunity for us all to laugh again. It is a time we can catch up with family and friends, enjoy the company of each other whilst listening to talented musicians, see roving characters and support local business.
“RURBAN has been difficult and challenging to organise this year with the varying restrictions, but we knew the hard work would be worth it as it is an event our community needs currently.
“This COVID-friendly and family-friendly event might be just the ticket for those looking to get out into the big wide world over the coming weeks.”
Ms Fogarty said the event attracted thousands of people from the surrounding suburbs of Kilmore and was tailored for a wide variety of people of various backgrounds and age ranges.
“For those with little kids, there’s a special ride ticket option for under 120cm and for the bigger kids, there are plenty of extreme rides across the various sessions,” she said.
“We know people in our community will be excited to hear ‘The Beast’ is back at RURBAN. If you have a taste for extreme rides, then this pendulum-style ride reaches speeds of 120kms per hour and swings 38 metres high while doing a 360 degree spin. This is the type of ride you would normally see at the Royal Melbourne Show.”
Ms Fogarty said the festival’s main stage would be jam-packed with a range of talented artists, some including DJ Nussy, Isaac McKenzie, Grace Frost, Angelina Patto, CircaNICA, Bradley Beaton, Rachel Comte, John Sharp, Adeline Hunter and Holly Purnell.
“Away from the main stage and in the kids’ zone, the grounds will feature kids’ activities, many for free, including craft, face painting, a balloon artist, a reptile display, colouring station and much more. There are also special guests like the Minions and Paw Patrol,” she said.
“Alternatively you can visit the food zone where you can take a pick from an array of food trucks, or enjoy the market zone where you can pick up some local goods from a farmers market stall. On Friday and Saturday night, there will also be a 15-minute spectacular colourful fireworks display.”
Ms Fogarty said there was also opportunities for businesses and families to book a marquee for $80 at RURBAN, which could be used as a home base for employees to get out and enjoy the carnival. Discount ride ticket packages are also on offer for those businesses looking to buy in bulk.
“There are also volunteer opportunities for those who might be interested. If you are keen to give a few hours of your time, this would be very welcome,” she said.
For more information or to book tickets, visit rurban.com.au.
