Thanks to a grant from Charles Sturt University, local high school students will be working alongside Sydney-based artist Marty Jay to create large floating sculptures on the river. 

Marty is a professional costume and set designer with Opera Australia. His work has been featured in various film and television productions, including the recent award-winning film, Mad Max – Fury Road.

Australian hip-hop pioneer Morganics, and Gumbaynggirr rapper, Wire MC, will be working with Kempsey and Melville High Schools in the two weeks prior to the festival as part of the ‘Making Tracks’ program.

Students will have the opportunity to learn about the history of Hip-Hop culture, develop their own dance routine, write and record their own songs and video clips. Participants will then perform their compositions on the festival stage.

Art works from primary school students will be featured at the event through the ‘Schools of Fish’ art program. Schools have been asked to create art works from recycled materials depicting river life to be installed around Riverside Park for the day. These bright and colourful artworks will surely put a smile on everyone’s face. 

Walking beside the river to Kempsey-Macleay RSL for a ‘Food and Wine Fair’, will take festival-goers along the ‘Buskers’ Trail’ filled with our up and coming musical talent. The trail is a great opportunity for young musicians to gain confidence in playing to an audience, whilst earning a little pocket money.

The Macleay River Festival is on Saturday, September 24 at Riverside Park – visit www.macleayriverfestival.com.au or like the Facebook page.