Bond swings into the 1920s with a celebration of culture and creativity

The roaring twenties will swing into Bond University for the annual Bond by the Lake creative arts and cultural festival, turning the campus into a playground for the arts, gourmet food and live music.

The event, taking place on October 14, gives the community the perfect excuse to bust out their feather boas, dust off their straw hats and join the stellar line up of musicians set to revive the ultimate fun atmosphere of the golden age of jazz and swing.

Headlining the live music program is The Woohoo Revue who has thrilled their listeners with catchy Balkan, Gypsy, swing and jazz compositions at festivals around Australia.  Joining the line-up is Melissa Western who will perform her critically acclaimed ‘Oh Lady Be Good’ cabaret, and the Les Wilson’s Swing Force Big Band featuring special guest, local jazz sensation Bec Whitehead.

Celebrate Great Gatsby era sophistication and glamor at the Long Lunch by the lake, hosted by My Restaurant Rules star Simon Grigalius.  Chef Simon will be explaining each part of the sumptuous four course lunch, the matching beer and wines and their association with the slow food philosophy.

There will be something to ignite the creative spark in everyone, with an array of workshops for children and adults including painting, candle-making, scrapbooking, illustration, card-making and kite-making.

Gold Coast favourites, The Village Markets, will celebrate its fourth birthday at Bond by the Lake showcasing their best mix of designer, vintage and jumble fashions and collectables.

The latest retro sensation to hit the Gold Coast, California Vintage will host a fashion show featuring an exclusive collection of costumes from Baz Luhrmann’s The Great Gatsby, along with hand-sourced contemporary vintage pieces from Los Angeles and Europe.

The areas under the Arch will transform into a creative concourse, including an art and photography gallery featuring locally curated works by Gold Spaces; the Arthouse project– an exhibit showcasing art, design and photographic works by Bond University students, as well as a design space curated by students from the Soheil Abedian School of Architecture.

If that doesn’t satisfy, there will be 1920s dance demonstrations and classes by Empire Swing, a-capella performances by The Blenders Youth Chorus and Vocalescence, face painting and rides, food stalls, antique cars and kite flying.

Bond University Vice-Chancellor Professor Tim Brailsford said Bond by the Lake was an excellent opportunity for the community to experience a festive afternoon on Bond’s campus.

“Bond University is committed to being part of the community and everyone is invited to join in the festivities at Bond by the Lake,” said Professor Brailsford.

“I encourage the community to come along, revive the 1920’s for the afternoon and enjoy the live music and all that the event has to offer.”

The event will run from 1pm - 5.30pm at Bond University and is free* to attend. 

*The long lunch is a ticketed event, tickets cost $39.50 each which includes a four course set menu with matched wines.