September and spring spells Riverfest - the Yarra Riverkeeper Association’s annual mega celebration of the Yarra Birrarung!

The RagTag procession goes to a very special place! And it’s oh so easy for adults, young people and kids to join in. Annie Bolitho will lead rag beautifying with bark and flower pigments, and Ria Soemardjo will create distinctive, haunting sounds. 

We’ll all gather before wandering down to where the river once ran. Absorb a little of what’s happened in this place over time. Wander on. Pause to consider: did the bend in the Birrarung actually disappear? Continue on to make connections with ancient trees, remnants of the river. Listening. Re-finding the river. Marking our small ceremony.

For children there will be dress ups and baskets to carry for important findings.

This event is presented thanks to a City of Yarra climate action grant, with artists Annie Bolitho and Ria Soemardjo.

Bookings here.

Meeting place: 500 Boulevarde Drive entrance to Burnley Gardens.

Please note: On the previous Saturday, 20th September between 11am and 12.30pm anyone is welcome to come and prepare elements of the procession – making rag tag stuff and learning more about upcycling with pigment inks, and techniques like smearing, tearing, and joining with knots and easy stitches. This will take place in the grounds of Burnley Gardens.

Accessibility: The event is fairly wheelchair friendly. Riverfest welcomes everyone—Riverfest is committed to making events accessible and inclusive for people of all abilities. If you have accessibility needs and require support to attend, please email Bookings here.