Hit On Earth festival returns
News
The hit On Earth festival will return in October, exploring “Embracing Joy” under blossoming jacarandas at St Francis College, with another talented line-up of performers and artists set to help our community raise money for justice initiatives
The hit On Earth festival will return in October, exploring “Embracing Joy” under blossoming jacarandas at St Francis College, with another talented line-up of performers and artists set to help our community raise money for justice initiatives.
Festival organiser Peter Branjerdporn from the Justice Unit said that the second On Earth festival will be bigger than last year’s event, which attracted a crowd of more than 400 people.
“This October’s On Earth festival builds on the success of last year’s inaugural event, celebrating the way our differences help to make us whole by creating a space to engage with the beauty of diversity,” Peter said.
“It will be a time to experience the wonderful God-given talents of a wide range of performers, artists and speakers.”
The festival will be hosted on the beautiful grounds of St Francis Theological College, a hidden “oasis” in the heart of Milton, on Saturday 8 October between 12 noon and 7pm.
At this exciting festival, Southern Queenslanders will take the time to relax, and enjoy conversations about justice and spirituality.
Family-friendly workshops and St Francis College open day mini-lectures will be held throughout the event, with a diverse program of talented singer-songwriters and artists set to inspire participants.
Touted as “the true sound of the Northern Rivers”, critically acclaimed troubadour Luke Vassella said that he will be sharing his faith journey through songs.
“Jesus said we are to be salt and light in this world – if we lose our saltiness, we lose our purpose and meaning,” Luke said.
“I think Christians have the capacity to bring supernatural hope to hopeless human situations.”
Luke Vassella’s involvement as a Christian musician in the Gasfield Free Northern Rivers movement over the years makes him the perfect headline act for On Earth festival.
“My song ‘Gently Bentley’ helped articulate the community feeling during the Bentley blockade and built solidarity among people of diverse backgrounds by inviting people into a gentle, yet powerful, ‘Kingdom’ communal experience,” he said.
Worimi woman, singer songwriter, arts producer and St Francis College student Lydia Fairhall will also perform at the On Earth, with festival goers treated to her stirring original songs.
Lydia is a formidable talent with a number one album featuring on the Amrap charts for six consecutive weeks, and a “mesmerising” show at Brisbane Festival in 2019.
As a First Nations Christian, Lydia embodies the values of On Earth festival, and she said that pursuing justice is critical to Christianity.
“It is the beating heart of our faith and underpins the teachings of Jesus Christ whom we are called to follow,” Lydia said.
“We are all interconnected to each other and to Country – our liberation and peace are bound up together and with the land.
“Music is a powerful tool – it can bring grace into the most difficult times.”
Worimi woman, singer songwriter, arts producer and St Francis College student Lydia Fairhall will also perform at the On Earth in 2022
Participants will enjoy these music performances, along with First Nations jewellery making workshops; composting and wicking bed gardening; a Future of Food forum; guided meditation; a refugee art exhibition; labyrinth walks; Tesla test rides; inspiring movies; mini lectures; pet blessings; market stalls; hands-on activities for kids; and, more.
Ticket proceeds will go to the Diocese’s Social Responsibilities Committee and St Francis Theological College for future community social and climate justice initiatives.
The festival will be held at St Francis Theological College at 233 Milton Rd in Milton on Saturday 8 October between 12 noon and 7pm.
The festival program is available on the On Earth website.
Editor’s note: Check out the On Earth Festival website and follow On Earth on Facebook. Book online via Eventbrite. General admission tickets are $20. Concession and under 18 years tickets are $10. Children 12 years and under are free.
Jump to next article
