The stage is set for the 19^th Woodend Winter Arts Festival – happening this weekend.

7-10 June 2024

The excitement is building as we get ready to welcome our performers and guests to the Woodend Winter Arts Festival this weekend. Over 100 performers will grace our stages for what is set to be a wonderful four-days.

 There will be a definite buzz about Woodend all weekend. We’ll have fireworks, world-class music, engaging discussions, book signings, an art exhibition and more!

 Tickets are selling incredibly fast, with only a handful of tickets left for several events and some events already sold out. So, don’t delay, if you haven’t purchased your tickets yet, we strongly advise doing so ahead of the weekend to avoid missing out.

Check out the full program online now. We’ll see you in Woodend this weekend!

Opening Night Fireworks - FREE

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival kicks off this Friday night with a vibrant display of fireworks at Buffalo Stadium. A regular fixture on the WWAF Program, this year’s promises to be bigger and better than ever before with free musical performances from the Woodend Warblers and students of Braemar College. The event will then culminate with the fireworks, synchronised to popular classical music. A fun night out for all ages, there will also be various food trucks onsite, providing plenty of tasty food options.

When: Friday 7 June, food and entertainment from 5.00pm, fireworks kick off at 6:30pm
Where: Buffalo Stadium, Woodend
Tickets: Entry is free

Bach’s St John Passion

One of the highlights of WWAF’s 2024 program is this incredible performance of Bach's St John Passion, which celebrates the 300-year anniversary of this great masterpiece. Accademia Arcadia, Ensemble Gombert, and a cast of outstanding soloists will come together to present two incredible performances of Johann Sebastian Bach’s monumental Johannes-Passion (St John Passion), directed by John O’Donnell.

 The Saturday session has sold out – however tickets are still available for the Sunday event performance. For a taste of what to expect, listen to John O’Donnell speak about the performance on ABC Radio here. 

When: Saturday 8 June at 2:30pm (SOLD OUT) & Sunday 9 June at 7pm
Where: St Ambrose Church, Woodend
Tickets: $63 adults, $58 concession and $25 children

Tennis, Termites and Turmoil - an exploration of war and peace

Join Nobel prize winner Peter Doherty as he discusses his latest book with respected journalist and author Gideon Haigh. Doherty’s career as a writer spans 60-years, during which time the great majority of his opus has been in the specialised science of infection and immunity. He has also published seven books. His latest effort ‘Empire War Tennis and Me’ uses his family story to explore ideas about war and peace, with particular reference to the Pacific conflict of 1942–1945 that threatened Australia.

When: Sunday 9 June at 10:30am
Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: $25 adults, $20 concession and $15 children

Book Signings & Meet the Authors

An exciting addition to this year’s program, we have arranged for a book signing and meeting opportunity with several authors who are taking part in our Words & Ideas program. Listen to them speak, then buy their book and continue the conversation one-on-one. Book signings & Meet-the Authors will take place at the community centre directly following their talks. Books will be available to buy at the event.

• Saturday 8 June, 6.15pm–6.30pm: Andrew Ford

• Sunday 9 June, 11.45–12.00: Peter Doherty

• Monday 10 June, 11.15am–11.30am: Don Watson

• Monday 10 June, 2.15pm–2.30pm: Robyn Williams

Where: Woodend Community Centre
Tickets: This is a free event

The Woodend Winter Arts Festival is a registered charity. All donations over $2 are tax deductible. Donate here or visit our website for more information on how to donate.