Published on Thursday, 13 June 2024 at 8:58:16 AM
In celebration of the 2024 Avon Descent, held on the second weekend in August, Northam’s Avon Descent Association (NADA) will offer kayaking, and power craft challenges along 124km of Avon Descent course, as well as day 2 short course options for general paddle, surf boats, outriggers, SUPs and dragon boat. Four local governments will each hold their own riverside Festival over the course of the weekend, offering a vast range of family-based activities and entertainment.
In its 51st year, the Avon Descent is Western Australia's (WA) iconic paddle and powerboat sporting event. Avon Descent competitors challenge the Avon and Swan Rivers in a variety of paddle and power craft in an exciting two-day challenge and the festival weekend will include a whole selection of shorter events to suit all levels of experience and ability.
In a welcoming style, the Shire of Northam, Shire of Toodyay, City of Swan, and the City of Bayswater are once again teaming up to bring you an exciting series of Festivals centered around the iconic Avon Descent weekend. The Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals are supported by Lotterywest, the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC), and NADA.
Starting off the weekend of events the Shire of Northam’s Bilya Festival, focused on the theme of urban farming on Friday 9 August. The Shire of Toodyay’s Food Fest will keep captivate guests and keep them delighted on Saturday 10 August, while the City of Swan’s Avon Descent Festival and the City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival will wrap up the weekend. Happening on Sunday 14 August.
The EMRC CEO Marcus Geisler said, ‘Our continuing relationship with NADA and participating Councils showcases collaboration and creates opportunities which will enable the whole community to come together and celebrate a truly unique event’
The Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals offer ideal opportunities for families and friends to enjoy the outdoors and immerse themselves in the exhilarating Avon Descent experience. These vibrant community events foster well-being and create a strong sense of belonging for the diverse communities along the river who participate in the weekend festivities.
NADA Board Chair Greg Kaeding said "the uniqueness of the Avon Descent is what makes it, and the whole festival weekend, a not to be missed event.
“Hundreds of competitors show up to race the river in the Avon Descent and take on the ultimate August experience. We are confident 2024 will provide just as many highlights over the whole weekend and we wish our competitors all the best in their preparation.”
The WA Government, through Lotterywest, supports community projects like the Festivals which support the diversity of Western Australians to actively engage in community life. Lotterywest is proud to support the Festivals, to enable the community to connect with a stronger sense of belonging in their community by participating through free activities and cultural experiences along the beautiful Swan and Avon Rivers.
Lotterywest Avon Descent Festivals
The Northam Bilya Festival Date:
- Friday, 9 August
- Time: 5:00 pm – 10:00 pm
- Location: Bilya Koort Boodja Centre Garden, Minson Ave, Northam
Toodyay International Food Fest
- Date: Saturday, 10 August
Time: 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
- Location: Stirling & Duidgee Parks, Stirling Terrace, Toodyay
City of Swan Avon Descent Festival
- Date: Sunday, 11 August
- Time: 10:00 am – 3:00 pm
- Location: Lilac Hill Park, 850 W Swan Rd, Caversham
City of Bayswater Finish Line Festival
- Date: Sunday, 11 August
- Time: 11:00 am – 5:00 pm
- Location: Riverside Gardens, Milne Street, Bayswater
Business contact details:
Northam Avon Descent Association
Key contact person: Deborah Boxall
Email: eo@avondescent.com.au
Phone: 0419944286
Website: https://www.avondescent.com.au/
Best times to contact: 9:00am – 5:00pm
Notes to editors:
Founded in 1983, the Eastern Metropolitan Regional Council (EMRC) is a pa forward-thinking regional local government representing the interests of four-member Councils located in the EMRC Region: The Town of Bassendean, City of Bayswater, Shire of Mundaring, and the City of Swan.
The EMRC provides a broad range of services across the region including waste management and education, resource recovery, and sustainability initiatives. Working in partnership with its member Councils and other stakeholders, the EMRC delivers local and regional scale projects across each of these areas for the benefit of the region.
EMRC media contact:
Sara Toppi
Communications Coordinator
Email: sara.toppi@emrc.org.au
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