AGE is no barrier to a good time. This is the idea behind Lendlease’s Spring Retirement Festival which runs across its retirement villages in September and October.
The festival is billed as a “joyful celebration of life over 55” and features a line-up of homegrown talent, from music and comedy to cooking and gardening in New South Wales and ACT, Victoria, South Australia, Queensland and Western Australia.
In Victoria and Queensland big-name acts include Indigenous singing duo The Stiff Gins, and the three-part harmonies and timeless classics of Australia’s Boys of Motown.
There will be green thumb inspiration from celebrity gardening guru Charlie Albone (who will also be popping up in South Australia and NSW) and also a silent disco, where groovers put on headphones to dance the night away.
And NSW food lovers can enjoy a cooking masterclass with award-winning chef Cameron Cansdell of Central Coast restaurant Bombini.
Cansdell and his wife Hayley are the dynamic duo behind three Central Coast eatieries – Avoca Beach’s Bombini, Fish Dining in Gosford and the new rustic bakehouse-restaurant Saddles in Mount White.
For those looking to express their creativity in a different way, a paint and pour workshop is the perfect outlet.
In Western Australia big-name acts include a masterclass-style cooking demonstration by well-known chef and celebrity foodie Anna Gare.
There will also be an evening of comedy with actor, comedian and I’m a Celebrity Get Me Out of Here star Peter Rowsthorn.
Some green thumb inspiration will come from the horticultural expertise of Perth’s leading landscape gardener, Darren Seinor.
A presenter on Channel 9’s The Garden Gurus, Darren is a qualified horticulturist with more than 15 years’ industry experience in design and landscaping.
An active member of the industry, he has extensive experience with food production plants and gives regular talks sharing his passion for sustainable gardening practices.
His brilliant workshop will equip you with inspiring tips on design, maintenance and sustainability.
South Australians can hear songs from some of the world’s most beloved musicals performed by award-winning stars of musical theatre in The Cast.
Led by performer Chloe Castledine, the Adelaide-based outfit is known for its energetic live performances.
South Australian visitors to the festival can also rock out with Acoustic Australiana and their repertoire of songs by beloved home-grown artists.
If you’re in the mood for a boogie, there’s also a chance to learn the sizzling steps of salsa in a special workshop.
In Queensland, food whisperer Alastair MacLeod will be sharing his experience as a Michelin star chef.
“You might be thinking retirement villages don’t seem like the sort of places you’d go to party the day away – let alone attend an exclusive festival,” said a Lendlease spokesperson.
“But the notion of retirement living is evolving, and Lendlease is at the forefront. These are communities full of vibrant people who know that age has nothing to do with having fun or getting the most out of life.”
Events free, bookings essential.
Details – springretirementfestival.com.au
Geraldine Cardozo
Features Editor at The Senior.
Features Editor at The Senior.
