The Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival has wrapped up its biggest edition yet, with around 8,000 visitors making their way to the town over the nine-day event, and a spectacular Saturday night bonfire that is sure to be burnt into the minds of everyone who was there.
The highlight of the festival's after-dark program was the Saturday evening lantern parade through the streets of Fishy, culminating in the burning of a large wooden teapot sculpture at the Ride the Wild Goat sculpture garden. The teapot, a creation of Andrew McPherson and Macgregor Knox, had spent the lead-up to the festival on the road into town before being relocated for its fiery finale. A wick crept toward the teapot's spout before the fire took hold, building into a huge blaze that sent heat rolling over the crowd.
One 11 year old bonfire attendee told the Prom Coast News that “It was amazing! I could feel my eyebrows singeing!” though no evidence of anything but severe exaggeration was discovered on closer inspection, and the generous barrier around the bonfire ensured the safety of all revellers.
The lantern parade itself was the brainchild of local artist Isabel Whyte, who pitched the idea to organisers and ran lantern-making workshops out of one of the ArtCubes during the festival, involving children from the local primary school. She is hopeful the lantern festival will now become a permanent fixture of the event.
The Community Bank of Toora and Foster sponsored the market days, enabling Invy Horn Jam to provide roving entertainment between the rail trail and the hall, while Hannah of 1,000 Dances led spontaneous dance groups outside. The Fish Creek Tea Cosy Festival will return in 2028.
