SHINJU MATSURI 2008
Program of Activities

FRIDAY AUGUST 22, 2008 

Shinju Matsuri Opening Ceremony 
Friday August 22, 2008
Pearl Luggers, Dampier Terrace
4pm to 6pm

The Opening Ceremony of Shinju Matsuri honours the history and foundations of Broome’s pearling past. This emotional ceremony pays tribute to Broome’s Indigenous and multicultural community and recognises their contribution in shaping Broome’s pearling history. We will be welcomed by a traditional owner of this area before the Festival is officially launched with the waking of Sammy the Dragon after his year long sleep.

Sumo Wrestling
Friday August 22, 2008
Roey Hotel, Carnarvon Street
8pm

Sumo is a highly disciplined art … but we just want to have a bit of fun!!!! Face each other in the ring, glare at your opponent to break their concentration, on the referees signal – go to battle.  Use all kinds of manoeuvres to try and force your opponent out of the ring or onto the centre of the mat. It is forbidden for either opponent to bite, pull hair, choke, hit with a closed fist or at any times attack opponents crouch area. Let’s Rumble, the Oasis Bar @ the Roey!!!!

Pluton Resources Filipina Fiesta
Friday August 22, 2008
Sun Pictures, Carnarvon Street
8pm to 1am

This exciting Fiesta presented amidst tropical gardens at the Sun Pictures in Broome, will showcase Filipino culture in the colourful combination of decorations, costume, song, dance, music, food and martial arts. Shinju Matsuri 2008 acknowledges the Filipino contribution to our history and their input into the cultural fabric of Broome. It is an opportunity to experience first hand a piece of the town’s rich and diverse cultural heritage and history. Tickets $45 from Broome Visitor Centre and Goolarri Media.

SATURDAY AUGUST 23, 2008 

Courthouse Markets
Saturday August 23, 2008
Broome Courthouse Gardens, Corner Hamersley & Frederick Streets
6am to 1pm

Come down and experience Broome’s creative and artistic side at the Saturday markets at Broome’s historic Courthouse Gardens.

Dragon Boat Races
Saturday August 23, 2008 
Town Beach, Robinson Street
10.30am

The Chinese influence remains strong in Broome with generations of old Broome Chinese calling this exotic destination home. As the spring tides reach their peak, the Chinese community “dot the eyes” of the waiting dragon boats marking the beginning of this annual race at Broome’s historic Town Beach. Co-ordinated by the Rotary Club of Broome the Dragon Boat Races contribute to the connection of Shinju Matsuri to its traditional Asian roots.

Roey Shinju Ball at the Oasis
Saturday August 23, 2008
Oasis at the Roey, Dampier Terrace
6.30pm to midnight

This night of decadence will see guests “Dancing in Paradise”. The Oasis will be dressed up for an evening of fun, laughter and glamour led by the Royal Australian Navy Band from Perth. A mix of the old and the new, this evening will incorporate traditional Filipino dance and martial arts. Local cabaret performers will thrill and exhilarate and guests will be treated to a red carpet reception hosted by special guest MC, Robyn Archer. Enjoy a complimentary drink and canapés on arrival before a scrumptious sit down dinner. Great prizes throughout the evening, a raffle of Denise Walker Art and of course the infamous Pollies Pearl Auction will round up this stand out event. Dress: Formal. Tickets $80 from Broome Visitor Centre and Goolarri Media.

SUNDAY AUGUST 24, 2008 

Courthouse Markets
Sunday August 24, 2008
Broome Courthouse Gardens, Corner Hamersley & Frederick Streets
6am to 1pm
                                  
Come down and experience Broome’s creative and artistic side at the Saturday markets at Broome’s historic Courthouse Gardens.

Shinju Matsuri Float Parade presented by SmokeFree WA
Sunday August 24, 2008
Chinatown
3pm to 4pm

An inclusive community event that stops the town in its tracks for the afternoon as this colourful and eclectic parade weaves through the streets with people in celebration mode. This exciting event has been included in the Festival since 1970 and continues to showcase the town’s multicultural heritage whilst giving businesses the opportunity to showcase themselves in the spirit of Shinju Matsuri. The parde will be led by the Royal Australian Navy Band and will finish at Sam Male Oval where the exciting Mardi Gras takes place. The Shinju Matsuri Float Parade is proudly sponsored by Healthway promoting the SmokeFree WA message.
Route Map to be added in here

Mardi Gras
Sunday August 24, 2008
Sam Male Oval, Chinatown
4pm to 8pm

Chinatown comes alive during this colourful celebration which will remain in people’s memories long after the lights go down. Traditional and contemporary music, dance, art, crafts and food will make for an exciting close to a great day of Shinju Matsuri activities. The Shinju Matsuri Mardi Gras Concert is a smoke free event.  

MONDAY AUGUST 25, 2008 

In Repose Student Performance
Monday August 25, 2008
Broome’s Japanese Cemetery, Port Drive
5pm

The In Repose team will be showing the results of performance workshops with St Mary’s Secondary Performing Arts Students. An opportunity for family, friends and the community in general to see an exciting display from our local school kids.

Relationships Exhibition
Monday August 25 to Saturday August 30
“Old Convent” Sisters of St John of God, Cnr Weld & Barker Streets
Mon – Fri 10am – 4pm | Saturday  10am – 12pm

Sisters of St John of God invite you to view the Relationships Exhibition at the Old Convent. Using storyboards, artefacts, photographs and audio visual media, you will gain an insight into the relationships formed by the Sisters with the people of the Kimberley. Before leaving the Old Convent you may wish to partake in a pot of tea or coffee on the verandah. Sit and relax at Bell Corner or in the Garden of Reconciliation.

Shire of Broome Shinju Art Awards
Monday August 25, 2008
Shire of Broome, Weld Street
6pm to 8pm
            
The art community in Broome is exploding with talent and with Broome’s natural beauty as a backdrop, it is easy to see where the inspiration comes from. This is an opportunity to see a variety of interpretations of Broome’s identity and to acknowledge the gifted artists who call Broome home. An exhibition of all the art works entered can be viewed from Tuesday 26th August until Saturday 30th August. Doors open at 9am till 4pm daily, except Saturday when it will be closed at 1pm.

Theatre Kimberley’s Sandfly Circus presents Baba Yaga
Monday August 25, 2008
PCYC Broome, Scott Street
7.30pm

Swept into a fantastic land, three girls learn what it means to have heart. The ancient witch of faerie, the legendary Baba Yaga has her heart stolen by a brilliant Mad Scientist. Aerial feats, acro-balance, manipulations and comedy combine in a joyful take on the Old World – New World clash. Join the girls as they meet a panoply of faeries, snot gobblers, fleepies and floopies, discover the meaning of friendship and witness a spectacular show down between the Mad Scientist and the absolutely fabulous Baba Yaga. Tickets sold at Broome Visitor Centre, Chinatown Music and at the door. Adults $20, Concession $15, Kids $5, Family $45 (2 adults, 2 kids).

TUESDAY AUGUST 26, 2008 

Pets in the Park
Tuesday August 26, 2008
Shire of Broome, Civic Centre Park, Weld Street
2.30pm to 4pm

This relatively new addition to the Shinju Matsuri program has proved extremely popular amongst pets and owners alike attracting families and their colourful, and sometimes odd, assortment of family pets. This fun event is a hit with the entire community.

In Repose
Tuesday August 26, 2008
Broome’s Japanese Cemetery, Port Drive
4.30pm Start

In Repose is a multi disciplinary arts project comprising of contemporary dance, traditional live koto music, projective photographic and video installation, sound scape and story telling. The project is specific to and inspired by Japanese sections of cemeteries around Australia. In Repose honours the Japanese culture and history of Broome and acknowledges the lives of many Japanese people who lived and died here. In Repose consists of a dance and koto performance and video/photographic installation to be held at Gecko gallery, as well as a performance of dance and koto playing at the Japanese section of Broome cemetery.

Pearl Meat Cook-Off
Tuesday August 26, 2008
The Mangrove Resort, Carnarvon Street
4 – 8pm

Tempt your taste buds with this exciting cook off between some of Broome’s best chefs where the predominant ingredient is Pearl Shell meat. Some will remember this delicious event from the old Shinju Matsuri days and in 2008 we are taking this event to the mangrove Hotel. After judging takes place the public will be invited to sample the mouth watering pearl meat dishes as the sun goes down over our town by the bay. Tickets $25.

Theatre Kimberley’s Sandfly Circus presents Baba Yaga
Tuesday August 26, 2008
PCYC Broome, Scott Street
7.30pm

Swept into a fantastic land, three girls learn what it means to have heart. The ancient witch of faerie, the legendary Baba Yaga has her heart stolen by a brilliant Mad Scientist. Aerial feats, acro-balance, manipulations and comedy combine in a joyful take on the Old World – New World clash. Join the girls as they meet a panoply of faeries, snot gobblers, fleepies and floopies, discover the meaning of friendship and witness a spectacular show down between the Mad Scientist and the absolutely fabulous Baba Yaga. Tickets sold at Broome Visitors Centre, Chinatown Music and at the door. Adults $20, Concession $15, Kids $5, Family $45 (2 adults, 2 kids).

WEDNESDAY AUGUST 27, 2008 

Carnival of Nations
Wednesday August 27, 2008
Broome Courthouse, Corner Hamersley & Frederick Streets
5pm to 9pm

Celebrating over 50 different nationalities represented within the community, the Carnival of Nations Showcases Broome’s traditional and contemporary culture whilst recognising the town’s diverse multicultural heritage. Activities will include a food fair and cooking traditional foods is for many Broome residents closely linked to their identity as old Broome residents will recall the heady days where the streets of Broome were filled with the aroma of freshly cooked food. The Carnival of Nations is not only a celebration for Broome’s strong sense of community but is also an opportunity to encourage tolerance and mutual respect.

THURSDAY AUGUST 28, 2008

In Repose
Thursday August 28, 2008
Gecko Gallery, Short Street
5.30pm to 7.30pm 
         
In Repose is a multi disciplinary arts project comprising of contemporary dance, traditional live koto music, projective photographic and video installation, sound scape and story telling. The project is specific to and inspired by Japanese sections of cemeteries around Australia. In Repose honours the Japanese culture and history of Broome and acknowledges the lives of many Japanese people who lived and died here. In Repose consists of a dance and koto performance and video/photographic installation to be held at Gecko gallery, as well as a performance of dance and koto playing at the Japanese section of Broome cemetery.

Traditional Gambling Night
Thursday August 28, 2008
Goolarri Media, Blackman Street
7pm to 1am

No Shinju Matsuri is complete without Traditional Gambling which is guaranteed to fire up the Festival. Until the 1970’s Broome’s informal gambling practices were shrouded in mystery and intrigue for the Anglo-Celtic community to whom membership was prohibited. These backyard social gatherings are remembered with verve by those who took part in them and to the children who curiously looked on. During these years Broome people have adapted their own style to traditional gambling games with “Manilla”, “Pai Gow”, “Salang”, “Cun Can” and “Two, Three”

Crossing Roper Bar
Thursday August 28, 2008
Moonlight Bay Suites
7.30pm

Crossing Roper Bar is the amazing collaboration between Paul Grabowsky, the Australian Art Orchestra and the Wagilak Gojurra/Nyilibigi Musicians from Ngukurr in South East Arnhem Land with special guests Ruby Hunter and Steve Pigram. Crossing Roper Bar combines contemporary western music with traditional Ngukurr songs to produce a ground-breaking musical hybrid hailed by audiences and critics alike for its haunting melodies, cultural sensitivity and sheer musical virtuosity. The collaboration was premiered at Garma 2006 to critical acclaim as a breakthrough process of a serious bridging of the cultural divide between Indigenous and non Indigenous music and the Shinju Matsuri concert will bring together a new combination of AAO and Ngukurr artists. Tickets sold at Chunes of Broome and Chinatown Music. Adults $30 and Concession $25.

FRIDAY AUGUST 29, 2008 

Shinju Quiz Night
Friday August 29, 2008
Broome Civic Centre, Hamersley Street
7pm to 11.30pm

A traditional Shinju Matsuri event this Quiz night focuses on the town of Broome and its history and culture since its modern establishment in the late 1800’s. Educational, entertaining and fun this event is popular with the entire community. Tickets $15 from Broome Visitor Centre and Goolarri Media.

SATURDAY AUGUST 30, 2008 

Courthouse Markets
Saturday August 30, 2008
Broome Courthouse Gardens, Cnr Hamersley & Frederick Streets
6am to 1pm        
                                  
Come down and experience Broome’s creative and artistic side at the Saturday markets at Broome’s historic Courthouse Gardens.

Fongy’s Bikeathon
Saturday August 30, 2008
Demco Drive, Departing from PCYC car park
9am to 9.30am

Fongy’s Bikeathon has only been included in recent years but pokes a bit of fun at the theft of local identity Kevin Fong’s brand new bicycle which was stolen when he was a teenager during Broome’s first and only attempted Bank Robbery. Children from all ages are invited to bring their bikes down for this exciting race around the loop of Demco Drive.

Broome Advertiser Family Fun Day
Saturday August 30, 2008
PCYC, Scott Street
9.30am to 12pm

A great day of activities for the entire family with a fun schedule of entertainment, games, kids rides, music and food. The Family Fun Day is proudly brought to you by the Broome Advertiser.

Merdeka Party presented by Pluton Resources
Saturday August 30, 2008
RSL Club Broome, Barker Street
6.30pm to 12.30am

Merdeka celebrations (Malaysian Independence Day) in conjunction with Chinese and Japanese traditional celebrations were the cornerstone in the development of Shinju Matsuri. 31st August marks the anniversary of the independence of the Federation of Malaya from British colonial rule. This event was reintroduced to the festival in 2007, and it still remains the talk of the town. The Merdeka Party will recognise the contribution made by the Malay people to the unique culture of Broome. Once more we will step back in time and party with Malay decorations and costumes, food, music and dance, evoking fond memories of balmy nights under tropical palms at the old Malay quarters. Limited seating available. Tickets $40 from Broome Visitor Centre and Goolarri Media.

SUNDAY AUGUST 31, 2008 

Courthouse Markets
Sunday August 30, 2008
Broome Courthouse Gardens, Corner Hamersley & Frederick Streets
6am to 1pm 
                                      
Come down and experience Broome’s creative and artistic side at the Saturday markets at Broome’s historic Courthouse Gardens.

Broome Triathlon
Sunday August 31, 2008
Chinatown, departing from Broome Recreation and Aquatic Centre Cable Beach Road
7am

The triathlon in Broome is BACK on Sunday the 31st August and will form part of the Shinju Matsuri Festival.   There will be three different courses catering for the serious competitor, those who want to try a triathlon and one for the kids.  You can also put in a team for each leg, all you need is a good swimmer, runner and cyclist. The cost is $20.00 for both the long and short course and $5.00 for the kids. Application forms will be available from BRAC, Sportspower, Goolarri Media and the Shinju Matsuri Website www.shinjumatsuri.com  or can be requested from ca.nic@telstra.com. For more information call Caroline on 0410 179 252. Hope to see you there.

INPEX Shinju Matsuri Closing Ceremony
Sunday August 31, 2008
Bedford Park, Hamersley Street
4pm to 8.15pm

The 2008 Shinju Matsuri Festival of the Pearl will close with Broome residents, visitors and guests entertained with traditional and contemporary performances featuring exciting local talent. A night market will be open throughout the evening showcasing local art and fun stuff for the kids. The natural beauty and magical presence of the ocean will no doubt play backdrop to this highly anticipated event which culminates in the Broome International Airport Family Skyworks.

Broome International Airport Family Skyworks
Sunday August 31, 2008
Bedford Park, Hamersley Street
8.15pm

Just after 8pm the sky over Broome will explode with a bang as the heavens light up for a stunning fireworks display culminating in a giant chrysanthemum. This exciting show will officially celebrate the success of Shinju Matsuri 2008.

Many of the 2008 Shinju Matsuri events are free of charge for everyone to enjoy. To ensure the community continues to benefit and be entertained by this 38 year old Festival, gold coin donations will be appreciated at these free Shinju Matsuri activities.