The Weekender: July 19 – 21
BE left in awe by magician Dynamo, celebrate the importance of Nelson Mandela, engage with Peruvian culture and take up some bike polo this weekend! Elizabeth Yick has the details.
Magician Dynamo Performs In Melbourne
Friday July 19, 12-2pm, QV Square at the QV Building (Corner Swanston and Lonsdale St, Melbourne)
Lunchtimes are fast becoming a rarity in the urban corporate world.
According to research statistics, more than half of working Australians spend less than half an hour at lunch, with one in three office workers taking to eating at their desk, and many more simply skipping lunch altogether. In a campaign titled ‘Spend Your Lunch Well’, ING Direct aims to address the health and well-being concerns raised by this rising trend.
There will be a series of exciting and unique lunchtime activities scheduled in the upcoming week, in order to encourage both young professionals and office veterans in reclaiming their valuable lunch hour.
This Friday, famous street magician Dynamo will be staging a two-hour performance at QV Square, starting from noon. This is a free event, and registrations can be made through the ING “Spend Your Lunch Well” Campaign website.
Dynamo’s unique brand of street magic promises to deliver an exciting show – so be prepared to feel completely awestruck!
International Nelson Mandela Day
Saturday July 20, 4.30-8.30pm, Multicultural Hub (22 Therry St, Melbourne)
Celebrate International Nelson Mandela this weekend! Photo: World Trade Organization via Flickr
Did you know that in 2010, Nelson Mandela’s Birthday (July 18) was declared by the United Nations General Assembly to be Nelson Mandela International Day?
This Saturday, Africa Media Australia (AMA) is hosting a celebration of the life and aspirations of this great leader. Mandela Day is symbolic of the power of the individual to change the world around them.
Tickets to the AMA event are priced at $20 for adults and $15 for concession. Pre-purchase is available online, and tickets will also be available at the venue on the day.
Peruvian Festival
Saturday July 20, 2-11pm, Westside Events (59 Sims St, West Melbourne)
Dishes like the Lomo Saltado, a traditional Peruvian dish, can be found at the Peruvian Festival this weekend. Photo: Greg M (Yogma) via Flickr
After a resounding success with the first one – Peruvian Festival Inc. is back to invite Melbournians on a trip to Peru for the second time.
Immerse yourself in the wonderful tunes of Peruvian folk music, watch some traditional dance performances, browse the exotic craft stores and be entertained by continual live performances.
Of course, the best part – as always – is the food. There will be a range of food stalls dishing up delicious Peruvian cuisine, as well as cooking demonstrations for those who would like to recreate their own Peruvian feast at home.
The event is free and no booking is necessary. The venue has both an outdoor and an indoor area, and there will be plenty of (free) parking available. So come on down and experience the familial hospitality of the Peruvian culture!
Bike Polo
Sunday July 21, 2-8pm, Flagstaff Gardens Multi-Purpose Courts (Corner William and Franklin St)
An example of how bike polo plays in Chicago. Photo: Steven Vance via Flickr
Think grungy bike parks. Then think fancy polo matches. Then mix the two together… and you have something like street hockey on steroids.
Welcome to the world of Bike Polo.
Bike Polo is a fast-paced game of 15-minutes, where teams of three players face off against each other for the glory of scoring the first 5 goals.
For those who have not yet discovered the exhilaration of this new sport, there are drop-in games held every Sunday at Flagstaff Gardens. All are welcome, mallets are provided (with make-your-own-mallet workshops held courtside between games) but do B.Y.O. bike (and bike-riding skills).
Each week there will be introductory sessions held for the newbies – so there is no need to feel intimidated by those mallet-swinging seasoned veterans. The drop-in games are free, no booking or registration is necessary.
Spectators are welcome at the drop-in games – which perhaps is a good opportunity for those who are not yet quite convinced on the joys of bike polo. For more information on the sport and how you can get started, visit the Australasian Bike Polo official website for details on the history and the rules of the game.