The Hamilton Performing Arts Centre (PAC) ran its inaugural Children’s school holiday program in September with very pleasing results.
David Gagliardi, Manager of Hamilton PAC said the first school holiday program went better than imagined.
“We had over 1500 people through here over the five days, keeping families entertained in Hamilton instead of having to go out of town. I’m really pleased to say that the program also attracted hundreds of visitors to Hamilton from outside of the Shire,” Mr Gagliardi said.
The holiday fun kicked off with ‘Inside the Brick’ who came to Hamilton for the very first time with their fantastic travelling Interactive Play & Lego Model Exhibition. The exhibition ran over two days and entertained participants from both inside and outside the Shire.
The next thrilling activity was a performance of Jungle Shimmy by Azura Star. This was an interactive music and dance adventure with the children being drawn into an exotic world with colourful and exciting props, swirling veils, golden wings and a little bit of magic. Amanda, who brought her daughter along for the event said “this was the best performance I’ve ever taken my daughter to. Azura was amazing and had all the children captivated.”
The final two days saw collaboration between the PAC and Western District Health Service (WDHS) bringing Virtual Reality, HQ Gaming and Laser Tag to the young people of Hamilton. The event transformed the PAC into a games arcade which proved to be an absolute hit, with all sessions selling out. The children were ecstatic (and exhausted) with the weeks activities, which catered for kids from 3 years of age.
“It was great to be able to collaborate with WDHS and I must extend my thanks to their facilitator Wendy Dean for helping make the Virtual Reality and Gaming sessions come about,” Mr Gagliardi said.
As a result of the successful September holiday program, planning has already begun for activities to entertain kids of the Greater Hamilton region throughout January. “I envisage our next program will be bigger and better, watch this space,” Mr Gagliardi concluded.