The
Festival of Joy began as an event to celebrate the joyous
care of community and people in 2002.
It
is held in the
Blue Mountains Community
Gardens, and organised by the gardens volunteers.
In
2005, among the avenues of blossom hanging in full bloom from
gentle arcades of overhanging
apple tree walks and quince, hazelnut and plum groves about 1,000
people strolled and partook of the free entertainment and cheap
wholesome food for a day.
Council
kindly arranged for the use and construction of a substantial
stage area, and many groups and performers sang and played their
hearts out to an appreciative audience, surrounded by a poplar
circle decked with specially made streamers and flags.
There
were tents handing out information on community groups and some
free healing sessions in another.
One
highlight was the unveiling launch of the classically inspired
and beautifully built labyrinth, laid over many months of hard
word and loving care by the regular group of gardening, meditating
folk who come the gardens on Fridays. (The gardens are open every
day, and many visiting groups come, but this is the day the regulars
are sure to be about)
Children
with candles suspended in start lanterns, made on the day in a workshop
up one end, trailed down the slope above the creek and in procession
to the labyrinth, and a dance troupe performed on the labyrinth
in the gathering dusk.
A
great papier mache ball, painted white, turquoise and gold was filled
during the day with wishes and blessings from the days visitors,
and with fanfare was set ablaze, igniting all wishes with divine
energy of spirit and matter, releasing them upwards to God.
The
labyrinth was launched, walked, and blessed by visiting monks in
robes of buddhist, hindu and other eclectic spiritual pathways,
and we went home feeling happy and satisfied that people had come
together with such ease for such a happy relaxed day.
Some
of the wonderful people involved in organising the last Festival
of Joy included: Gill Brame, Michael Byrt, Richard (& his dog
Elsa and volkswagon Veronika), Nigel Glassey, Geoffrey Smith from
the BMCC (local Council), Supapon, Sava, Christine, Amelie, all
the performers, Rob Hanley (so many wonderful others) Janet Woodworth
and many others. We thank all those who came, and were involved.
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