32 Entertainment Thursday, June 18, 2026
Tweed Valley Weekly Locals Supporting Locals
LAVA arts festival coming soon By Madeleine Murray
A NEW contemporary arts festival will burst on the scene later this month, transforming galleries, village halls, studios and unexpected corners of the shire into a three-day celebration of creativity. Running from June 26-28, LAVA will unfold across Murwillumbah and surrounding villages in the heart of the caldera, bringing together artists, musicians, performers, makers and audiences for a packed program of exhibitions, workshops, installations and live events. The festival’s opening message is simple: This place is magnetic. Created by Creative Caldera, the threeday event builds on the legacy of the long-running Murwillumbah Arts Trail, and expands the program through contemporary practices, new formats, and a broader creative vision. Most events are free and open to everyone. LAVA extends beyond Murwillumbah, with events and experiences across the Tweed Shire. Nearby villages like Uki, Tumbulgum, Pottsville and Burringbar
each bring their own character, from small studios and galleries to music, food, and local gatherings. Among the rich range of artists are the Kinship Doobai Dancers, Marion Douglas’ garden-based exhibition, oil painting master class with Ben Smith, Caldera art group, acclaimed illustrator and author Matt Ottley, and a youth art show. Robbie Cornelius, Interim General Manager of The Tweed Tourism Company, said that LAVA is the latest in a growing list of arts and culture highlights drawing visitors to The Tweed: “From new exhibitions telling the Bundjalung story through First Nations artists and contemporary animation, to boundary-pushing arts precincts in restored shipping containers, and elite regional galleries shaped by iconic artists, the Tweed is a thriving hot spot for arts and culture experiences. Edwina Etheridge will show Spirit of Place at Husk
Zemzemeh will present a sound performance and listening experience
historic Holy Trinity Anglican Church. TAFE graduates will showcase ceramics, photography, and visual arts, and several artists will open up their studio for visitors. Anne Smerdon and Katherine Carson present Wild and Still, an exhibition of birds, still life and landscape inspired by the Tweed Valley. And that’s not all! There will be group shows, workshops, poets out loud, and much more. And did we mention the amazing food and alluring pubs? LAVA runs from Friday, June 26 until Sunday, June 28. The excellent website has an extensive program and a map that you can download and print at home. For more information go to lava-arts.com.au ALL PHOTOS BY SALLY SINGH
Heidi Ledwell's show Dog Daze is on at MIArts
“From coast to country, you’ll find a surprising range of small but mighty galleries to satisfy the most discerning of art, design and style enthusiasts.” Herberto Smith’s Margins in Common will bring together photographic works from Portugal and Australia at Curlew Studio, while seven artists come together to explore diverse practices in Uki’s
Jo Norton is part of a group ceramic show at MIArts
In Harmony is a group exhibit in the Uki Anglican church
Trombone Kellie Gang FOR THE 26th June Tweed Valley Jazz & Blues feature the very popular Trombone Kellie Gang, one of the hardest working bands on the Northern Rivers today, performing from the Sunshine Coast to the Byron Hinterlands. They are an entertaining ‘old school’ outfit with the perfect recipe of Street Blues, jazz swing, gospel, soul and a bit of rock and roll. They are fronted by Trombone Kellie, whose powerful vocal delivery and trombone features alongside some great
slide and regular guitar work by Scrubby Pete. In the backline you’ll find Rodney Ford on drums, Justin Pfeiffer on double bass. Adding the wow factor featuring on saxophone is the in-demand Vonnie Dengate, producing an exciting stage performance everywhere she plays. With an element of surprise, the Trombone Kellie Gang experience is always fun. Don’t for forget to book in at 0428323736.
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