In One Voice rocks the streets
AN estimated 8000 people flocked to the In One Voice (IOV) festival on Sunday despite the sweltering conditions.
AN estimated 8000 people flocked to the In One Voice (IOV) festival on Sunday despite the sweltering conditions.
Filling the streets of Elsternwick, the community came together to showcase and celebrate the culture, food, talent and offerings of Melbourne’s Jewish population.
“We were pretty ecstatic with the turnout,” festival manager Judith Weizman told The AJN.
“It was a really hot day and we were pleased that this did not stop people from coming and enjoying the festival.”
For the first time since IOV began, the festival hosted In One Night, a special concert held on Saturday night, showcasing and celebrating Jewish musical talent and life through both local and international artists.
The festival and concert hosted several performances including sets from Yid, a 24-piece band who combine free jazz and funk – all in Yiddish.
“There were hundreds of people at the concert at any time throughout the day,” Weizman said.
“The music was incredible. It was magical and created the most beautiful vibe, rippling through the streets.”
As well as the musical line-up, Sunday’s festival saw nearly 100 Jewish organisations line the streets with their stalls with a range of food, fun and information on offer.
“We had more food vendor options than we’ve ever had before – it was a wonderful mixture of Middle Eastern, Israeli and Eastern European foods,” said Weizman
“The nosh tent was buzzing with cooking demonstrations and the hummus competition was a huge success.”
Weizman says the biggest difference between other festivals and IOV is the opportunity for communal organisations to showcase who they are and what they do.
“The community groups section always proves popular as people walk through and learn about the many areas within the Jewish community and how they can be involved. It really expresses the breadth of our community.”
Weizman stressed the entirety of the festival wouldn’t be possible if it weren’t for the countless hours of volunteering, sponsorship and people-power needed to organise the festivities.
“We are so grateful to everyone who contributed to the festival – from the committee of dedicated volunteers who work year round to make the festival happen, to our incredibly generous sponsors and supporters, the food vendors, musicians, community groups, the people involved in the kids zone and craft stalls.”
Ultimately though, Weizman insisted what makes the festival so special, is the attendees.
“Every single person who showed up with such good spirit and contributed to the incredible atmosphere that makes In One Voice so special.”
DANIEL SHANDLER
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