The big drums will be out again for the Galari Lachlan Rivers Arts Festival in Forbes on Saturday 8 August – and thanks to an Arts OutWest Cultural Fund microgrant the community can learn to play them.
Free public workshops run Sundays 5 July, 12 July, 26 July, 2 August, 2pm at Forbes Music Academy (Riley Street).
We caught up with one of the festival organiser Monica Wren about the upcoming drumming workshops.
What’s the Galari River Arts Festival, what makes it such a special fixture on the regional calendar?
The Galari River Arts Festival, also known simply as the river arts festival, has been a vibrant, biennial celebration in Forbes since 2011. What truly makes it special is that it’s completely run by volunteers and entirely free; keeping it accessible for everyone – it is genuinely an event created by the community, for the community. Through diverse artistic and creative events, we bring people together to connect and share experiences. Our signature feature is the Lantern Parade; it’s a beautiful tradition where the act of creating lanterns culminates in a powerful, united walk, symbolising our community’s connection and shared spirit.
How will Galari River Arts use the funding from the Arts OutWest Cultural Fund?
We are thrilled to use this funding to bring Rob Shannon back to Forbes for a series of community drumming workshops. These sessions are all about building skills and confidence so that community members can proudly participate in the Lantern Parade at the festival on 8th August. The workshops will take place at 2:00pm on the Sundays leading up to the festival, with an extra session the week of the festival. We are incredibly grateful to Dave Cutler at the Forbes Music Academy for generously sharing this venue so our community can fully benefit from Rob’s fantastic instruction.
Rob Shannon has a long connection with the Galari River Arts Festival what has he got planned for this year’s festival?
Rob is bringing his signature energy and passion to the festival as our Creative Director for the Lantern Parade; a spectacular bespoke event we’ve named ‘The Finale.’ Known for his incredible ability to connect with people and spark enthusiasm, Rob has spent years helping our community learn, develop new skills, and celebrate together. This year, he is working closely with Bedgerabong School to feature them in the parade, while mentoring our local drummers to lead the march. While Rob is crafting ‘The Finale’ it is a closely guarded secret that you’ll just have to attend to see. At this stage, the committee members don’t even know what to expect – we have complete faith in Robs ability to deliver.
Tell us about the drums participants will use? Are these the big 44-gallon drum ones that have featured in the festival before?
The river arts drums were designed by committee member Mark Hodges way back in 2010 and they have always been a feature at the festival. We have Mark to thank for his ongoing care, maintenance and repair of these treasures Over the years, our trusty river arts drums have developed a life and personality entirely of their own; becoming true local icons. In 2022, when rising floodwaters threatened their home, our wonderful neighbors in Parkes rescued the drums. They enjoyed a cozy hiatus in Parkes before making their grand homecoming in 2024 to lead our first post-pandemic/post flood festival as the heartbeat of our signature Lantern Parade. In fact, they’ve become quite the local celebrities – with a request to feature at Forbes’ Street Dreams in 2025 and just wrapped up a stellar appearance at Frost & Fire this year.
What is it about drumming that people love?
There is a reason why our drums lead the Lantern Parade – drumming is connection and a shared energy. It’s impossible to ignore a live rhythm; your heart rate naturally aligns with the beat, and suddenly, a crowd of strangers becomes a synchronised community. It forces you into the present moment, releases pure joy, and creates a shared language where everyone belongs. When the drums start up, we’re all marching to the exact same beautiful, community heartbeat. For our festival, when those iconic drums start to beat, it sets a collective pulse for the entire town. It instantly cuts through social barriers, breaks down isolation, and creates an infectious, joyful energy that quite literally moves people forward together in unity.
Do you need any previous experience or is this something people can learn from scratch at the workshops?
Absolutely no experience is necessary! These workshops are suitable for everyone. Rob is an incredible instructor who makes the whole process fun, relaxed, and welcoming. We often forget how cool it is to learn something entirely new as an adult, and this is the perfect, judgment-free place to do it.
MORE INFO: Visit the Galari Lachlan River Arts Festival website
Visit the Galari River Arts Festival facebook page
Supported by community donations to the Arts OutWest Cultrual Fund. DONATE TO THE FUND HERE TO SUPPORT OTHER PROJECTS LIKE THIS.
FORBES TO SHINE BRIGHT: RIVER ARTS “DRIFT” FESTIVAL EXPANDS TO A 10-DAY CELEBRATION OF CREATIVITY AND COMMUNITY
The Forbes shire is set to burst into colour, rhythm, and song this August as the volunteer-led Galari River Arts Festival announces its biggest program yet. Spanning ten spectacular days from Friday, 31 July to Sunday, 9 August 2026, this year’s expanded festival promises an unforgettable celebration of art, music, wellness, and community connection.
The festivities kick off on Friday, 31 July at Forbes Music Academy with the official Festival Launch and a bespoke Youth Art Exhibition. Opening night will also offer attendees a first look at the beginnings of a giant lantern goanna, destined to lead the festival’s signature lantern parade.
In a major coup for the region, renowned master lantern maker Phil Relf joins the festival team this year to facilitate the construction of this unique community asset. Phil will host a free, four-day community workshop at Forbes Music Academy from Friday, 31 July to
Monday, 3 August. Members of the public are invited to drop in – whether for five minutes or five hours – to help bring the giant goanna to life.
“This is a totally free workshop designed for the whole community to take ownership of,” says Festival Director Monica Wren. “We need everyone’s hands and hearts to bring this incredible creature to life, and no prior experience is necessary.”
Monica is deeply passionate about upskilling our region and creating opportunities for people to come together. To bring this vision to life, the festival features a packed lineup of workshops throughout the week. Attendees will have the unique chance to engage directly with performers and hosts, offering a forum for open conversation, meaningful networking, and hands-on skill-building.
Galari River Arts Forbes Inc volunteer committee have been working hard to deliver this event to the community for free. The 2026 festival also boasts an impressive lineup of visiting artists and workshop facilitators:
● Storytelling with Jo Henwood: Acclaimed storyteller Jo Henwood will engage local schools throughout the week, alongside a unique, exclusive storytelling session for adults on Tuesday, 4 August.
● Rhythm with Rob Shannon: Dynamic drumming workshops led by Rob Shannon will build community energy, paving the way for the festival’s main event, The Finale.
The Main Event: DRIFT at Lions Park
The festival reaches its crescendo on Saturday, 8 August with “DRIFT” at Lions Park – a full-day celebration of creativity, wellness, and local culture.
Bates Bridge will be completely closed to traffic for the day. The bridge will transform into a stage at 9:00am, hosting a once-in-a-lifetime performance by the spectacular Forbes Town
Band to officially open the festival market stalls.
The main festival stage comes alive at 10am with a stellar lineup of amazing local talent. Grab a blanket, find a spot on the grass, and soak up the vibes. By lunchtime, we’re turning the lawn into our very own country day on the green. Pack a basket or purchase from the on-site food vans, join the community picnic, and settle in for a special performance by The Hometown Boys as they play their favorite tracks featuring Forbes. Live music and performances continue after lunch featuring regional favorites Nerida Cuddy, the high-energy Villebillies, and exciting newcomers David Claughton and the Dirty Dark Horses. The Committee Secretary Maree Yapp reminds us that creative spirits can also participate in hands-on art workshops and lantern making workshops running throughout the day.
For those seeking a moment of calm, the festival’s dedicated Wheogo Wellness Area will be hosted just across the way at Wheogo Park. Conceived as a quiet, sensory space, Wheogo Wellness will offer yoga, meditation, intimate storytelling, and a letter-writing station.
A Spectacle at Sunset
As dusk falls on Saturday, Lighting Director Bannon Rees will transform the space into a glowing wonderland. The magic then shifts into a luminous Community Lantern Parade, beautifully crafted by Creative Director Rob Shannon. Led by the newly constructed giant goanna, the procession will showcase the festival’s magnificent brolga lanterns, students from Bedgerabong School, and the rhythmic beats of the river arts drummers. Anyone who has crafted a lantern throughout the week is warmly invited to join in, creating a spectacular ribbon of light along Lake Forbes.
The festival draws to a resonant close on Sunday, 9 August at the Forbes Town Hall. Acclaimed musicians Grant Barton and Maz Rees will present A Morning of Music—a rare concert blending the powerful, contrasting sounds of the traditional pipe organ and electronic organ in a single space. This magnificent performance is a fundraiser for Can Assist Forbes, with all proceeds directly helping local cancer patients and their families by easing the practical costs associated with treatment and care.
Event Summary:
● What: River Arts Festival “DRIFT” 2026
● When: Friday, 31 July – Sunday, 9 August 2026
● Key Event: DRIFT at Lions Park & Wheogo Park, Saturday, 8 August (Markets from 9:00 AM, Stage from 10:00 AM, Lantern Parade at sunset)
● Where: Various locations across Forbes, NSW
● Cost: Community workshops and park entry are free.
Image: credit Helen Carpenter
