
Frequently Asked Questions
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How to get there
Sunday Fair at the Thirroul Beach Reserve. The best way to get there is by train. It’s a flat 1 km walk. Get off at Thirroul Station and head east toward the beach along Station Street until the end, turn left to McCauleys Street, then right on Harbord Street until the end, left on Cliff Parade and you’re there.
What will be there
You’ll be able to browse through arts, crafts market stalls, take your pick from delicious food and drink from food trucks. Have fun on carnival rides and check out the animals. Take in free entertainment on our stage, bands and dancers.
Cost to enter ?
Free entry. Rides prices are available from the vendors on the day.
Can I bring my pet?
Thirroul Beach Reserve is a normal park therefore your pet is allowed. Please use caution however, as there will be a huge crowd including children and possibly together pets. So lets all play nice. You bring your pet at your own risk.
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Where can I park?
ART SHOW : There is limited parking in the main street or library off Philip Street. Free parking is available at the large carpark in Church St and small station carpark diagonally across from the library.
FESTIVAL IN THE PARK: There is limited street parking surrounding the venue.
Getting there by public transport
ART SHOW: Thirroul Railway station is a flat 100m walk. The station has an elevator. Get off on the western side. The bus stop is also a flat 100m walk from the venue. Get off near Ryans Hotel and walk north.
FESTIVAL IN THE PARK: Thirroul Railway station is a flat 10 minute walk from the Thirroul Beach Reserve. The station has an elevator. Get off on the eastern side. The bus stop is also a relatively flat 5 minute walk from the venue. Get off near Thirroul Plaza and walk east.
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Who runs the event?
The Thirroul Seaside & Arts Festival is a not-for-profit event run by
the Austinmer Thirroul Lions Club, assisted by an Art Committee & volunteers.
Where do funds raised go?
Funds raised are returned to our community to fund projects and individuals in need.
History of the festival
The festival been running for close to three decades and attracts thousands to the town. Its objective is to support local artists and to provide an affordable community event for all.
Join the Lions Club
The guys in the Austinmer Thirroul Lions Club welcome new members. It’s a great way to give back to your community and form life-long friendships. For more information email: austinmerthirroullions@gmail.com
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· What kind of stall can I have at the festival?
Stalls usually include but not limited to, Food, Art & Craft, Fashion, Novelty, & Activity.
· What size stall can I have?
There are two sizes of stall spaces available:
Single: 3m x 3m
Double: 6m x 3m.
· How much does it cost to have a stall at the festival?
Food Stall Single: $245
Food Stall Double: $475
Art & Craft and Others Single: $105
Art & Craft and Others Double: $195
· Where do I set up my stall?
On Saturday stalls are set up in the forecourt of the Thirroul District Community Centre and Library.
On Sunday stalls are set up in the Thirroul Park Reserve behind Thirroul beach.
· When do stall bookings close?
Stalls can only be booked up until ten days prior the festival date.
· Can I book a food stall on the Saturday of the festival?
No, food stalls can only be booked for the Sunday of the festival.
· When will I receive bump in details for my stall set up?
You will receive all the details regarding your stall set up one week prior to the festival.
· Do I get a map of where my stall is?
No, but you will get a stall number, and someone will be on site on the day to guide you to your stall.
· Who do I contact if I have a query regarding my stall?
All correspondence is via email to the stall’s coordinator: stallsthirroulfestival@gmail.com
· Will there be stalls at the festival that are the same as mine?
There is no exclusivity regarding stalls at the festival, but food and activity stalls are limited in number of the same type of offering. Art & craft stalls are generally unlimited.
· What do I need to bring for my stall?
You will need to bring all your own equipment that you need to run your stall such as; a gazebo, tables & chairs and any thing else your require.
· Will there be power for my stall?
No there is no power at the site. If you need power, you will need you own generator. Please note that only QUITE and low emission generators will be allowed.
· Do I need insurance to have a stall at the festival?
Yes, stall holders must have current Public Liability Insurance before they can book a stall. The insurance must cover the date of the festival.
· If I have a food stall, do I need an FSS?
Yes, all food stall holders must have a valid Food Safety Supervisor Certificate before they can book a food stall. A copy of the certificate must also be kept on the stall.
· Does my stall booking need to be approved?
Yes, all stalls need to be approved by the stalls coordinator before the booking is paid and finalised. To assist in the approval of your stall please provide as much detail as possible about your stall when making a booking.
· Do I get a refund if it rains?
Refunds are at the discretion of the Thirroul Seaside and Arts festival Committee. If the festival is called off due to bad weather generally refunds are granted.
· Do I get a refund if the Festival on Sunday in the park is called off?
Refunds are at the discretion of the Thirroul Seaside and Arts festival Committee. If the festival is called off due to bad weather or other unforeseen circumstances, then generally refunds are granted.
· What do I do to cancel my stall site?
If you need to cancel your booked stall you should notify the stalls coordinator via email as soon as possible. stallsthirroulfestival@gmail.com
· Will I get a refund if I cancel my stall?
Refunds are at the discretion of the Thirroul Seaside and Arts festival Committee. If you cancel before the booking cutoff date (ten days prior to the festival) then generally a refund will be granted.
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How do I contact you about volunteering?
Send an email to volunteerartthirroul@gmail.com. Let us know what days/times you’d be available. Where you’d like to volunteer. We’re particularly looking for people to help move art from Wednesday afternoon 28 May 2025 and help out with the break-down on Sunday afternoon at the Art Show.
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When is Art in the Shops on?
Art in the Shops is a prelude to the Festival and runs from Saturday 17 May until 1 June 2025. It showcases local artists in Thirroul’s shops and helps promote the impending Festival. You can buy the art. Simply ask the shop attendant.
How can I participate?
Send an email to thirroulshopsart@gmail.com. We’re keen to match shops with appropriate art so send along a photo, your social or web page so we have an idea of your style. Space is limited. Art must not exceed 1m x 1m.
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New Exhibitor
Our online system began last year for the 2024 Exhibition. If you didn't exhibit last year, you'll need to enter your details in New Exhibitor for 2025. After you have entered your details, you will be considered as Existing Exhibitor in subsequent years.
Past Exhibitor
If you exhibited in 2024, please use the Past Exhibitor button. If you've exhibited in the past, but not in 2024, you will need to enter your details as a New Exhibitor, as this is a new online system.
Key dates for entries
Must be received by Wednesday 21st May 2025
Key date/times to drop off art
Wednesday 28 May 2025, 3.30pm - 6.00pm
Delivery Location
Thirroul Library and Community Centre 352/358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive, Thirroul. Limited parking via Phillip Street, follow signs or on Lawrence Hargrave Drive.
Who is the Judge?
Name will not be announced prior to the judging.
Will my art be hung?
Display space is limited but we endeavour to display all entries which meet the Conditions of Entry.
Key date/time to pick up art not sold
Sunday 1 June 2025, 3.30pm - 5.00pm
When do I get paid if I sell art?
We endeavour to have payment done ASAP. (within two weeks after show). If artwork is sold an email will be sent asking for the bank details in which the monies will be deposited.
How will I know if my art is sold?
If all your works have sold you will receive a phone call early Sunday afternoon.
Art requirements, maximum size, D rings
Please refer to the Conditions of Entry under the Art Entries page.
Winners from last year
Check out the bottom of the Art Entries page.
Cost for entry
Friday Night - Pay on entry - $25. (Participating artists - $10)
Weekend - Gold Coin donation.
Is there an artist age restriction?
You must be an adult to enter your art i.e. 18 years old or more.
Why are Minis sizes different?
Large frames reduce display space. Different formats are being accommodated.
ART SHOW (All weekend)
Venue: Thirroul Community Centre
352-358 Lawrence Hargrave Drive
A short, flat stroll from Thirroul train station
SEASIDE FAIR (Sunday)
Venue: Thirroul Beach Reserve
A flat 1km stroll from the Thirroul train station.