Over the long weekend (Sept 30th – Oct 2nd) the Bellingen Global Carnival throws open its gates to host another line-up of superb national and international artists.

Circumnavigating the Globe, this year’s festival travels from South America and Africa to the Southern States of North America then on to Europe with stops in the Middle East and Asia before returning to the islands of the Pacific Ocean and home to Australia.

The Musical program is as rich as it is diverse with top names in the business representing their countries.

Headlining the festival are two legendary bands from New Orleans: Jon Cleary and The Philthy Phew and The Dirty Dozen Brass Band, both world class acts renowned for their sheer soul and funky performances.

Australian sounds will be served up by the mighty Public Opinion Afro Orchestra, swamp boogie soulstress, Mama Kin, dub outfit Dubmarine and past producer for Roots Manuva, LOTEK.

Classical and traditional flavours include virtuosos, Slava Grigoryan and Joseph Tawdros with their Band of Brothers and Celtic band Sunas.

A fine dance component incorporates Spain, Indonesia, Native America and the Pacific as well as a theatrical dance production from internationally acclaimed Stalker theatre, combining acrobatics and stilts and the International Indigenous People’s Village encompasses Native America, Indigenous Australia and tribal women from Vanuatu with their amazing water music.

For families, children 12 years and under are free, and will enjoy the children’s festival and mosaic, kite and lantern making for Sunday night’s big parade.

Camping is available, for more information, check the website www.globalcarnival.com or ring 02 6655 3024. Tickets are available online and at the gate.