Star Wars is coming back to the Carillon this weekend

Posted on 1 May, 2019

Warning! Aliens on Aspen Island!

Our much loved lakeside icon, the National Carillon, is in more peril than Alderaan! This site of many pleasant Canberran afternoons – of lilting music and sunny picnics – may be overrun with more space pirates than the cantina on Mos Eisley next weekend.

But don’t despair, instead, join the party!

This Saturday is May the 4^th (be with you) – International Star Wars Day. Time to dust off your Jedi robes and prepare to listen to the familiar music of the great John Williams. For this special occasion, Canberra’s carillonists and student carillonists have prepared a feast for the ears including the Main Theme, Luke and Leia, Cantina and more. The full program is available here with the concert kicking off from 12.30 pm sharp.

Anyone who comes along is encouraged to bring a picnic and enjoy Canberra’s gorgeous autumn – but there will also be a feast for the tastebuds available onsite.

Bentspoke Brewing, Cannoli Brothers, Grease Monkey and Jacko’s Pizza will have food trucks set up in the National Carillon car park. Access to Wendouree Drive will be from the Constitution Avenue end only and parking will be on the grass of Kings Park, as with the Christmas concerts.

This concert is part of the National Capital Authority’s program of events for the ACT and Region Heritage Festival, which concludes the following day.

The theme for this festival has been ‘SPACE’ so it is fitting that a building that is actually the largest concert instrument in the southern hemisphere also looks a bit like an Imperial Destroyer (long live the Rebellion!).

UPDATE: Access to Aspen Island is now fully booked but the fun doesn’t stop there. The gorgeous music is clear as a bell (ha, ha) from the shores of Lake Burley Griffin.

So suit up and settle in for sixty minutes of sweet, sweet sounds from Star Wars. On May the 4^th and always, may the Force be with you.

the essentials 

What: May the 4th be with you Star Wars Carillon Concert
When: Saturday 4 May. Concert begins at 12.30 pm and ends at 1.15 pm
Cost: Free
Where: Aspen Island, Parkes
More information: nca.gov.au/may-4th-be-you-saturday-4-may-2019-1230-120-pm

Note: Author Roslyn Hull is the Attractions Manager for the National Capital Authority.