As we roll into the new year, it is time to plan the calendar with this year's upcoming events. One being LisAmore, the Italian Festival in June, and Beyond Venice coming up in February.

Following the success of the Beyond Venice dance parties in 2016 and 2017 hosted by the Lismore Friendship Festival, that paid homage to the annual Venetian carnevale festivities, the masquerade dance party is ready to go again on Saturday, February 18 2023 at the Lismore SCU deck and lounge.

Attendees are invited to dress up, wear dazzling masks and take to the dance floor for a night of traditional Italian toe-tapping dance moves led by popular Brisbane entertainer Domenico and the Latin Mafia Band. A profoundly Italian spin of a good time will be in play and is dependent on everyone participating to the full.

There are prizes to be won for those individuals and groups who take the time to prepare elaborate costumes and dance the night away till midnight.

Doors open at 6.00 p.m. for the Italian flavours in food, music and atmosphere. Tickets are $75 per person. Tables of 10 will be decorated and laden with familiar Italian dinner taste sensations in a 3 course meal.

Beyond Venice (2023) serves as a bonus for those attending 2023 LisAmore! on Sunday, June 18. This event (formerly Piazza in the Park) attracted thousands of people to celebrate the city’s long-standing friendship relationship with the northern Italian city of Conegliano and Lismore. The unique respect for the cultural heritage of the district was expressed through food, wine, dancing, games for young and old, locals and visitors. The 2023 activities promise to continue the excitement and free family fun at the Lismore Turf Club.

The Beyond Venice 2023 evening of mystery and mayhem will be a fundraiser for the Friendship Festival’s LisAmore! festivities. Both events are working to attract locals and visitors to an array of indoor/outdoor entertainments showcasing the talents of local creative practitioners in the city. After a testing year in 2022 – let’s reach out to one another with pizzaz and renewed partnerships.

Enjoy great Italian flavours in food, music and atmosphere at the 2023 Beyond Venice Masquerade Dance Party. Book now – join the Italian celebrations with sparkle and panache!

Book a table with Julie at 0493631611.

Put both dates in your 2023 diaries for what promises to be two great experiences bringing exciting community celebrations with an Italian twist!

• Beyond Venice – Saturday, February 18 – 6 – midnight
• LisAmore! – Sunday, June 18 – 10 a.m.- 3p.m.