‘Edutainment’ at Funvention
A trip seems inviting especially over a long weekend and this more so for anyone looking for something fun. But sometimes, you don’t have to look much further than your own backyard. This is just what ‘Funvention 2017’ has in store for you on September 1, 2 and 3 at the Thurstan College Cricket Grounds.
Organised by the Musaeus College Past Pupils’ Association (PPA), ‘Funvention 2017’ is the first of its kind. The organizers coin it as an “Edutainment Festival,” entailing that it will offer three thrilling days of both entertainment and education, which children, young adults and famillies alike could enjoy.
The participants will be allowed to wander around at a spacious venue, comprising four zones, which will offer different activities that are specifically designed for them. Three of these zones will commence on the second and third days of the festival, whilst the ‘Music and Entertainment’ zone will kick off on day one, with a concert.
These zones have been attractively divided into different themed colours, which the organisers hope will aid in their identification. This week, we take a closer look at the zones, which make up the festival.
Incorporating the theme of education, at the top of the list, sits the ‘Learning Zone’ which will be modeled after the Hogwarts Castle from Harry Potter. As per its title, this Zone will feature different types of activities for the children and young adults, relating to the fields of art, science, nature, history, cookery, handwork, health, hygiene and theatre.
Some of the highlights in this zone will include an ‘Aviation Outfit’ which will include a specialized helicopter, game zones and aircraft simulations, conducted by the Asian Aviation Center. There will also be a career guidance session on aviation, which will be conducted by SriLankan Airlines.
The zone will also feature demonstrations on animal welfare, conducted by veterinary surgeons from the ‘Pet Vet’ Clinic. There will also be a ‘Healthy Eating’ and creative food art session which will be conducted by renowned Nutritionist Roshan Dela Bandara.
The PPA have also planned a session which will host a series of demonstrations on being prepared in an emergency. This will be conducted by the National Triage Team Leader Pushpa Ramyani Soysa and the Colombo Fire Brigade’.
The Learning Zone will also include a poetry slam, a story and photography session, a junior master chef and much more. The main objective of the zone will be to provide an enjoyable learning experience on the necessary aspects of life, which are not generally included in the school curriculum.
The next zone on the list is ‘Cartoons and Stories through the ages’. This Zone will bring to life costumed characters, such as Super Heroes and Disney characters. The organisers also promise a “Jurassic Park”like feature with magic shows, face painting, animated movies and much more. Children will also be given an opportunity to dress up like a character of their choosing, play games and be photographed in corresponding backdrops.
‘Funvention 2017’ will also feature a ‘Fun Zone’. This zone is dedicated entirely for entertainment. It will include several indoor and outdoor rides and games, such as bouncy castles, pools with paddle boats, bumper cars, trampolines, a merry-go-round, quad-bikes, archery and much more.
Finally we come to the “Music and Entertainment” Zone, which will kick off with a musical show titled ‘Euphoria’ on September 1 starting at 6.00pm. The show will feature performances by Bathiya & Santhush, Lahiru, Sanuka, Umariya, Billy Fernando with 2FoRTy2, Tehani, Imara and Centigrades. ‘Euphoria’ will be followed by a thrilling fireworks display.
Throughout the festival the zone will also include music played by DJ’s from Yes FM and Sirasa FM, Beatboxers and much more. Aside from this, there will also be a fashion show, which will be conducted by the Academy of Design (AOD). The organisers will also be giving the children a chance to showcase their musical talents, through a ‘child jamming session’. This zone will also host a “Glow in the Dark” theme party, where participants could dance, whilst wearing “glow in the dark” bands.
Overall ‘Funvention 2017’ offers something for everybody, be it an adult or a child. It is unique in its theme and is certainly not short of entertainment. It is definitely not a festival to be missed.
Tickets are priced at Rs. 1000 for Friday (which will include the musical show), Rs.300 for Saturday (2) or Sunday (3). They are available at event.lk, your nearest Sarasavi Bookshop, Salaka and Musaeus College.