One of the standout events of the final week of the Castlemaine Fringe Festival will undoubtedly be tonight’s Roller Mania Roller Disco.
Believed to be the first of its kind held in Castlemaine in the modern era, those attending will experience some of Central Victoria’s finest DJs and “the sweetest roller dancing grooves”.
While the event is on the surface yet another fun pitstop honouring the Fringe Festival’s ‘Reactivate’ theme, event organiser Jo Christy explained there is a deeper purpose to the gathering, and the ongoing roller-skating classes she runs in Castlemaine.
“Most of those taking part are women, generally between the ages of 35-55, so we tend to be a bit older than the usual age at which you head out on the town,” Jo said with a smile.
“As much as we build skills and fitness, the classes are an important way in which we connect socially and support each other.”
Jo said the deeper connection than simple surface-level, retro fun revealed itself during the depths of the COVID pandemic.
“The community we established here became a lifeline for many of the skaters, particularly the newer arrivals in town,” she said.
“I’m not sure exactly why it is, but grassroots skating communities like ours seem to have the magical ability to tie the social and the physical together, all in the spirit of fun.
“We’d love to welcome even more people into our rolling circle this Friday night,” an excited Jo said.
The Roller Mania Roller Disco takes place tonight, Friday April 2 at the War Memorial Stadium in McGrath Street, Castlemaine. (Limited skates, pads and helmets are available, please bring your own if possible.) To book visit castlemainefringe.org.au
