Bondi finding its way with some much-needed winter fun

Bondi is trading in surfboards for ice skates to celebrate the return of the annual winter festival, which breathes much-needed warmth into the chilly ocean air.

Food stalls, live performances, a Ferris wheel and an open-air beachside ice rink are all fixtures.

But to make sure there’s something for everyone, the program also includes an art competition and a comedy premiere.

This is the first major outdoor festival to be held in Bondi since the shooting that killed 15 people in December.

Police had a visible and constant presence at Friday’s official opening of the event, which runs until July 19.

It is now common to see armed police on Australia’s most famous beach.

However, it did not dampen the atmosphere of a community ready to heal and reclaim the fun-loving spirit for which it is renowned worldwide.

New Zealand dancer Sacha Copland said it was a privilege to be part of the festival, helping to bring people together and share the fun at a time of need.

Ms. Copland and the Java Dance Theater take the audience on a bus journey of sorts; a traveling dance performance that stops in surprise locations.

Besides the novelty of being on wheels, he also says the show is meant to bring joy and connect people.

“I think there are a lot of things that divide people right now, and there are also a lot of things that don’t bring joy,” he told AAP.

“People want to connect, but often there are many obstacles in their way.

“Art is really important right now, like something that can soften people up a little bit.”

Long-time festival organizer Lisa Walton said comedy shows were a new focus this year and another way to deliver laughter and storytelling to Bondi.

While the shows featuring one-man cabaret, local DJs and live musicians are primarily weekend shows, there will also be food stalls and children’s entertainment along the beach throughout the festival.

“This is about bringing people here in the winter and showing there’s more here than just the beach,” Ms Walton said.

The annual Paw Parade is also back by popular demand, giving Bondi residents and others the excuse they never needed to get dressed up and walk their dogs.

“We didn’t do it for a year and it was like, ‘Where is it? What are you doing?’ they asked. he said.

Visiting Bondi from the NSW Central Coast for the weekend, Emma Richomme watched happy daughter Ivy Rose and her pal Ruby twirl around the ice.

“It’s very nice,” he told AAP.

“And if kids have something to do, that’s always better.

“We can go out and get some fresh air and bring the dog.”