Be part of the magic!
LisAmore! 2025 Calls for volunteers and Italian car lovers.
Get ready to immerse yourself once again in the vibrant atmosphere of Italian culture and community spirit. The Lismore Turf Club’s parklands will be transformed into a bustling Italian festival for LisAmore! on Sunday 6 July 10am to 3pm.
After the success of last year’s unforgettable celebrations, this year’s Festival promises to be even bigger and better than last year. That’s why we’re calling for volunteers and Italian car and motorcycle owners to become part of the festivities. Whether it’s sharing delicious Italian food, showcasing local crafts, helping behind the scenes, or proudly displaying your Ducati, Vespa or Ferrari, there’s a place for everyone at LisAmore!
Festival-goers will enjoy an indulgent array of Italian delights — from fresh pasta and woodfired pizza to Prosecco and decadent desserts — while enjoying live music, spirited dancing, tug-of-war competitions, and the return of the much-loved Italian automobile and motorcycle showcase. Enthusiasts are already preparing to bring their stunning machines from across Queensland and New South Wales, ensuring a feast for the eyes as well as the tastebuds.
LisAmore! is a heartfelt tribute to the strong bond between Lismore and its friendship cities in northern Italy, Conegliano and Vittorio Veneto. As the festival celebrates its seventh year, it continues to honour the Italian settlers whose culture and traditions have woven a vibrant tapestry into the heart of the Northern Rivers.
Families will find plenty to enjoy, with new activities scheduled including ‘Piccoli Amici’ (formally Kids Fest) with hands-on activities, Italian language fun, games, and performances. Audiences will once again dance to the infectious rhythms of Domenico and the Latin Mafia Band, learn to twirl and step in a Tarantella dance workshop with Serena Joy, and laugh along at the antics of Antonio Mazzella and his merry characters.
There’s even the crowd-favourite tug-of-war, hosted by Summerland Bank, where teams can battle it out for bragging rights!
LisAmore! is the highlight of ‘Lismore is a Winter Wonder’ celebrations, and visitors are encouraged to come early and soak up more festivities, including the spectacular Lismore Lantern Parade on Saturday 21 June, celebrating its 31st anniversary with a dazzling display of light, music and creativity.
This year we also have an Italian Cooking Class on Saturday 28 June at the Lismore Showground with Daniele and Sabrini Vitelli from La Romana in Ballina.
Visitors to the Northern Rivers can also explore the stunning Rail Trail, lush national parks, vibrant local villages, and the creative energy that makes this region so unique.
So, if you’d like to be a LisAmore volunteer, or register your Italian car or bike, the organisers would love to hear from you!
Visit the website or contact Aliison Kelly, Festival Manager.
www.friendshipfestival.com.au. lisamore2480@gmail.com
This article appeared in Dunoon and District Gazette, June-July 2025.
