Business and community groups from around the region are rallying to be involved in events as diverse as a football team tug-o-war to the latest in solar energy options, recognised speakers, artisan and producer stands.

The event will be sponsored by the Sapphire Coast Producers Associ-ation (SCPA), Clean Energy for Eternity and Austcom Web Network.

Festival co-ordinator Prue Kelly said the theme of Communities in Transition is gaining broad support.

“The most exciting aspect of festival planning so far is that communities and individuals throughout the Bega Valley are responding to our concept of bringing together the abundance of knowledge, skills and creativity in our midst to achieve our goals,” she said.

“The festival is an opportunity to learn, celebrate and socialise all at the same time.

“This is capturing imaginations everywhere.”

Ms Kelly said the festival is the fabric of the communities in transition.

“The excitement is there because we have already been doing things to build a low-carbon economy and our lifestyle is improving,” she said.

“Part of our role is to also honour our elders and how we came to be here, and also to recognise the recent migration to the area from the cities and how we plan for the future, which is a transition we can all make together.”

SCPA president John Champagne said the SCPA Field Day at

the festival exhibits in Littleton Gardens is filling up fast.

“Exhibits booked so far reflect the many areas that match SCPA’s objectives of promoting sustainable land use and lifestyle,” he said.

“From local food, building a cob pizza oven and blacksmithing displays to getting organic soil fertility advice, it’s all covered.

“SCPA is proud to be involved in this first Bega Valley Festival and playing a significant role in the transition to a local food growing culture.”

The Bega Town Hall will play host to the Clean Energy Expo.

Dr Matthew Nott said the hall will be full of renewable energy solutions.