Anyone with a passion for hand-made and buying local will be in creative heaven at next month’s ‘Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail’ on Saturday 16 and Sunday 17 March 2024 with over 100 artisans from across Australia attending so far.
The huge two-day program features a fair at the historic Bathurst Showground where rare and lost trades will demonstrate their work and inspire the next generation to enjoy the beauty and health benefits of learning a craft. Children under 18 are offered free entry, so it’s a great value day out for the family.
There will be entertainment, live music, old-fashioned treats, rides on an authentic Cobb & Co coach, whip cracking, knitting, crocheting and wine stomping! Meet potters, toymakers, photographers, cobblers, candle-makers, Aboriginal tool makers, violin makers, spinners, weavers and more.
To add to the experience of the main fair, there’s also a new visitor ‘Heritage Trail’ to seven iconic heritage venues around Bathurst. Ticket holders receive 50% off entry to Abercrombie House, Miss Traill’s House and Garden, the Bathurst Rail Museum, Chifley Home, Bathurst District Historical Society Museum and Old Government Cottage. Available as a self-drive, or via the free shuttle buses operating both days.
“A record number of people, over 3,000, attended the event last year with more families and young people coming than ever before. There’s so much to inspire young minds and old.” said Cr Jess Jennings, Mayor of Bathurst Regional Council.
“The event is a celebration of the cultural heritage of the Bathurst region and of heritage trades across NSW and Australia.” added Cr Jess Jennings.
As Australia’s first inland city, and just 2.5hrs drive from Sydney or 3 hrs from Canberra, Bathurst is the ideal location for this annual celebration. It is a signature event of the Autumn Colours Heritage Festival, held annually throughout the Bathurst region, Wiradjuri Country. The event is supported by the NSW Government through the Destination NSW Regional Event Fund.
