Frost and Fire Forbes Vera Blue
Pull on a beanie and head to the country this May, June and July with five magical cultural events happening in Central NSW. There will be good old-fashioned fun around a grand bon fire in Forbes, a magical ice-rink and Winter Playground in Bathurst, medieval battles in Newbridge, a poets street party in Grenfell, and industrial illuminations in Lithgow.
These events are perfect to plan a short break around, amazing community celebrations and reflect the diverse cultural heritage of the region.
‘Lithglow’ in Lithgow, Saturday 11 May 2024
Lithgow’s biggest night of the year, Lithglow is a spectacular illumination of the town’s industrial heritage and a unique festival held at the Lithgow Blast Furnace Park, where Australia’s first steel was produced. The venue will be transformed by lighting shows, projections, warming fire-pits, eclectic music and fireworks set to a pulsating soundtrack. An event for the whole family, there will be a kid’s zone, food trucks, retail markets, and a chance to learn about the rich history of the site with an interpretative trail. 5.30-9.30pm. www.sevenvalleys.com.au/whats-on/
‘Henry Lawson Festival’, 7-10 June 2024
Now in its 67th year and returning to be bigger and better than ever Grenfell will host the popular Henry Lawson Festival from 7-10 June 2024. The four-day celebration of Australia’s most famous bush poet features a vibrant street party, market stalls, live music and performers. There’s a Friday Night Henry Lawson Dinner and Show, Poetry Breakfast, bike rides, pub performances, the Car Show, and the not to be missed Caragabal Camp Oven Cook-Off and Iandra Castle Open Day. The festival is renowned for introducing Lawson’s work to generations of fans and is a showcase of Grenfell’s rich heritage and culture, and the birthplace of Henry Lawson. www.henrylawsonfestival.com.au
‘Newbridge Winter Solstice’ in Newbridge, Saturday 22 June 2024
Celebrate the winter solstice in the village of Newbridge which has an enchanting medieval themed day festival with Viking battles, mesmerising dance performances, live music, and introducing for 2024, a thrilling jousting – a martial game between two combatants – demonstration. There will be food and retail stores and the burning of the wicker man in the evening, a nod to ancient traditions. Free entry and gates open 12pm. www.newbridgensw.com.au/newbridge
Bathurst Winter Festival night markets
‘Frost and Fire’ in Forbes, Saturday 22 June 2024
Frost and Fire is all about celebrating the Winter Solstice under starry skies in amazing Forbes and is the town’s biggest cultural event. This year’s headline act is Vera Blue along with other renowned Australian and local music performances, fire dancers, toasty fire buckets, hearty local foods, boutique brews and Wiradjuri cultural performances. The main fiery event will leave you feeling warm and toasty, and maybe even a little nostalgic with the burning of the effigy – a grand bonfire. Held from 4-10pm. www.amazingforbesnsw.com
‘Bathurst Winter Festival’, 6-21 July 2024
The magical light-filled Winter Playground is the heart of the action at the Bathurst Winter Festival with its ice-rink, giant ferris wheel, two storey carousal and food and wine stalls. Ideally timed for the school holidays, and held over 16 days, the whole family will love the carnival rides, shows, boutique food events, live music and from sundown until 10pm the lllumination Light Walk splashes colour across Bathurst’s most historic buildings. Enjoy local food tastings, mulled wine and craft beers. Various free and ticketed events. www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au
Central NSW begins two-hours’ drive from Sydney and three hours’ drive from Canberra and offers a variety of accommodation from B&Bs and farm-stays to luxury hotels. The region includes Oberon, Bathurst, Orange, Blayney, Cabonne, Lachlan, Cowra, Weddin, Parkes, Lithgow and Forbes. Go to www.visitcentralnsw.com.au
