Dust off your boots, hats and fake moustaches because the official 2024 Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts Program is out NOW! The June long weekend is set to come alive in Grenfell with visitors coming “Up the Country” from far and wide from 6-10th June.
One of the festival’s most devoted fans and participants, Australian poet Geoffrey Graham from Dinkum Oz Entertainment, is looking forward to another year of celebrating the Australian icon.
“Everyone is excited the program is officially out and I am delighted to confirm I will again be attending this year,” Geoffrey outlined.
Geoffrey has strong links with Henry’s birthplace of Grenfell spanning four generations. Geoffrey’s great-grandfather grew the first wheat for sale in the area. He first performed in Grenfell in the mid-70s and now impersonates Henry himself to the delight of festival goers.
“Over the weekend there will be a variety of entertainment involving songs as well as Australian poems, and of course emphasising the amazing works of Henry Lawson,” Geoffrey said.
“I’m looking forward to attending the Poetry by Firelight on the Wednesday evening which is a wonderful opportunity to read an Australian poem to a small audience or just sit back and listen in the delightful Rose Street Little Theatre.
“I will also feature along with poets/singers galore at the popular Poets Breakfast on the Saturday of the festival in the Salvation Army Hall. This is great entertainment where I will compere a poets’ gathering where songs and verse abound with an opportunity for anyone to jump up and have a go.
“Festival visitors should take the opportunity to have Afternoon Tea With “Henry”, aka me! Enjoy a delightful cuppa and cake in the Salvation Army Hall followed by a poetry performance on Saturday afternoon.
“True poetry fans will also be as delighted as I am to return for the Poetry by the Obelisk with Damper featuring John Hetherington and I on the Sunday morning of the festival.”
BE PART OF THE FESTIVAL!
Don’t miss the opportunity to be part of the festival yourself. Join the fun and enter a float in the official parade to be held on Saturday at 1pm with entertainment planned for the entire day.
SOMETHING SPECIAL FOR MUSIC LOVERS!
A free concert will be held at the Showground Pavilion featuring two of the finest interpreters of Australian traditional folk music, Chloe and Jason Roweth with special guests on the Friday night of the festival. Australia’s own queen of country music and five time Golden Guitar winner, Catherine Britt, will be making a special appearance during the festival with Lachlan Bryan fronting The Pleasure in a concert at the Cordial Factory on the Sunday evening.
PLENTY TO DO FOR THE KIDS BIG AND SMALL!
With plays, art and poetry exhibitions to visit, more than 100 market stalls, live music in the street, Cobb & Co coach rides and the Kids’ Zone in Proctor Park for the entire weekend… kids of all ages will be entertained.
Don’t forget the event of the festival for the big kids – the popular Grenfell Car Show will be in the main street on Sunday with food, music and entertainment also on offer.
Take the opportunity whilst in the area to visit the many attractions in the region including the Wallangreen Sculpture Garden, Iandra Castle, Rustic Maze, Bulla Creek Brewing Co, Patina Gallery, or attend the legendary Caragabal Camp Oven Cook Off and Family Fun Day Sunday 9th June.
BRINGING THE COMMUNITY TOGETHER FOR 66 YEARS!
The Henry Lawson Festival is a major event for the town of Grenfell. It has been running for 66 years and is seen as one of the oldest rural festivals still operating in NSW.
The festival is renowned for introducing Lawson’s work to generations of fans and aims to promote aspiring artistic endeavours. The event also highlights the Grenfell region’s heritage and tourist attractions bringing the community together to celebrate with entertainment for everyone.
Every year the festival embraces a theme from one of Henry Lawson’s iconic poems. This year is based around the piece ‘Up the Country’ which reflects Henry Lawson’s deep understanding of the Australian bush and his empathy for the people who lived and worked there.
See the festival website for the full program of events. https://henrylawsonfestival.com.au/events-entertainment/festival-program/
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