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The Saturday festivities kick off at 8.30am, with free entry for all.
Buskers
Crookwell’s main street boutiques and cafes will be open for business and the pavements of Main Street and Spring Street lined with Australia’s best buskers, performing throughout the morning as part of the festival’s lucrative busker competition. The talented hopefuls will be vying for the first-place cash prize of $3000 and a runner-up prize of a two-day recording package at the Old Binda Recording Studio in Crookwell, worth a total of $1600 and with accommodation included (if required).
Hume Conservatorium are also providing a prize for talented juniors which will include a recording session and an opportunity to perform in one of their performances.The daytime competition will be judged by a prestigious panel of Catherine Britt, Geoff Bell of Laing Entertainment and Roger Corbett, General Manager of the Australian Country Music Academy, board member of the Country Music Association of Australia and also a founding member of the iconic Australian bush band, The Bushwackers.
Street Parade
The morning will see the streets closed to traffic for the opening street parade at 10.00am, with community floats, vintage cars and motorcycles, performers and more parading along Goulburn Street from Colyer Street to Roberts Street.
Absolute Beaut Ute
And what would a celebration of rural life be without paying homage to the iconic ute? The Crookwell Country Weekend Absolute Beaut Ute Competition invites ute owners to come from far and wide to show off their four wheeled beasts for a chance to win $1000, with runner-up prizes to be announced. The utes will be on display in Spring Street from Goulburn Street to Robertson Street, with judging taking place at approximately 11.30am.
Make sure you don’t miss calling into Lindner Socks, a small family business which uses its forebears’ 300-year technique to expertly knit and hand-finish every sock produced at their store, using the highest quality Merino wool sourced from local farmers. Visitors can witness the craftsmanship of Andrew Lindner, using vintage machinery brought to Australia from Germany by his parents, Wilfred and Gisela.
BUSKING FORMS
Busking Aplication Form
Busking Terms & Conditions
STREET PARADE FORMS
Street Parade Entry Form
Street Parade Terms & Conditions
ABSOLUTE BEAUT UTE FORMS
Absolute Beaut Ute Entry Forms
Absolute Beaut Ute Terms & Conditions
By Jason Dinsmore
View all articles by Jason Dinsmore
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At the Crookwell Showground, gates open at 12.30pm and the food trucks, Stockade Bar and merchandise stands will be ready for festival goers to start pouring in and get prime position with their picnic blankets and chairs. Get ready for eight hours of live music between 2.30pm and 10.30pm, from some of this country’s finest artists, culminating in a massive fireworks show.
The incredible line-up promises an experience to remember for all ages, starring the coolest daddy of them all, Ross Wilson – fresh from his 50 Years Of Eagle Rock tour and country boy turned Aussie music legend Shannon Noll.
The two music icons will be joined by Isaiah Firebrace – one of the world’s most-streamed First Nations artists, Australia’s country music darling, Catherine Britt, our best-known and best-loved bush band, The Bushwackers and rising country music star, Brittany Maggs.
The concert will be capped off by the awe-inspiring pyro-musical, The Colours of the Outback, which has never been staged at a regional event before. It’s a spectacular 15-minute performance of pyrotechnics, flames and amazing visual imaging all synchronised to live music by the legendary Top End artist eMDee, who has vibed crowds at festivals like East Coast Blues & Roots with his unique didgeridoo and high-energy stage show.
Concert tickets have been kept incredibly affordable with tickets just $25 for under 18’s, $50 for seniors and concession card holders, $75 being the full price for adults. Group booking discounts means a family of six (four adults & two children) is just $190 and groups of four adults can attend for just $63.75 per ticket. Tickets are on sale through trybooking.com.
And just like that, the Crookwell Showground will be transformed from music festival to a colourful country fair in celebration of Australian rural life through the ages … a jam-packed day for the whole family with ticket prices just $10 for adults and $5 for children under 17 (free entry for three years and under).
Gates open at 9am, with re-stocked food trucks, merch stand and Stockade Bar coming to life again, amidst a hive of entertainment, activities & market stalls.
Jugglers, acrobats, stilt walkers and Bushrangers will be roving the crowds throughout the day, while kids can have their photos taken with friendly animals such as Heffner the Alpaca and Charlie the Brahman.
The main stage will offer a rotating schedule of entertainment: ‘Once Upon A Jumbuck’ – a 30-minute play performed by the Crookwell Amateur Dramatics Society (CADS), live music from the previous nights’ concert acts The Bushwackers as well as eMDee, bushranger re-enactments by the 7th Light Horse Gundagai Troop, depicting A Desperate Affray, utilising a Cobb & Co Royal Mail Coach from Travealy Horse Drawn Carriages, which will also be available at the event for rides.(follow Crookwell Country Weekend on Facebook for session times).
A very special must for kids and readers of all ages takes place at the Visitor Information Centre stand at 10.30am, when Isaiah Firebrace will spend an hour signing copies of his best-selling children’s book, Come Together: Things Every Aussie Kid Should Know About The First Peoples, with copies available to purchase on the day.
Back on the main stage, busking finalists will have one final chance to impress the audience and competition judges on the main stage at 11.30am, with the winner and runner-up decided upon by 12.30pm.
On display for the day’s entirety will be pioneer working demonstrations from the draught horse, bullock and camel teams, Rural Fire Services fire trucks and vintage machinery demonstrations.
The pavilions will also be bustling with market stalls and historic photography on display.
Adults and kids alike will enjoy the camel rides, hay wagon rides and a rare opportunity to ride in a true piece of Australian history, the horse drawn Royal Mail Coach. Add to this, children’s activities including face painting and a huge inflatables zone and it’s clear that Crookwell Country Weekend is an event not to be missed.
For inquiries about becoming a stall holder, or to enter the Crookwell Country Weekend Busking or Abolutel Beaut Ute Competition, phone 02 4832 1988 or email info@visitupperlachlan.com.au.
Crookwell Country Weekend is an Upper Lachlan Shire Council initiative, funded by the NSW Government’s Reconnection Regional NSW program.
visitupperlachlanshire.com.au
A regional festival like no other
Crookwell Country Weekend has announced its fun-filled program for the regional festival like no other, a massive event taking over a tiny town in the heart of the Upper Lachlan Shire on Saturday, March 18 and Sunday, March 19.
Crookwell’s centre will be on show over two days, and Saturday will see a massive eight-hour concert at the Crookwell Showground.
The Upper Lachlan Shire Council, with support from the NSW Government’s Reconnecting Regional NSW Program, has created an incredible weekend event for all ages, on a scale never before seen in the region. It aims to attract locals from the Shire and visitors from surrounding New South Wales regions, giving a much-needed boost to local businesses while showcasing the many reasons to visit and explore this hidden gem.
With the gates opening to the festival camp sites on the Friday afternoon at 4.30pm, weekenders looking for an early autumn getaway are encouraged to pack a swag, hitch their van or book a ready-made glamping site and enjoy two nights of Crookwell hospitality and entertainment. Campers can book two nights – or one, for those preferring a Saturday overnighter – with prices starting at $65 per site.
Friday nights in Crookwell are lively with its classic pubs and cafes offering delicious country fare, live music and a traditional meat raffle. As the curtain opener for the Crookwell Country Weekend, the town’s famous Ensemble & Co, a unique collective of boutique traders set within the grand Arcadia building, will host a fashion parade, complete with a welcoming glass of bubbles and nibbles included in the $20 entry fee.
Busking
Absolute Beaut Ute competition
CONCERT
For inquiries about becoming a stall holder, or to enter the Crookwell Country Weekend Busking or Abolute Beaut Ute Competition, phone 02 4832 1988 or email info@visitupperlachlan.com.au.
Easter in the Shire proved to be a resounding success with Council receiving an overwhelming response to its free Council run events “Light up Crookwell” and “Easter in the Park”.
Tourism Manager, Christiane Cocum said it was an absolute joy to see the way the community and visitors wholeheartedly embraced what had been put together.
“The joy on people’s faces including the delightful squeals from kids who not only got to have cuddles and dance with the Easter Bunny in the lights and at Easter in the Park but also interact with a range of roving performers was immeasurable,” she said.
“It was all just so much fun. Everywhere you looked people of all ages were smiling, laughing and enjoying themselves.”
Council secured a NSW Government Festival of Place Grant for “Light up Crookwell” and to work with the revered lighting team from Luminous Entertainment who enabled us to see Crookwell’s beautiful main street in a whole new light, spectacularly lit up.
Deputy Mayor, Mandy McDonald also came up with the fabulous idea to run a guided tour of the historical buildings under lights which was well attended on both nights.
Another highlight was our very entertaining Easter Bunny who took photos with Businesses and the community. He was a little mischievous and certainly loved to boogie.
Hundreds of people streamed through the gates of Crookwell Memorial Oval for Easter in the Park for a fabulous afternoon of fun and frivolity.
“It dawned on me about two thirds of the way through the event that I had not seen any kids on their devices, they were all just enjoying the entertainment and activities,” Ms Cocum said.
“Adults and kids joined in and it was such a fun filled afternoon of live music, arts and activities provided by Southern Tablelands Arts, Roving performers and a fire show.”
The egg and spoon and bunny hop races were well enjoyed with people of all ages participating and cheering on from the sidelines.
Mayor Pam Kensit was only just pipped at the post in the adult’s egg and spoon race while Deputy Mayor and MC for the afternoon, Mandy McDonald, was nearly bowled over whilst leading kids to the Easter egg hunt.
Ms Cocum said she had been overwhelmed by everyone who had personally come up to her and her team to thank them, emailed, messaged or commented on social media.
“We can’t wait to do it again next year and are in the process of applying for several grants to make it bigger and better,” she said.
Easter is upon us and Council is encouraging the community members of our Shire to enjoy activities across an Easter extravaganza weekend.
Kicking off on Good Friday with a Binda Experience, Walk with the Cross from Binda Shops to St James Church. Everyone will have a chance to carry the Cross if they choose. A simple service at the Church will follow. Then stay for loaves and fishes (fish burgers) and a cup of tea. Be involved with the Easter Good Friday celebration commencing Friday, 15 April at 11:00am
In the evening at 6:00pm on Good Friday Light up Crookwell will commence. This will include lighting of trees, buildings and gardens from Council Chambers to the central main street of Crookwell between Spring St & Roberts Street. This event will occur nightly through until Easter Monday from 6-11pm.
On Saturday you can follow the Easter Market Trail by visiting the following village markets:
Easter Saturday in the Shire will wrap up with Easter in The Park at Crookwell.
Hop into Memorial Oval from 3pm to 9pm to enjoy a fun filled family afternoon/evening.
Featuring Children’s activities, Easter Egg Hunt, The Easter Bunny, Live music, Food Vendors roving acrobatic light & fire performers – Dress up in glow in the dark theme to be a part of the fun. A very special outdoor movie experience with the screening of Peter Rabbit @ 7.00pm.
Then on Easter Monday, Jerrawa will be celebrating what has become known as “The Little Royal”, the only agricultural show held at the same time as the Royal Easter Show each year each Easter Monday. The Jerrawa Show takes place from 9.00am-1.00pm on Monday 18 April at Coolalie Road, Jerrawa.
There’s plenty on, and plenty to see and do this Easter in the Shire. We encourage everyone to embrace the Easter spirit and enjoy what our villages have to offer.
The Crookwell Agricultural, Pastoral and Horticultural Society is excited to be welcoming back the Crookwell Show on the 12 and 13 February 2022.
The Show has brought the community together for many years, and will again showcase the very best in our district.
With the improved conditions and high rainfall there will be many outstanding exhibits across the agricultural industries.
This year, the AP&H Society will be welcoming back many of the usual exhibits and competitions, and some new ones.
Freestyle Kings Motorcross will be entertaining the crowd on Saturday. They will be performing three shows throughout the day, 11am, 2pm and 6pm.
“To have professional Motocross riders perform in Crookwell is a wonderful treat for the town. We know there are a lot of families who have missed out on going to performances like this in recent years so we are excited to bring this level of entertainment to the show,” Crookwell AP&H Vice President, Ally Jaffrey said.
Sunday 13th will see the return of the Car & Bike show, wood chop, flyball demonstration and major announcements in the livestock sections.
Saturday evening entertainment will be provided by musician and songwriter Shara Rose who will be performing at the Ydinya AP&H Bar.
NSW president of the Country Women’s Association, Stephanie Stanhope will officially open the Show on Saturday at 1pm.
“Agricultural Shows and the CWA have had a long association and together we are looking forward to celebrating their centenary,” Crookwell AP&H President Ken McCallum said.
As part of this celebration Ms Stanhope will arrive to the show ground in style as part of a parade of vehicles representing the past 100 years. The parade will be departing the CWA rooms at 10.15am and arrive to the show ground by 11am.
Recently, the AP&H Society received funding of $15,000 from the NSW Government’s Country Shows Support Package to assist with the running of the Show.
“We would like to thank all of our sponsors for supporting the Show. We are very thankful for their generosity,” Ken said.
Tickets are available for purchase online on the show website (www.crookwellshow.com.au) or can be purchased at the gate on the day where eftpos and cash will be accepted. Memberships are also available via the website with members receiving free entry for themselves and a guest for the whole show.
Public parking for the show is at Todkill Park with entry via Goulburn St gates. However a great option is to utilise the free bus service which will pick you up from your home or the Spring St bus stop and drop you off into the heart of the show ground and is also available to take you home when ready. To book the bus call 0428 225 720 or Wendy on 0428 321 178.
The Gunning Arts Festival (online again due to the pandemic restrictions that were in place at the time of organising) is under way for 2021.
As with last year, there are a wide variety of events, categories and things to see. Here are some highlights to choose from the Festival which started on October 30 this year – all of the events below are freely available online
What’s out there?
Some spectacular images of local wildlife have been captured on trail cameras in the Gunning Landcare trail camera competition. An online exhibition of the best images is available as part of the 2021 online Gunning Arts Festival. As well as being a fun event, the trail camera competition has a serious side. It is useful for local landholders to be able to identify the native and feral animals on their properties and Gunning Landcare is encouraging people to become familiar with how trail cameras operate. From the amazing images entered into the competition it is clear that many locals are becoming expert camera operators.
Story Reading Time
Audio recordings of six short stories written by local authors are available as part of the online 2021 Gunning Arts Festival and they are simply beautiful to listen to. The stories were selected from entries to the Festival’s Flashwrite project, in which local writers submitted short stories about their life in our region. Turn off the screen, relax with a cup of tea or some creative activity and enjoy stories of our region read by professional local artists.
Creativity Off Leash
Southern Tablelands Arts has created a special activity for young people (and old) on how to create a small 8 page book called a Zine. What a fabulous way to unleash your children’s creativity. Watch the video on the Gunning Arts Festival website and be inspired.
Art inspired by the Festival Theme “Rejuvenation”.
The Picture House Art Prize has attracted artworks from near and far this year. Margarita Georgiadis, from The Picture House Gallery in Gunning said, “Finalists have now been selected and will be available to view as an online exhibition. Art works will also be available to purchase.” You are invited to vote in the People’s Choice Awards and the prize for the People’s Choice artwork is a Derivan Prize Pack of art materials worth $200.
Snapwrite Selection
A sample of images from the hugely successful SnapWrite Facebook page has been posted on the Festival website for everyone to enjoy our beautiful landscape and special lifestyle. Browsing these pictures is a great way to remind yourself of how lucky we are to live where we do. How many places can you recognise?
The Nail House
What is a Nail House? And what trouble can they cause? Local author Greg Baines brings a story of modern China to life in his new novella The Nail House. Greg has recorded readings from the book for the Gunning Arts Festival. The Nail House is a gripping story beautifully read. A great opportunity to remind yourself of how wonderful it is to relax with an audio recording.
Music just for us
Gyan has produced some gorgeous music videos exclusively for the Festival. Enjoy listening to Gyan and the talented band she has put together for these video recordings.
Millicent Armstromng Comes Alive
Not many people know that the Gunning region was home to our own playwright, Millicent Armstrong, who lived from 1888-1973. Rehearsed readings of four of Millicent Armstrong’s plays were performed in 2021 at the Picture House Theatre in Gunning as a satellite event of the Gunning Arts Festival. These rehearsed readings of At Dusk, Thomas, Penny Dreadful and the award-winning, Drought by Millicent Armstrong featuring actors Chris Carroll, Heather Keens, Holly Ross and Dianna Nixon are now available on the Gunning Arts Festival website.
The 2020 online Gunning Arts Festival was the Upper Lachlan Shire Council Event of the Year for 2020. Once again, the team have transitioned the Festival online because of COVID-19, and they have pulled together an exciting and varied program with lots to see, listen to and do.
The Gunning Arts Festival project has received a grant from the Foundation for Rural & Regional Renewal via its Tackling Tough Times Together program. The Festival is proudly sponsored by Bailey’s Garage, BJCE Australia, Upper Lachlan Foundation, and the Upper Lachlan Shire Council.
To see all the wonderful events of the online Gunning Arts Festival
Visit: https://www.gunningartsfestival.com/festival-2021/(link is external) anytime from October 30 onwards
With the physical Gunning Arts Festival postponed to 2021, we congratulate the organisers who thought outside the box and delivered a very successful online Festival this year. Art was photographed and exhibited online, plus videos of musicians, authors, performers and workshops were uploaded. Among the videos was also a workshop on making hand-felted wool and silk scarves and a tour of the historical display at Pye Cottage!
The Gunning Arts Festival Committee Chair Michelle Storey said, “The Gunning Arts Festival committee and the groups organising events for the Festival are very enthusiastic to make the online Gunning Festival an amazing success, and we have relevant expertise within the group to pull it together technically.” Festival Patron Margarita Georgiadis said, “Australia is facing a huge health and economic challenge at the moment. I think an online Festival has the potential to bring enormous cultural benefit to the community, as well as helping artists who are struggling so much with many events being cancelled.”
Much of the content from the festival is still available at www.gunningartsfestival.com and well worth a look. We look forward to next year’s festival.
The weekend of 9 & 10 May 2020 would have been the 10th Crookwell Potato Festival, except for the dreaded Corona virus. While the physical event was cancelled, the team couldn’t let the milestone pass by without showcasing the amazing potato industry that has been part of the Crookwell local community for so long, and so they managed to create an online festival!
Two of the highlights of each year are the Farm Tours and the Patata Cafe Demonstration Kitchen. Thanks to the generous support of many Crookwell community members, you don’t have to miss out. Head to www.crookwellpotatofestival.com.au to enjoy these yourself.