Families from far and wide will enjoy a creative haven this March at ‘Bathurst’s Heritage Trades Trail’.
There’ll be over 100 artisans of rare and lost trades at this year’s fair demonstrating their skills in a huge program at Bathurst Showground – inspiring the next generation with the joy of learning a craft.
Celebrating cultural heritage
Enjoy the easily accessible two-day program including 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.
As well as experiencing the old trades there, allow some time to do the ‘Heritage Trail’ over seven iconic venues around Bathurst. Fair 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. The trail is open to all visitors, and the best way to see it all is by taking the free hop on hop off shuttle bus which returns you back to the showground.
Inspiration for young minds and old at the showground
As regulars to past ‘Bathurst Heritage Trades Trails’ will vouch, the old-fashioned sweets, music and rides on an authentic Cobb & Co. coach are great value because accompanied school-age children enter for free. So bring the family and try the many ye olde activities like whip cracking, wine stomping and demonstrations of Aboriginal weapon making.
Sharing the City’s secrets
Enjoy Bathurst’s rich history on full view – from Wiradjuri occupation to European settlement after the journeys of Evans and Governor Macquarie; the heady years of the gold rush; her son former Prime Minister Ben Chifley’s home, and the growth of the ‘City of the Plains’ – revealing her many secrets behind attractive historic walls.
Front row seats and entertainment
“A record number of people – over 3,000 – attended the event last year; more families and young people attended than ever before. There’s so much to inspire young minds and old,” said Bathurst Regional Council’s Mayor Cr Jess Jennings. “The event is a celebration of the cultural heritage of the Bathurst region and of heritage trades across NSW and Australia.”
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.
This is a hands-on celebration the whole family can enjoy and it’s great value. Have fun trying the skills that built the Bathurst region, and see how things were done in times before all the modern comforts we enjoy today. Everyone is welcome.
Tickets, maps and information: www.bathurstregion.com.au
Event details:
