18-01-2023
The Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s Crookwell Country Weekend 18-19 March 2023 just got even bigger!
- FULL CONCERT LINE-UP
- EARLY BIRD TICKET OFFERS
- PRESTIGIOUS BUSKING COMP
- UTE MUSTER
- CELEBRITY CHILDREN’S BOOK SIGNING
The Shire has just recovered from the spectacular success of its inaugural Christmas Festival and it’s ready to welcome visitors back for the much-loved Crookwell Country Weekend – which this year, is bigger and better than ever.
The two-day all-ages festival is an early autumn treat for day trippers and weekenders alike, with onsite and offsite camping available as well as day passes and tickets to a star-studded outdoor concert.
Whichever option festival-goers choose, they should act now to take advantage of early bird ticket offers because the new drop of artists and attractions is sure to see the event sell out.
For starters, the lineup for the Saturday evening concert at Crookwell Showground has expanded. Joining previously announced artists Shannon Noll, Ross Wilson, The Bushwackers and Brittany Maggs will be First Nations artist Isaiah Firebrace and Australian country singer-songwriter Catherine Britt.
The concert will be capped off by the awe-inspiring pyro-musical, The Colours of the Outback, a 15-minute performance of pyrotechnics, flames and amazing visual imaging all synchronised to live music by the legendary Top End drum and bass outfit eMDee, who’ve vibed crowds at festivals like East Coast Blues & Roots with their unique didgeridoo, percussion and high-energy stage show.
Australia’s best buskers look set to descend on Crookwell for the festival’s lucrative busking competition, which offers a first-place cash prize of $3000 and a runner-up prize of a two-day recording package at the Old Binda Recording Studios in Crookwell, worth a total of $1600 and with accommodation included (if required).
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.
And what would a celebration of rural life be without paying homage to the iconic ute? The Crookwell Country Weekend 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.
Add to this, authentic pioneer demonstrations with working livestock, historic bushranger re-enactments, market stalls, roving entertainers, boutique shopping, local produce tastings, bustling bars, camel rides, children’s activities and a country parade, and it’s clear that Crookwell Country Weekend is an event not to be missed.
A very special must for kids and readers of all ages takes place on Sunday morning at the Festival, when Isaiah Firebrace will sign 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. More details to be announced.
Tickets go on sale this Wednesday, January 18, 2023 through TryBooking.com, with early bird discounts of 15% on offer for camping bookings and concert tickets. But hurry, because the discount expires on January 27 (or when sold out) when full price tickets will become available. Indeed, even at full price, the Upper Lachlan Shire Council have made the Crookwell Country Weekend an affordable experience for everyone.
A range of campsite options are available (offsite and limited onsite) with prices between $200 and $450 for two nights (Friday and Saturday). Campsites are limited, so don’t hesitate over booking your space!
Concert tickets are $75 for adults, $45 for 13-17 year olds and $25 for under 12s, while day passes for the Sunday Festival are $10 per adult and $5 for anyone under 17. Terms and conditions apply – see TryBooking for details.
For inquiries about becoming a stall holder, or to enter the Crookwell Country Weekend Busking or Ute Competition phone on 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 Reconnecting Regional NSW Program.
The Upper Lachlan Shire Council’s Crookwell Country Weekend 18-19 March 2023 just got even bigger!
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