Are you looking for a daytrip or short break idea these school holidays? Over 200 years of history will come to life at the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on the weekend of 10th and 11th April 2021.
Over 120 local and guest artisans will demonstrate rare trades that helped build the Bathurst region including blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, knife making, whip making, glass artistry, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, violin making and more.
The event will be an educational journey to learn how things were made before the electronic world. With a trend towards ‘hand-made and buying local’, record numbers of people are expected to attend.
Meet the artisans, see them at work, and attend one of a series of workshops including candlewicking, upholstery, crochet and spoon carving. There will be food stalls, live music and hands-on activities like whip cracking and wine stomping.
Returning in a COVID-safe format with a new location at the heritage Bathurst Showground pavilions, along with its original location at the Bathurst Agricultural Research Station, more heritage trades will be on display this year.
Mayor of Bathurst, Councillor Bobby Bourke, said the Bathurst heritage Trades trail offers visitors and locals a unique cultural experience that gives insight into our rich past.
‘It’s important to preserve the trades and crafts that shaped the history and culture of Bathurst, Australia’s first inland European settlement. The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail offers a fascinating chance to see, feel and experience how everyday items were made before the modern luxuries we are afforded today.’
Bathurst Showground is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and is one of the original showgrounds in NSW, which has been used as a venue for community events since 1878. Some of the buildings include the Howard, Beau Brown and Trivett pavilions, each with unique heritage features. The Agricultural Research Station, formerly the ‘Bathurst Experiment Farm’ of the 1800s is a hidden gem that holds 11 National Trust listed buildings. The extra space at the Bathurst Showground will allow artisans and guests to be safely socially distanced to comply with the COVID-Safe plan for the event.
Bathurst, situated in Wiradjuri country, is Australia’s oldest inland European settlement having been established in 1815. It is located 2.5 hrs drive from Sydney or there are trains and flights. Explore over 20 museums and historic houses, stay, drink, and dine in heritage buildings, and explore gold-mining villages such as Hill End and Sofala. Plan your stay at www.bathurstregion.com.au.
Event Info:
- Shuttle busses will transport attendees between the two venues, making it easy to take in the wonders of all the heritage trades on display.
- Early bird tickets to the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail are $15 online at www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurst-heritage-trades-trail.
- Tickets can also be purchased on the weekend of the event from Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst, or at either venue for $20. Children under 16 are free.
Like Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on Facebook for regular updates about the event, and interesting historical content on the Bathurst Region. (3) Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail | Facebook
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