Music lovers can soak up the magic of Bathurst’s inaugural Festival of Bells which will feature a series of free concerts in the historic city from 7-9 May 2021.
The beautiful sound created by the set of world-class Carillon bells, which were recently upgraded, will ring out with events featuring Australian carillonists, bands, cathedral bellringers, choirs, orchestras, and individual musicians. Highlights include a moving Last Post Ceremony, world premiere of a commissioned Digeridoo piece by Gerard Brophy, Twilight Family Concert and a Mother’s Day Concert.
Located on Kings’ Parade at the heart of the Town Square, the Bathurst Carillon is the much-loved centrepiece of Bathurst, a stunning Art Deco building from the 1930’s. It is the only Carillon in regional Australia along with one in Sydney and Canberra.
The Festival of Bells will be the climax of Bathurst’s Autumn Colours program, a series of events, tours and experiences that celebrates the music, art, history, produce and traditions of Australia’s oldest inland European settlement.
Autumn is the most magic time to visit Bathurst to enjoy its food, wine, stunning Autumn leaves and outdoor events. Other highlights for Bathurst’s Autumn Colours:
- Heritage Week: 1 to 9 May – discover the rich history and learn surprising stories of the Bathurst region with a heritage tour and visit the Bathurst District Historical Society Museum.
- Rockley Walking Tour: Sat 24 April and Sat 8 May – a remarkable village where time has stood still and listed by the National Trust as a Historic Village, this educational walking tour visits the School of Arts Hall, two Edward Gell churches and ends at the Rockley Mill & Stables Museum for morning tea.
- Mother’s Day Heritage High Tea at Abercrombie House: Sunday 9 May – this popular High Tea includes scrumptious savoury and sweet treats, elegant live classical Celtic harp music and a chance to explore the rooms and gardens of this incredible historic home.
- Graham Lupp Town Square Tour Date: Saturday 1 May – Take a fascinating guided tour around the Bathurst Town Square with Graham Lupp OAM; artist, architect and author of the architectural history Building Bathurst.
- Cemetery Wander: Sunday 9 May – enjoy a two-hour wander around the Bathurst General Cemetery, exploring the history and lives of past Bathurst residents who helped shape Bathurst’s wonderful musical heritage. A delicious morning tea will be supplied by the Bathurst Family History Group.
Bathurst, situated in Wiradjuri country, 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, Rockley and Sofala.
Book your tickets to the Festival of the Bells and other Autumn Colours events at www.bathurstregion.com.au
SOURCE: Bathurst Region
