Make sure you're in
Lithgow from the 24th to the 26th of April, because the 11th annual
Ironfest won't just be going on – it'll be going off.
What is Ironfest? Well, it's been described as an
'arts festival with a metal edge', and it's been running
every year since 2000. Back then, to recognise the centenary of the birth of Australia's steel industry – which occurred in Lithgow – it was decided to hold an event celebrating working and playing with metal. In the years since, the festival has expanded in size and status.
So it should come as no surprise to learn that the
2010 program will be full of fun, interesting attractions. History buffs will be enthralled by the
St George's Day International Jousting Tournament, where warriors from around the world will fight for the honour of being crowned champion. And they won't want to miss the
Battle of Lithgow, a 're-enactment' of a
mythical 1814 confrontation between French and British forces for control of the young Australian colony. Plus, the town's
blacksmithing heritage will be honoured with an impressive mix of talks, demonstrations, exhibitions and competitions.
There'll also be something for the revheads, as the highly popular
Bike Show makes its return. Two- and three-wheeled machines from all over the country will converge on Lithgow, where they'll compete for a number of prizes, including best custom, classic, Japanese and European models.
If
the arts are more your thing, Ironfest will have something for you too. Comprising the
Ballroom Art Exhibition,
photography and
sculpture displays,
four stages of live music,
bellydancing and a
host of other performers, this year's line-up should impress.
Rounding out the wonderful program will be
woodchopping,
extreme skating and biking,
children's activities, a
medieval village and a
farmers' market.
Tickets, which can be purchased at the gate or online, cost:
- Adult 1-day pass: $30 gate, $25 online
- Concession 1-day pass: $25 gate, $20 online
- Child 1-day pass: $20 gate, $15 online
- Family 1-day pass: $80 gate, $65 online
- Adult 3-day pass: $45 gate, $37 online
- Concession 3-day pass: $40 gate, $33 online
- Child 3-day pass: $30 gate, $22 online
- Family 3-day pass: $120 gate, $97 online
To see images of past festivals,
click here; to watch YouTube footage,
click here.
To plan your visit,
click here.
