The Glenreagh Timber Festival will once again bring the sound of steam whistles and chainsaws to the Clarence Valley on Saturday, 25 July, as the popular country event returns to the Glenreagh Recreational Grounds from 9.30 am to 4 pm.
Now a firm fixture on the Mid North Coast events calendar, the festival continues to grow, drawing visitors from across New South Wales to celebrate Australia’s timber heritage, country traditions and community spirit.
Festival Coordinator Rikki Cetinich said this year’s program builds on the event’s history while introducing new experiences for visitors.
“The Glenreagh Timber Festival has always been about preserving our heritage while creating new experiences for future generations,” Mrs Cetinich said.
New attractions this year include lawn mower racing demonstrations, the Baa Ram Ewe sheep shearing experience, and On the Tools with Amy, Chicks with Chainsaws, an interactive session encouraging women to build confidence using chainsaws and battery-powered equipment. The chainsaw demonstration is presented by Coffs Outdoor Power Equipment and Urunga Chainsaw & Mowers.
Returning favourites will also feature heavily, including Scott Amone’s working kelpies, championship wood chopping, chainsaw racing, working steam engines and heritage machinery, alongside displays of restored vintage cars and motorcycles. Families can visit the petting zoo, take horse rides, explore the Wild Child Arena, join interactive drumming workshops with Rhythm & Beats, and meet the festival’s Highland cattle.
Live music will again be a centrepiece of the day, presented by Naming Rights Sponsor AS Sound Solutions. Award-winning country duo Mak & Shar will headline the music program, while local entertainer Mick Harrington returns as resident MC and musician.
For visitors wanting to extend their stay, the Friday night Picnic in the Paddock event returns with live music, fire-cooked dining and entertainment under the stars. The evening includes a long-table banquet cooked over open flames by pitmasters, steam engine displays, a licensed bar and mechanical bull rides. Tickets for Picnic in the Paddock are available through the Timber Festivals website.
Mrs Cetinich said the committee had also worked to make it easier for visitors to attend.
“Whether you’re travelling from around the corner or across the state, we want arriving at the festival to be easy. Free off-site parking with direct pedestrian access into the festival grounds means visitors can simply park and walk straight into the heart of the action,” she said.
“People come for the timber and steam engines, but they leave having experienced so much more. It’s about meeting the people behind the industries, learning new skills, supporting local businesses and spending quality time with family and friends in a beautiful country setting.”
The festival is supported by the NSW Government through Destination NSW’s Regional Event Fund and Clarence Valley Council. It continues to deliver a boost to the local economy, with thousands of visitors expected to support accommodation providers, cafes, retailers and tourism operators through the winter season.
Mrs Cetinich said the festival’s success rested on its volunteers.
“It wouldn’t be possible without our volunteers from the 12 community groups within Glenreagh who make up the Timber Festival Committee. The funds raised on the day are divided between these community organisations who return the money in some way directly back into the village of Glenreagh.”
“Along with these volunteers, we are also grateful to all the exhibitors, sponsors and the Glenreagh community, who continue to share their passion and keep our heritage alive. That’s what makes this festival so special,” she said.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.glenreaghtimberfestival.com.au or on the day at the front gate.
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