Get set for a full day and evening of entertainment at Highlands Fest on Saturday 4 March 2023 at Bong Bong Racecourse.
A celebration of local arts and crafts, food, wine and music, this once-only event is about bringing our community back together with exciting appearances from children's favourite Bluey, and headline act Eskimo Joe. Entry is free and Highlands Fest offers something for everyone.
Created by an Australian animator inspired by being a Dad to two daughters, Bluey is so popular that Australians have streamed episodes more than 260 million times, and Highlands Fest offers a rare opportunity to interact with Bluey at an on-stage appearance in the children's zone. For 100 lucky families, there will even be a meet-and-greet opportunity. Details on how to book at highlandsfest.au.
The experience is just one of the many highlights put together by Wingecarribee Shire Council for this event, with grant funding from the NSW Government for reconnecting regional communities.
"We wanted to create an opportunity that everyone could enjoy together, experiencing the very best our Shire has to offer, along with some special first appearances for our region as a way of connecting with one another after the isolating effects of recent years," said Council's General Manager, Lisa Miscamble.
Activities start from 12 noon, with local cool climate wine and produce stalls, face-painting, an animal farm, plus fun with vegetables and lots of songs from another favourite, The Vegetable Plot.
Live music will continue into the evening with alternative rock band Eskimo Joe on the main stage from 8.50pm. Among local talent will be Prefab Hearts, Angus Murray, Steve Cheers, Jess Howell and Ross Webb and the Rusted Track.
Ross Webb said he and his band members were thrilled to be performing on the main stage.
"The line-up of local and well-known Aussie artists is superb, and we are so proud to be part of an event that will bring together the community. Bring it on!"
Up-and-coming musician, performer and singer-songwriter Jess Howell said she was also excited to perform at the festival.
"I am really looking forward to singing for my community and sharing my stories with you all as are all the other incredible artists."
"It's a credit to the talent pool of local organisers, creatives, musicians, artisans, producers and business operators we are blessed with here in the Highlands," Lisa Miscamble said.
Local operators who would like to submit an Expression of Interest in becoming a stallholder may do so at yoursaywingecarribee.com.au/highlands-fest.
Certain to be an uplifting experience for the whole community, Highlands Fest has been made possible by funding through the NSW Government's Reconnecting Regional NSW Community Event Program.
The aim of this funding is to support communities and businesses to host events that will rebuild community cohesion, deliver positive social outcomes and support local businesses in the recovery from the COVID-19 pandemic.
Conveniently located in the heart of the Highlands, Bong Bong Racecourse is at 60 Kangaloon Road in Bowral. Gates open at 12 pm with the festival scheduled to finish at 10 pm.
The first release of tickets will be available for residents within the Wingecarribee Shire Local Government Area from today, Friday 27 January 2023.
"For a seamless experience of Highlands Fest, we encourage residents to explore the festival program and plan their visit around the activities of greatest interest for them," said event organiser Veronica Kennedy-Good. "We expect this to be a very popular event, so it's best to book early!"
