Hill End will be filled with live music, art exhibitions and installations, regional food, local craft beer and wine during a free, two day festival over the Anzac Day long weekend.
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NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, which maintains the Hill End historic site, will present The End - Hill End’s Festival of Arts, Feasting and Heritage on Saturday, April 23 and Sunday, April 24.
“From national and local folk, bluegrass and country acts to harp recitals, from circus workshops to craft markets, from exhibitions in the church to luminous art installations, the event will be bold, impressive and not to be missed,” said NPWS deputy chief executive Michael Wright.
“Hill End’s rich gold-mining and artistic history make it the perfect location for art, music and local produce. The vibrant festival program includes feasting options, exhibitions and performances for young and old that will take place across the weekend.”
The historic site is an iconic and charming former gold-mining town and artists’ colony.
A range of talented musicians from Bathurst, Orange and the Blue Mountains including Smith and Jones will play in The Golden Age Garden and other venues throughout weekend.
On Saturday, Melbourne five-piece Perch Creek will headline the stage with their harmony driven roots music, supported by the Sweet Jelly Rolls, who will clog your arteries with down home Americana goodness.
Fanny Lumsden will close the festival on Sunday afternoon with her classic country song-writing.
While listening to the tunes from the stage, patrons can sample craft beer and wine from Bathurst and Mudgee brewers and vineyards or taste the best of local food and produce on sale in The Golden Age Garden.
Rustic dishes and local beer and wine will be available at Hosies Pop-up restaurant, provided by Moubar Vintage’s Regional Kitchen and Bar from Bathurst.
The Jean Bellette Gallery and Sacred Heart Catholic Church will host exhibitions showcasing the last two decades of arts in Hill End, including contemporary and video works.
‘Artists from The End’, a Bathurst Regional Gallery exhibition in collaboration with the Hill End Arts Council, will present work from 15 contemporary artists who call Hill End home in the Sacred Heart Catholic Church.
The Jean Bellette Gallery will host ‘Hill End In Focus’, a selection of video works spanning two decades by artists who have participated in the Hill End Artists in Residence program.
Visitors can take part in a public light experience, Peter Solness’ ‘Field of Orbs’, and swing a light orb during this shared luminescent installation. Photographers are encouraged to bring a tripod to capture this unique luminescent experience.
Throughout the festival, there will be opportunities to explore the rustic beauty of Hill End’s heritage properties, take a historic tour, visit the artisan craft and design market at Royal Hall, or treat the kids to a circus workshop, puppet show or vintage games in the kids zone.
Local accommodation is available at the Village Campground, The Glendora Campground and The Hill End Lodge, and limited buses will run from Bathurst and Mudgee.
For further festival information visit the National Parks site at: nationalparks.nsw.gov.au/the-end