Over 200 years of history will come to life at the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail in NSW on the weekend of 10 and 11 April 2021. Returning in a COVID-safe format with a new location at the heritage Bathurst Showground pavilions, along with its original location at the Bathurst Agricultural Research Station, more heritage trades will be on display this year.
More than 120 local and guest artisans will demonstrate rare trades that helped build the Bathurst region including blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, knife making, whip making, glass artistry, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, violin making and more. Meet the artisans, see them at work, and attend one of a series of workshops including candlewicking, upholstery, crochet and spoon carving. There will be food stalls, live music and hands-on activities like whip cracking and wine stomping.
‘It’s important to preserve the trades and crafts that shaped the history and culture of Bathurst, Australia’s first inland European settlement,” said Mayor of Bathurst, Councillor Bobby Bourke. “The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail offers a fascinating chance to see, feel and experience how everyday items were made before the modern luxuries we are afforded today.’
Bathurst Showground is listed on the NSW State Heritage Register and is one of the original showgrounds in NSW, which has been used as a venue for community events since 1878. Some of the buildings include the Howard, Beau Brown and Trivett pavilions, each with unique heritage features. The Agricultural Research Station, formerly the ‘Bathurst Experiment Farm’ of the 1800s is a hidden gem that holds 11 National Trust listed buildings. The extra space at the Bathurst Showground will allow artisans and guests to be safely socially distanced to comply with the COVID-Safe plan for the event.
Bathurst, situated in Wiradjuri country, is Australia’s oldest inland European settlement having been established in 1815. It 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 and Sofala.
Tickets can also be purchased on the weekend of the event from Bathurst Visitor Information Centre, 1 Kendall Avenue, Bathurst, or at either venue for $20. Children under 16 are free.
