 |
|
Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival: A Celebration of Our Region's Rich History
The inaugural Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival will take place from Saturday, 19th April to Sunday, 4th May 2025, bringing together the vibrant towns of Balingup, Walpole, Nannup, Boyup Brook, Bridgetown, Pemberton, Greenbushes, Manjimup, Northcliffe, and Donnybrook in a celebration of the region's diverse natural, cultural, and historical heritage. This exciting festival offers a rare opportunity for the community and visitors to explore and engage with the rich history that has shaped the Southern Forests & Valleys region.
Held in conjunction with the Australian Heritage Festival, and aligned with World Heritage Day on 18th April 2025, the festival will feature an array of activities, including historic tours, family-friendly events, heritage walks, and live demonstrations. Visitors will also gain insight into the indigenous heritage of the area, celebrating the local culture and historical significance of the region.
How the Community Can Get Involved
The success of the Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival relies on the participation of local residents, businesses, and organisations. Community members are invited to host events and activities that showcase the unique history and cultural richness of the region. If you are passionate about preserving and promoting our heritage, we encourage you to submit an expression of interest to get involved.
Whether it's leading a historical tour, sharing traditional crafts, or hosting a performance, your contribution will help create a festival that truly reflects the heritage of our towns. Expressions of interest can be submitted via email to shire@boyupbrook.wa.gov.au
Event Ideas for Community Participation
Here are just a few ideas for ways you can get involved:
- Host a Heritage-Themed Workshop: Share traditional crafts like blacksmithing, weaving, or storytelling.
- Organise a Historic Walking Tour: Lead visitors through the significant landmarks of your town.
- Plan a Family-Friendly Activity: Create interactive displays or hands-on events for children and families.
- Host a Performance in a Venue of Heritage Significance: Celebrate with music, dance, or theatre performances in a heritage setting.
- Collaborate on a Community Art Project: Create a mural or sculpture that reflects the region's history.
- Organise a Vintage Display or Show: Highlight vintage items, such as vehicles or tools, that tell the story of the past.
- Hold a Cultural Food Demonstration: Share recipes and the history behind traditional regional dishes.
- Open a Site of Historical Significance: Invite visitors to explore pioneer museums or heritage sites.
- Arrange Film Screenings: Show documentaries or films exploring local history.
- Organise a Photography Competition: Encourage photographers to capture the region’s landscapes and heritage buildings.
- Hold Storytelling Workshops: Focus on local folklore with storytelling led by elders.
- Host a Heritage Quiz Night: Enjoy a trivia night focused on local history.
- Arrange Night-Time Ghost Tours: Explore haunted locations and local legends.
- Hold an Afternoon Tea: Host a heritage-themed tea event with storytelling and music.
This festival is an exciting opportunity to unite as a community and celebrate the rich tapestry of the Southern Forests & Valleys’ history. Don’t miss the chance to be part of this memorable event—submit your ideas today to shire@boyupbrook.wa.gov.au
We look forward to celebrating our shared heritage with the community, making the Southern Forests & Valleys Heritage Festival an unforgettable experience for all.
|