The Henry Lawson Festival

The Henry Lawson Festival is an arts festival held annually on the Queen's birthday weekend in Gulgong and Grenfell, New South Wales (NWS),[1] Australia.[2] Henry Lawson, one of Australia's best loved poets and writer of short stories, was born in Grenfell, and he lived in Gulgong for a time as a child.[3] The Festival is one of the longest running arts events in NSW, celebrating 64 years this year as well as Lawson turns 154 on 17 June.[4]

Henry Lawson Festival of Arts, Grenfell NSW
Henry Lawson bust at the 2011 Festival
A covered wagon, part of the 2011 Festival parade

The Festival celebrates poetry, art, and Australian talent.[5] The event includes exhibitions, school events, and plays, as well as a parade, street performers, and a car show.[6][7] There are competitions in verse, short story, painting and photography.[5] Iandra Castle also opens its doors to the public on the Sunday of the Festival.[8]

Each year the festival hosts an official guest[9] for the weekend. Past guests include Dick Smith, Alan Jones, Judy Nunn, Garry McDonald, Slim Dusty, Bill Peach and Bertha Jago (Henry Lawson's daughter).

Over the last few years the committee has also encouraged those with the name "Henry" (first, middle or last name) to meet at the Henry Lawson statue in Main Street for a group photo.[10]

There was no festival in 2020.

References
  1. van de Wetering, Jodie. "Celebrating Henry Lawson over the June long weekend". ABC Western Plains. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  2. "Back to Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival". The Weekly Times. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  3. "Gulgong's Golden History". Mudgee District History. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  4. "Henry Lawson Festival of Arts". NSW Government. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  5. "Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts". Weekend Notes. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  6. "Council News 6 June 2018". Weddin Shire Council. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  7. Saurine, Angela. "Family fun at Gulgong's Henry Lawson Heritage Festival". Escape. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  8. "Iandra Castle". Henry Lawson Festival. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  9. "Official Guest". Henry Lawson Festival. Retrieved 17 April 2019.
  10. "We want YOU to #BringHenryToGrenfell - Henry Lawson Festival". www.henrylawsonfestival.com.au. Retrieved 18 January 2017.

Media related to 2011 Henry Lawson Festival parade, Grenfell at Wikimedia Commons


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