Celebrate over 200 years of rare trades and crafts at the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail

MEDIA RELEASE 10 April 2019

Bathurst will celebrate over 200 years of its rich history, paying homage to the trades and traditions that have helped shape the region, at the Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail on Saturday 18 and Sunday 19 May.

Rare and lost trades and crafts will be showcased over one weekend. Blacksmithing, saddlery, dry stone walling, whip making and cracking, glass artistry, lace making, tapestry, embroidery, carpentry and joinery, cigar box guitar making and violin making are among many unique talents to be demonstrated by local and guest artisans.

Mayor Graeme Hanger OAM said the experience offers visitors to our region a cultural and educational experience.

“The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail showcases our region’s heritage along with the old trades and crafts which helped build Bathurst. Four of Bathurst’s most historic venues will be activated and used to host 100 artisans practising their rare trades, including a focus on restoration and conservation,” he said.

“This is a real celebration of our city's heritage and is an incredible once-a-year opportunity to discover and learn about historic trades and crafts and their contribution to our modern world.”

The two-day event will allow the community to visit sites that are not always open to the public, including:

· Agricultural Research Station – formerly the ‘Bathurst Experimental Farm’ of the late 1800s. It holds 11 National Trust listed buildings and will showcase a diverse line up of activity. Learn about agricultural and farm trades, heavy horses and kelpie dogs, and be entertained by musicians. See demonstrations of blacksmithing, stone walling, whip cracking and more.

· Uniting Church Hall –built in 1837, one of the oldest buildings in Bathurst will showcase soft trades and feature demonstrations of gem polishing, basket making workshops, embroidery, bead and wire craft and lace making.

· Country Women’s Association (CWA) Hall – Originally the site of the first technical school in Bathurst, the CWA Hall will feature artisans and demonstrations such as knitting, crocheting, felting workshops and candle wicking.

· Walshaw Hall – Built in classic arts and crafts style, Walshaw will showcase artisans demonstrating musical instrument making, hand printing, gold smithing, book binding,

The Bathurst Heritage Trades Trail tickets cost only $15 per person for two days, early bird tickets available online are only $12. Children under 16 years are free. To purchase tickets or for more information visit www.bathurstregion.com.au/bathurstheritagetradestrail

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More information: Media Officer