From May 7 to 9, Bathurst’s town square will come alive as the inaugural Festival of Bells rings throughout the city.
The festival is based around the recently upgraded Bathurst War Memorial Carillon, which is the only Carillon in regional and rural Australia and one of only three in Australia.
The Carillon bells create a beautiful sound and will harmonise with the nearby Cathedral Belltower, forming a unique soundscape. The program of musicians will be made up of the best carillonists and bellringers from around the country, as well as local musical talents. The festival will open with a commemorative performance of The Last Post on Friday night, with Saturday and Sunday left for entertainment and celebrations.
Autumn is the best time to visit Bathurst and there’s plenty else to do as part of Bathurst Autumn Colours festival.
Some other highlights include a walking tour of Rockley, a historic village on Saturday May 8, a historical tour of the Bathurst General Cemetery on May 9 and a Mother’s Day heritage high tea, also on May 9. Orange autumn leaves will form the backdrop to your experiences, with great food and wine also available across the city.
There’s no bad time to enjoy the old buildings and rich history of Bathurst but the first ever Festival of Bells is the perfect opportunity to explore the town and its surrounds. With Festival of Bells you can supplement some countryside exploring with a truly unique music festival that will feel like travelling back in time.
Explore more: bathurstregion.com.au/festival-of-bells