The Guyra Snow Ball is back next month and if early ticket sales are anything to go by, it’s shaping up to be another sell-out event for the New England town.
Organised by the Guyra and Community Progress Association, the biennial black-tie event brings locals and visitors together for a night of music, fine dining, and fundraising all in support of local community projects.
President of the Progress Association, Donna Davidson, said the event had become a much-loved fixture on the town’s social calendar after it was reintroduced in 2023.
“We used to have a Show Ball years ago, but it sort of petered out,” she said.
“We brought it back two years ago and it was such a success, we decided to run it every second year.”
Held at the Guyra Showgrounds, the Snow Ball was named with a nod to the town’s chilly winters and occasional snowfall. Ms Davidson said the event was not just a party but a “signature celebration to bring our community together, and to bring outsiders in.”
The 2025 Snow Ball is limited to 250 tickets, which Ms Davidson said strikes the perfect balance between intimacy and atmosphere.
“It’s a nice number without going too big,” she said. “We’ve nearly sold out of tickets already.”
All money raised on the night goes back into local projects via the Guyra and Community Progress Association, a small group dedicated to town improvement and beautification.
“The funds we raise go directly into projects that benefit our community, things like gardens and beautification work around the town,” Ms Davidson said. “It’s all about giving back to Guyra.”
While costs have risen since the inaugural 2023 event, Ms Davidson said the committee has worked hard to keep tickets affordable through the support of local sponsors. Tickets are $125 per head which includes a three-course meal, live entertainment and access to a licensed bar for drink purchases.
“It’s a big night,” she said. “We’ve got Terra Firma, a fantastic Armidale band playing all the classic hits, and funnily enough, the young ones just love all the old tunes!”
Dinner will be served by Little Cocos Gourmet & Catering, also from Armidale. With no local caterers able to cater for large numbers, the team at Little Cocos were invited back after their rave reviews from the 2023 ball.
“They were superb last time,” Ms Davidson said. “I highly recommend them.”
The Guyra Show Society will run the bar on the night, ensuring that every dollar raised stays within the community.
“It really is a community effort, and people are just excited to get dressed up again and have a great night,” Ms Davidson said.
For updates on this year’s Snow Ball, and to purchase tickets to the August event visit the Guyra and Community Progress Association Facebook page.
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