Get ready to don your cowboy hat and saddle up — the Uralla Thunderbolts Festival is back for its 26th year on Saturday, October 25, promising a fun-filled day packed with entertainment, history, and community celebration.
Running from 11 am to 3 pm in the picturesque Alma Park on Queen Street, this year’s theme is ‘Wild, Wild West’, with organisers from the Rotary Club of Uralla inviting everyone to enjoy a day that celebrates the best of local talent, live music, family activities, and country hospitality. Entry is free, making it the perfect day out for all ages.
The festivities will begin bright and early with a brand-new Bush Poets Breakfast at The Bolt Inn, starting at 7:30 am for an 8 am start, where everyone is welcome to enjoy poetry and storytelling over breakfast.
From there, the excitement rolls into town with a lively lineup of street entertainment. Visitors can look forward to the roving band Tambo Trio, international street performers from Sydney, live music from Chilli Jam on The Bolt Inn’s verandah, and a special performance by Des Ahoy at Café 53 on Bridge Street.
The much-loved Fleet Warbirds Street Parade will take over the main street from 10:30 am, featuring the Uralla Hot Rod & Bike Night riders, DJ Unicorn Drummer Guy, Captain Thunderbolt, Tambo Trio, JP Koala, classic cars, antique machinery, fire engines, local schools and community groups. The official opening will be conducted by Mr Brendan Moylan MP, with a Welcome to Country by Aunty Pam.
Back in Alma Park, families can enjoy a massive range of kids’ activities. A $2 wristband gives access all day to the rock-climbing wall, inflatable obstacle course, and two jumping castles. There’ll also be street performers, including JP Koala, the daring Battle-Axe Juggling Show, and Helly Hoops, who will also host a free circus play space where children can try their hand at hula hoops, poi, and even join a magical giant bubble show.
High-energy band Saloon Katz, visiting from Brisbane, will keep the crowd moving with classic American rock and blues covers throughout the day. Visitors can browse market stalls, check out the New England Medieval Arts Society’s live displays and combat demonstrations, and take part in fun competitions like hula hooping and photo booth fun.
Food and drinks will be plentiful, with The Pie Mechanic coffee van, local school BBQs, hot dog stalls, and Friends of McMaughs serving traditional tea and sandwiches.
The Uralla Bowlo will host a Car and Bike Show from 11 am to 3 pm, including a tyre-changing competition at 12 pm. Evening entertainment at Alma Park kicks off at 7:30 pm with Helly Hoops’ neon show and DJ Unicorn Drummer Guy, plus a sausage sizzle by Uralla Neighbourhood Centre.
The Thunderbolts Festival is proudly supported by major sponsors Uralla Shire Council and ACEN Australia, along with generous local businesses and community groups.
For more information, visit thunderboltsfestival.com.au or find the event on Facebook — and get ready for a “Wild, Wild West” day of Uralla fun!
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