Heritage skills and historic machinery will take centre stage at Armidale’s 2026 Autumn Festival, with new demonstrations showcasing lost trades and early agricultural innovation as part of the region’s celebrations.
Armidale Regional Council confirmed this year’s festival will feature highlights from the New England Heritage Festival, giving visitors the chance to see traditional skills including blacksmithing, leatherwork and lacemaking brought to life.
Antique trucks and machinery will also be on display, with a major attraction set to be Councillor Rob Taber’s antique steam traction engine, which will once again take pride of place in the Autumn Festival Parade.
The New England Antique Machinery Club will also feature a working threshing machine, offering younger generations a hands-on look at early farming technology. First developed in the late 18th century, the threshing machine mechanised the task of separating grain from stalks and husks, transforming agricultural practices well before the arrival of modern combine harvesters.
Armidale Regional Council’s Autumn Festival 2026 will be held on Saturday, 21 March, celebrating community, colour and the changing season.
“It’s great to see the introduction of lost trades exhibitions at this year’s Autumn Festival,” Cr Taber said.
“We’re excited about introducing an entirely new audience to antique machinery and the heritage skills of our area’s past.”
“Combining elements of the New England Heritage Festival into one of Armidale’s biggest and most popular events adds an extra dimension and will hopefully inspire a new generation to appreciate the joys of antique machinery and heritage displays.”
The Autumn Festival is one of Armidale’s most popular annual events, attracting thousands of visitors and participants each year. The 2026 program will again feature a colourful street parade, live entertainment and food stalls, alongside the new heritage-focused elements.
To further showcase the region’s history, the festival will include specialist exhibitors and demonstrations from the Armidale Historical Society, featuring objects, period costumes and family history displays. Visitors will also be able to see live demonstrations and sales by a lacemaker and leather maker, as well as intricate craft displays from a working clockmaker.
Council said the expanded program is expected to make the 2026 Autumn Festival one of the most diverse celebrations yet, blending long-standing community traditions with hands-on heritage experiences.
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