Bingara’s beloved Orange Festival is set to light up Gwydir Shire on Saturday, 5 July, with this year’s event carrying extra significance as the community marks the 90th anniversary of the iconic Roxy Theatre.
Now in its 28th year, the Orange Festival draws thousands of visitors to the small New England town each year to take part in the Orange Picking Ceremony, browse market stalls, enjoy live music and join the grand street parade. At its heart, however, the festival remains a solemn tribute to the fallen soldiers of Bingara, whose memory lives on in the orange trees lining Finch Street.
Cr Scot Crispin, chair of the Bingara Special Events Committee, said the event holds deep meaning for the entire Gwydir Shire community.
“Since the inaugural Orange Festival in 1998, the event has provided an opportunity for the people of Bingara and visitors alike to come together to honour and remember those from the district who made the ultimate sacrifice, allowing us to enjoy the freedoms and lifestyle we have today,” said Cr Crispin.
To mark the Roxy Theatre’s 90th birthday, the Australian Army Band Newcastle will perform at the venue on the Friday evening before the festival, Friday, 4 July. The 26-piece ensemble will play a wide variety of music and is expected to appeal to audiences of all ages.
“It promises to be a fantastic evening and a fitting celebration of both the festival and the Roxy Theatre’s remarkable 90-year history,” said Cr Crispin.
Tickets for the Friday night performance are available at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1588065.
Throughout festival day, visitors can expect live music from local and visiting performers, a wide range of market stalls, food vendors and children’s entertainment, including a performance from Cirque Um Navigate. The day culminates in the much-loved street parade.
Cr Crispin said the economic impact of the event on the small town is significant, with accommodation across the district often booked out well in advance.
“The festival attracts people from across the region and beyond, helping to raise awareness of everything Bingara has to offer,” said Cr Crispin.
Behind the scenes, the festival is co-ordinated by the volunteer-led Bingara Events Committee, with Gwydir Shire Council staff working alongside them throughout the year and on the day.
“After many years of experience, the festival operates much like a well-oiled machine,” said Cr Crispin.
Part of that behind-the-scenes work involves the year-round care of the orange trees themselves. Council’s Parks and Gardens staff tend to the trees from the Monday after each festival, keeping them mulched, watered, pruned and disease-free.
“Council understands just how important these trees are to the community and the role they play in the Orange Festival. They are a treasured part of Bingara’s heritage, and Council would hate to let the community down by allowing them to deteriorate,” said Cr Crispin.
Looking ahead, Cr Crispin said he hopes the festival will continue to grow while staying true to its origins. He flagged ambitions to incorporate displays of military vehicles and historical exhibits in future years, complementing the existing collection at the Bingara Museum.
“We remain committed to preserving the festival’s focus on honouring our servicemen and women, as this is the most important aspect of the event,” said Cr Crispin.
For those weighing up the trip from across the New England region, Cr Crispin’s message is simple.
“The Orange Festival is always a special occasion, bringing together the community and visitors for a day filled with fun, entertainment and connection. At its heart, however, the festival remains an opportunity to honour and remember those who made the ultimate sacrifice, ensuring that their legacy continues to be recognised and celebrated by future generations.”
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