Bingara’s much-loved riverside festival, Grazing on the Gwydir, returns to Junction Park on Saturday, 29 August, bringing local food, family activities and live outdoor music to the banks of the Gwydir River.
The event began life as a modest street gathering before growing into one of the town’s biggest annual drawcards. Mayor Tiff Galvin said the festival’s origins trace back to a group of local business owners looking for a way forward during difficult times.
“What started as a simple idea between local business houses in April 2021 has grown into one of Bingara’s much-loved community events,” Mayor Galvin said.
“When times were starting to get tough, our local business houses decided to think outside the box and find a way to showcase what Bingara had to offer. Grazing on the Gwydir began with a family-friendly Saturday in the main street, inviting stallholders, local businesses and the community to come together with music, food and plenty of local spirit.”
The festival was one of the first initiatives of the Bingara Business Support Group, founded in 2020 to promote the benefits of shopping and doing business in Bingara and the surrounding area. The group aims to unite the town, support local businesses and help make Bingara a destination in its own right.
Since those early days on the main street, the event has found a permanent home on the riverbank.
“Since those early days, the event has grown and moved to the beautiful banks of the Gwydir River at the end of Maitland Street, where it is now held each year at the end of August,” Mayor Galvin said.
“The event is proudly run by the Special Events Committee and continues to bring locals and visitors together for a wonderful day of community, music, food and fun.”
Mayor Galvin said visitors could make a full day of it, starting with some shopping in town before heading down to the river for the afternoon.
“Make a morning of it and enjoy some shopping in our beautiful main street before heading down to the river for an afternoon of live music and a relaxed country atmosphere,” she said.
“Pack your picnic rug, fold-up chairs and drinks (NO GLASS), settle under the trees and soak up the atmosphere while enjoying delicious food, catching up with friends and enjoying the beauty of the Gwydir River.”
Music has always been at the heart of the festival, and Mayor Galvin credited local organisers Helen and Tony Cornish for pulling together this year’s line-up.
“We are very grateful to the wonderful Helen and Tony Cornish, who work hard to organise the fantastic line-up of music and showcase our wonderful local talent,” she said.
This year’s performers include Tony, Helen and Ben Cornish with Steve McGarrity, Natalie Baker, Larry and Natalie, and “A Little Something”, all showcasing the region’s homegrown musical talent against the backdrop of the river.
Mayor Galvin encouraged the whole community to come along and take part in what has become a signature Bingara event.
“Come along, bring the family and enjoy a great country day out on the banks of our beautiful Gwydir River,” she said.
“Good food. Great music. Local talent. Wonderful community. Grazing on the Gwydir, where the community comes together.”
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