For those who enjoy the magic and wonder of winter, this chilly season is coming to Bathurst as part of their festival running from 2nd to 16th July. The ‘cool’ event will include an outdoor McDonalds Bathurst ice rink, a Ferris wheel and illumination elements that will be turned on every evening from sundown until 10pm. The illuminations will feature the theme ‘fire and ice’ with the Court House, Carillon, Ribbon Gang Lane, Church Bar and TAFE building key features. Don’t miss out on the interactive element this year where you can throw snowballs at the TAFE building!
The McDonalds Bathurst Ice Rink and ferris wheel will operate from 9am – 8pm Monday to Thursday and 9am – 9pm Friday, Saturday and Sunday. Ferris wheel tickets can be purchased at the Ferris wheel during the festival – $5 per person and ice skating tickets can be pre-booked online at www.bathurstwinterfestival.com.au Children $5 (2 – 13 years); Adults $10 (14 years and above).
The festival will feature two key nights, the first, opening night on Saturday will be themed, ‘Ignite the Night’. The evening will create a festival atmosphere in Kings Parade with skating, the Ferris wheel and a range of other family friendly activities including a giant six lane slide, a kid’s laser maze and an infinity mirror at the ice rink. Bathurst Youth Council will also run the YJam stage, featuring local young performers and there will be ice skating performances during the evening. If you start to feel a bit peckish, local food and wines will be on offer. Attendees are encouraged to bring their B200 wine glass from last year or to buy a new Winter Festival glass.
On Saturday 9th July ‘Brew and Bite’ will get underway from 4pm. The evening will again offer a range of food and entertainment for everyone including food trucks and regional brewers. A pop up bar will serve regional wines, beers and ciders and the food will take on a distinct street food feel with burgers, gourmet Frankfurts, slow cooked lamb, barbecued ribs, Lebanese cuisine and more.
There will be an ice hockey exhibition and market stalls selling winter woollies, jewellery, candles and clothing. The popular silent disco will return to the Court House. Not to mention fire performers that will deliver an ice meltingly good show on the main stage along with music. Sounds, brr-illiant!