Crowd’s at Home Ground Sounds: The Fire Set in Orange last weekend.
On Saturday 9th August, the Orange Showgrounds came alive for Home Ground Sounds: The Fire Set, a spectacular highlight of the Orange360 Fire Festival. With gates opening at 3pm, crowds gathered early to enjoy an unforgettable afternoon and evening of music, food, and fire-filled entertainment.
Local talent lit up the stage with performances from the Neil Gill Band, MES Entertainment, and Where’s Jimmy, while fire dancers and the captivating Soul Drummers brought an electrifying energy to the crowd. Boo Seeka and Rum Jungle also made their Orange debut, drawing excited fans from across the region.
Despite strong winds preventing the inflation of balloon envelopes, eight hot air balloon burners lit up the night sky in a stunning display that wowed onlookers.
This moment was proudly brought to Orange by the Canowindra Balloon Festival Committee, who used the event to promote Canowindra’s iconic festival to a fresh audience.
With thousands visiting Canowindra each year, less than 10% currently travel from Orange—something the committee is aiming to change. Festival events for April 2026 were showcased, and tickets were snapped up on the night.
Local food and drink were also front and centre, with wines from Rosnay, Windowrie, and Orange winery – Mortimer’s. Long time sponsor of the Canowindra Balloon Festival Small Acres Cyder was also on display selling hot cider which was a popular choice in the cold weather. Flavours from 15 food vendors, including crowd favourites Romanian Delights and Bull ‘n Smoke Fed the hungry crowd. Over 50 market stalls added to the vibrant atmosphere.
The event was a resounding success—putting Canowindra firmly in the spotlight.