This weekend’s Armidale Autumn Festival is the jewel in a massive weekend of entertainment, activities and sporting events planned. Spoilt for things to see and do this weekend the theme for this year’s Autumn Festival is “Armidale – A City of Four Seasons’ celebrating the city’s autumn vibrant colours, excellence in education, music, sport, retails and richness in cultures.
Autumn Festival program Friday March 16
The Festival program starts on Friday with an evening of fun at Civic and Curtis Parks. Throughout Friday evening there is free entertainment including the circus, with new animal nursery, puppet shows and even face painting.
John Castle sideshows are offering you the opportunity to purchase your multi-ride ticket for the sideshows in advance. By so doing you will save dollars and enjoy unlimited rides! For more details, and to purchase your ticket, call in to the Visitor Information Centre, corner of Marsh and Dumaresq Streets.
Fireworks return this year marking the official opening of the Festival.
Saturday March 17
Pancake, maple syrup, bacon and eggs will be on offer at the traditional Breakfast with the Band at 7.30am Saturday.
For the more energetic folk the Campus to City Canter starts at 8am.
Six Pipe Bands will perform, en masse, at 11am in The Mall prior to the start of our famous Autumn Festival Parade at 12.30pm. The route is as per last year’s and great viewing points are either side of West Mall, Dangar Street and along Rusden Street then on either side of Faulkner, between Rusden and Dumaresq Streets. The theme for the Parade is “Armidale – A City of Four Seasons”.
The Parade finishes by Civic Park where anyone feeling hungry again can sample the delights from a great choice of international cuisine.
In the evening join the Jockey Club for the Armidale Cup Ball at the Servies. Alternatively there is the New England Markets Fundraising Ball at The Bowling Club.
Sunday March 18
Bike races and the Mile Foot Race through the CBD starting from 9am. The Mile Foot Race is unique as it is the only one running through a City’s CBD.
Armidale Farmers’ Market and Car Boot Sale – Armidale Farmers’ Market and Car Boot Sale will be held from 9.00am until 2.00pm at Civic Park.
On Sunday evening participate in the Calcutta at the racecourse in preparation for the Armidale Cup the next day.
