As the leaves start to turn, Tumut comes alive with an array of events and activities coming up for the Bendigo Bank Falling Leaf Festival. Celebrations kick off on Thursday 24 April with a special performance of See Me Hear Me Theatre’s Xander Starbuck – Space Cowboy live radio-stye theatre show at Tumut River Brewing Co.
Come Saturday 26 April, the serious fun begins from 10am through to 4pm in Wynyard Street. Roving entertainers, kids activities and games, rides and live music will keep the whole family entertained all day long.
Early birds can catch the Bollywood dancing work-shop or the Aboriginal Bush Tucker and Weaving work-shop.
Markets, food trucks and the mighty buskers of Marty’s Music School will kick off things in Wynyard Street at 10:00am. At 10:30am please join us at the Wynyard Street stage for the Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, as well as the Official Opening of the event. This will be followed by the first of the live music acts – the Tumut High School Yr 11 Band.
The Pretty Amazing Jono is back. The award winning entertainer and Tumut’s unofficial son, recently adopted by the Falling Leaf Festival committee, will be roaming the streets with his crazy antics that are sure to make you laugh. His silly stunts and spontaneous shenanigans never fail to entertain.
Bathurst-based country folk duo Great Aunt will hit the Wynyard street stage around midday, with colourful harmonies and extraordinary musicianship. A perfect time to grab a bite to eat from one of the local cafes, pubs or food trucks and settle in under the Plane Trees.
Back by popular demand, the Canberra Dragon Dance ensemble are bringing their colourful and energetic Chinese dragons to town. Their exciting performances throughout the parade and around the main street always thrill young and old and have an element of surprise.
Get yourselves in place for 1:00pm, when the famous Bendigo Bank Falling Leaf Festival Street Parade kicks off, starting outside Tumut Toyota and heading down Wynyard Street to the Russell Street roundabout, chucking a right and heading towards Richmond Park.
Live coverage will be provided on Sounds of Mountains FM. There are some exciting never-before-seen entries in the Street Parade this year plus all your old favourites including the Wagga Wagga District Pipes and Drums.
Many of the vehicles entered will park in Wynyard Street at completion of the Parade for some up-close viewing.
After the parade, the fun continues with The Bushwackers and Wild Tracks live on stage, the markets and food trucks will remain open until 4.00pm.
See Me Hear Me Theatre’s Xander Starbuck – Space Cowboy is back with a special live radio-style theatre matinee at Two Tarts cafe at 3.30pm.
Don’t miss the RSGx Falling Leaf Comedy Gala at the Montreal Community Theatre on Saturday night with Akmal, Dane Simpson and the Riverina Comedy Club. The bar opens 7.00pm and the show begins at 7.30pm.
Get down to Rotary Pioneer Park on Sunday 27 April for Sunday in the Park, thanks to the Falling Leaf Festival committee, Tumut Trotters Running Club and Tumut Preschool. This is a relaxed morning in the beautiful park, featuring the First State Super Falling Leaf Family Fun Run plus the Colour Run, coffee van, ice cream truck, sausage sizzle, live music, kids activities and the return of Pretty Amazing Jono at 11.30am. The Fun Run starts at 9am and you must register online.
At 1pm, join us for the Tumut Hospital Auxiliary Duck Race, raising funds for Tumut Takes 2.
The full Bendigo Falling Leaf Festival program, tickets to comedy and theatre, Fun Run registrations and workshop bookings are available at www.fallingleaffestival.com.au
