THE NSW bush will be the place to be for budding bards this month, with three of the state’s most popular bush poetry festivals set to take place from mid-February to mid-March.
Orange is getting ready to celebrate the life of one of its most famous and notable historical residents with the Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival from February 16-26.
The event will be officially launched on February 17, Paterson’s birthday, with the Banjo Brekky and popular Food and Wine Night Market.
The festival will comprise five signature events – the Banjo Brekky, the night market, the Rotary Brekky, Poetry in the Park and the Emmaville Cottage Family Market Day.
Festival chairman Justin Byrne said the event provided a great country atmosphere in which to enjoy Australian history, song and prose.
“This is a festival that not only celebrates one of our most iconic locals, but also the authenticity of the Australian bush and its people and poets,” he said.
“It’s fairly clear that Banjo’s country childhood had a strong influence on him, being considered the ‘bard of the bush’ for iconic poems such as Waltzing Matilda, The Man From Snowy River and Clancy of the Overflow.”
Dunedoo is also preparing to host its annual Bush Poetry Festival from March 2-5.
As well as bush poetry competitions, the event will feature street theatre, puppetry, music, market stalls and comedic entertainment.
Meanwhile, Narrandera will host the John O’Brien Bush Poetry Festival from March 17-19.
Named after poet John O’Brien, the festival features poetry writing and recital competitions and an appropriately themed short story writing competition.
