Orange Winter Fire Festival has a meaty feast

The event launches in Millthorpe with Friday night markets on August 5, after which the village will host an evening of local wine and produce, live music and fireworks, plus an ice skating rink over the August 6-7 weekend.

Ross Hill Wines will throw its Pizza and Wine Night on August 5 as well, with gig-goers able to sit around bonfires, imbibe a lovely drop at the cellar door and enjoy foodie truck goods from Arancia Wood Fired Pizza.

Active each day of the festival, The Hub in Orange's Robertson Park will rotate through a mix of free performances, offering up a plate of stand-up comedy, fire and trapeze shows, with live musicians and lantern-making part of the scheduled activities.

For the first time, the Oriana Motel will host two Viking Feast evenings in its gardens, running from 6-9pm on August 7 and 13.

Complete with a swords and horns display, this dress-up gig will boast a night of "bottomless drinks and hearty, warm meals" for those aged 18 and up.

"It's the first time we're doing something Scandinavian-themed and [with] me being Norwegian, of course it's something we've thought about doing for a while," said Oriana's Espen Harbitz, who encourages people to dress up in their best fur and Viking gear.

Another big event is the Field Days Big Bonfire on August 7 at the Borenore Field Days site.

Patrons will be able to graze the afternoon away on a BYO chair or rug around bonfires, while enjoying local beer, wines, food, live entertainment and more.

Orange 360 general manager Caddie Marshall said the festival was an "opportunity for visitors to the region to experience a true, Australian country winter that you just can't get in the city".

To buy tickets for events, click here.