Bathurst Winter Festival Part 2

The Bathurst Winter Festival, during the school holidays in July, has two evening events, a week apart, and of course we had to attend both.

The first one was rather social, so there was quite a bit that we didn't see. Therefore, we made the most of the second night to have a bit more of a look around.

Unlike the first night, when the weather was rather mild, the second Saturday night was absolutely freezing.  We were well rugged up in several layers, big coats, thick socks, beanies and gloves.

Like the previous week, our first stop was for mulled wine, but we weren't the only ones with that idea, as the shiraz version was already sold out.  No worries, we enjoyed the rose version.  Later in the evening we had a shiraz version from one of the other local vineyards.  It was also rather moorish.
Now we have to wait till next year to enjoy this special treat.

For the last couple of years the fernery in Machatti Park has been illuminated.  We didn't get a chance to go through it the previous week, so we were quite happy to wait in the queue this week. 

While we were waiting there was a table with some young people putting face painting dots on people.  When asked if we would like some dots, we thought "Why not?".  We've never had face painting before.

It wasn't until we entered the fernery that we discovered they were glow in the dark dots. How fun is that!

It turned out that the fernery was lit by ultra violet light, with the plants glowing in the dark.  They must have had a glow in the dark powder sprinkled on them.

These large mushrooms were a feature.

The statues even had some glow in the dark on them.

Once we were back outside we just had a general wander.

The Catholic Cathedral also featured illuminations.  There was one sequence which showed the planets, which looked great, but my photo didn't turn out.

Local Musicians kept us entertained.  Gabbi Bolt must have been so cold playing the keyboard.

Stilt walkers are always fun to see.

Being a fire twirler would be a bit warmer on a cold night.

Finally, we went for a walk around the streets to see the decorated shop windows.  This year there were some beauties.

This last one was the winner of the competition, although they all looked great.

It's all a bit sad when the festival is over.  The Bathurst Council should be congratulated on what it has achieved.  Each year there have been favourites return, new things to keep it fresh and variations to make it better.  For something that was to be a one off celebration for Bathurst's Bicentenary, it appears that it will become an ongoing annual event that everyone looks forward to.  Most people we know attended it in one form or another during the fortnight, even people who don't normally attend events.

Now we just have to wait until next July comes around to enjoy it all again.