Fiery family fun in Millthorpe to kick off Winter Fire Festival this August 4

The hottest winter celebration of the year, the Orange Region Winter Fire Festival is just weeks away!

Running across two weekends from August 4–13, this year’s Winter Fire Festival program is all about showcasing Orange and the villages of Blayney and Cabonne at their wintery best.

“The Winter Fire Festival is our region's antidote to the cold and is the opportunity to celebrate all the good things about our Winter season and the fun to be had!” Orange360 General Manager, Ned Sweetapple said.

“Frosted mornings and sprinklings of snow are followed by bright sunshine days and crisp clear nights… Indulging in Hearty warming meals, sipping cold climate wine and artisan drinks around the bonfire, sharing stories, music, dance and laughter with friends and strangers under starry crystal-clear skies.”

And getting the festival started once again is an event the whole family can enjoy — the Millthorpe Fire Fair. From 5pm, August 4, stroll the historic Millthorpe Village and sample some of the best wines, beers and food from our region, soaking up the vibe with live music and fireworks at around 8.30pm. Tickets are just $10 per person for adults with kids’ entry by gold coin donation on the day. 

Then on Saturday, August 5, the festival heads to Eugowra for an afternoon with friends and family along the Mandagery Creek. Be warmed by the crackling fire as you take in local artisan food including woodfired pizza and low and slow meat. There will be live music and also a jumping castle, face painting and tasty food options for the kids so bring the family and enjoy a cosy Saturday afternoon at Woodfired Eugowra, 12pm–7pm

Or stop by the Orange Regional Gallery 6pm-7.30pm Saturday, August 5  for an exclusive screening of Inferno – the award-winning docudrama short film that follows the horrific 2018 bushfire that ravaged Mount Canobolas and the volunteer firefighters who fought against it. Meet local filmmaker, Samuel Rodwell at a post-screening Q&A hosted by cameraman, Nick Lee, followed by drinks and canapes.

Close out the first weekend of the festival with an afternoon of fun and live entertainment at the Railway Hotel in Spring Hill where they are hosting a “Spring Hill’s Got Talent” open mic.

Enjoy a beer, mulled wine or cider by the fire while listening to local musicians from around the region, from 4pm–6pm.

And there’s more music to enjoy from the Handpicked House Band at the Canobolas Dance Hall on Thursday, August 10. Enjoy delicious woodfired pizzas and beverages from See Saw Wines and Gordon Hills Estate, while one of the region's hottest bands serves up a selection of fiery songs from artists including Bruce Springsteen, Adele, Billy Joel, Jimmy Hendrix, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Garth Brooks and many more!
Other festival highlights include  a Winter Wonderland themed party at the Union Bank, Arancia Pizza Masterclass at Ross Hill Wines, Fire and Blues of the Ridge, a traditional Wassail celebration at Small Acres Cyder, steam train rides and much more.

To view the full program and book tickets visit: www.orange360.com.au/Events/Orange-Winter-Fire-Festival