The historic streets of Gulgong will once again echo with stories, song, and celebration as the
Gulgong Henry Lawson Heritage Festival returns, from Friday 5 to Monday 8 June. Our community-run event takes place over the June long weekend (June 5-7), celebrating the renowned poet and author’s connection to the historic town. The festival features street parades, live music, poetry readings, market stalls, performances, children’s activities, and bush dancing.
Festivities begin on Friday evening with “Henry Lawson and his Mates” at the Post Office Hotel,
presented by The Roweths. Blending storytelling and song, the performance weaves together the works of Lawson, his contemporaries, and the writers who followed in their footsteps. With free entry, it’s an inviting and fitting opening to a weekend steeped in literary heritage.
Saturday unfolds with a rich and engaging program for all ages. A centrepiece of this year’s celebrations is the Commemorative Exhibition, a special showcase bringing the festival’s rich history to life through a captivating pictorial display, all-day slideshows of past years, and a unique hologram experience running daily. The exhibition will officially open at 11am on Saturday, led by Dugald Saunders, alongside celebrations marking the CWA Ladies’ 100th Birthday, an occasion that honours a century of community contribution.
At 2pm, visitors are invited back to the exhibition space for a poetry reading by Des Kelly, offering a reflective and meaningful moment within the weekend’s festivities, and a chance to connect past and present through the spoken word.
Across the day, Gulgong will be alive with children’s activities, bustling market stalls, and the
much-anticipated street parade, filled with all things heritage. This year introduces a thoughtfully designed dray carriage powered by horses, offering covered seating and easier access for those who may have found the traditional stagecoach a challenge, ensuring more visitors can enjoy the experience.
A highlight of the day is the Best Dressed Competition, where festival goers are invited to step into
character and showcase their finest heritage attire. Participants should join the parade and gather at the iconic Loaded Dog Mural at 1:45pm for judging.
With a total of six prizes on offer, the competition includes $200 for Best Dressed Henry Lawson, $100 for Best Dressed Louisa Lawson, $100 each for Adult Male and Female Period Costume, and two Child Period Costume prizes of $25 each.
Participants must be part of the parade procession to be eligible.
Categories and prizes are proudly supported by local sponsors:
Best Dressed Henry
Lawson – $200 cash (sponsored by Peabody)
Best Dressed Louisa – $100 voucher (sponsored by Wear It Outt)
Adult Male Period
Costume – $100 cash (sponsored by Ulan Coal)
Adult Female Period
Costume – $100 voucher (sponsored by Wear It Outt)
Child Male – $25 voucher (sponsored by Stacks Down Under)
Child Female – $25 voucher (sponsored by Stacks Down Under)
On Saturday evening, The Roweths return to the stage with “Singing Henry Home” at the Prince of Wales Opera House. This special performance draws on Lawson’s deep connection to the
Eurunderee, Pipeclay, and Gulgong district—bringing his words vividly to life through music and
storytelling. Entry is free, with registration available via the festival website.
The festival concludes on Monday 8 June with a warm and welcoming Poets’ Morning Tea, hosted by MC Jason Roweth. Guests are invited to celebrate the enduring spirit of bush poetry—whether by sharing a favourite verse, listening to others, or simply soaking up the atmosphere.
Walk-ups are encouraged, and all are welcome.
Attendees can enjoy tea, coffee, and biscuits, along with a special highlight: a beautifully crafted 50th Anniversary cake by local baker John Woods. It’s a fitting and heartfelt finale, an opportunity to relax, connect, and reflect on a festival that keeps Australia’s rich storytelling tradition alive.
Across the long weekend, Gulgong transforms into more than a destination; it becomes a living stage where history is worn, spoken, and sung.
Find the program online at our website.
https://henrylawsoncentre.weebly.com/