Bringing life back to the New England following winter, Barraba is inviting everyone to town for their annual Frost Over Barraba event.
“Frost is a four-day festival, and each day has a different vibe,” said Jane Harris from the Frost Over Barraba team.
“The centrepiece is a big art show with artworks from around the region and beyond, and each day of the festival there are satellite shows open as well as the local Historical Museum.”
Starting back in 1973, Frost Over Barraba was the brainchild of Matthew Burrows, the vicar at St Laurence’s Anglican church, who was joined by Rupert Richardson, the eminent Australian Watercolourist.
Ten years ago, the church no longer felt it could continue the festival, but conscious of its positive place in the life of Barraba, and the wider region, they asked if there were any community groups who may be willing to take it over. Barraba Community Inc was handed Frost and today a committee of around 15 volunteers manage the annual festival, bringing the small town of 1,500 to life each year.
“Or you can drop into the cinema in the Playhouse Hotel to a selection of animated movies that are looping.”
On Thursday and Friday, people can experience a true classic Australian country town. They can stroll down Queen Street and drop into the satellites and local businesses, all while seeing Barraba’s wonderful public art and chatting to the locals.
Things start to ramp up on Saturday with the Queen Street market with live music.
“There is facepainting and balloon animals for the kids. Bec at the Barraba Library has craft going on for everyone from babies on up and there’s a wonderful caricature artist on Queen Street where you pay a few bob for an original cartoon of yourself or your kids.”
On Sunday things are much quieter, and for many, a little more peaceful.
“The festival concludes with a spectacular 1pm pipe organ concert at Barraba Anglican Church, Frost’s original home.” Said Harris.
“Manilla Concert organist Jane Stewart is presenting a beautiful program on Barraba’s historic Thomas Jones Pipe Organ. It had rave reviews last year and Jane has prepared a new program for 2024”
Returning this year, after a five-year hiatus, is the workshop program, giving people a chance to get the hands into something creative.
“There’s something for most people, from total beginners to experienced creatives.” said Harris.
“There are children’s options as well and for the first time there is a singing workshop. For two hours on Saturday afternoon people are invited to come and create a beautiful noise together.”
So, if you are looking for something to do, putt Barraba on your list.
“Who doesn’t enjoy a drive through the spectacular New England to one of our towns that are full of Australian character?” said Harris.
“Barraba very much has its own identity and also boasts some wonderful public art. If you haven’t seen the Silo Art of the Water Diviner here is your chance, and you get to see fantastic art and support regional artists, and there’s opportunities to buy art very affordably.”
Event Details
When: Thursday 5th September to 8th September
Where: All over Barraba
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