Forbes is set to recreate the quintessential Aussie bonfire night, but with a twist. On June 22, Forbes Shire Council is coordinating an amazing event called Frost and Fire at the Lake Forbes Ski Dam. There’s nothing like spending time with friends in the great outdoors by a fire, and Frost and Fire is set to make an impression on both the young and old. The location will set the perfect scene, surrounded by water, majestic gum trees and the night sky ablaze with millions of stars.
This year is Frost and Fires’ inaugural year and promises plenty of fire, warming food, beverages and great entertainment. Sit back and relax fireside whilst enjoying the amazing line up of live music. Local talent, Lily Gaffaney will perform alongside Young Monks from Canberra. Our headline act, Lior is a must see, having recently achieved international acclaim and played with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House. His plaintive tenor voice, Lior pours himself into the songs, which sound both ancient and new all at once.
The event will be held lakeside at Forbes’ beautiful Aquatic Centre. Located on the edge of town on Bedgerabong Road. For those up for a stroll, you can even walk to and from the event from the towns centre. Purchase a floating wish candle to set off on the magnificent natural lagoon and take in the eerie spectacle of the dragon boats and their drummers rowing by just on dusk.
Enjoy the spectacle of a troupe of dancers performing and be amazed by the roving fire performers. It’s sure to be warm enough with plenty of fire displays, including the unveiling and lighting of the huge effigy. Be sure to position closely to one of the many fire buckets as rumor has it there may even be snow during the evening!
So much entertainment packed into one evening and the event is FREE.
The night wouldn’t be complete without a tasting the beautiful food of the area. A grazing supper, you’ll be able to pre-order from fabulous local suppliers who create delectable picnics. Or you might prefer a chip on a stick, some flavourful grilled BBQ or burger fare or some homestyle, traditional winter warming favourites. Enjoy a cider, boutique beer and traditional beers or a warming wine. If a hot choccy or coffee are more your scene, they too will be available paired with some sweet delights. The event will see many food vendors present to temp you with their devine treats.
Council aims to attract visitors to Forbes and boost the visitor economy. For a rural town like many others, Forbes Shire is battling the drought, and it is hoped visitors from near and far will get on board to support the event and the local community. Visitors to Forbes are encouraged to stay around for another night or two and enjoy all that amazing Forbes has to offer. The town features remarkable, elegant architecture and many museums displaying the towns colourful past. Famous for its connections with the bushranger, Ben Hall (he was killed and buried near the town), today it is an important rural service centre noted for its fine parks and gardens and its large and gracious public buildings. Forbes has a reputation as a unique shopping location, with locally owned boutiques and speciality stores. ‘Somewhere down the Lachlan’ is a significant sculpture project from Forbes to Condobolin via the stock route by the Lachlan River. Albion Park hosts a curation of sculptures from world renowned artists. There is also a great range of quality art and craft on offer at the Platypus Gallery or you can get your motor running at McFeeters Motor Museum housing a private collection of meticulously restored motor vehicles, cellar door and café.
A coffee down the street, a tank of fuel from the servo or a new jumper from one of Forbes boutique stores will all boost the local economy and create ripple effects for the whole community. It is the visitors to our town that help keep our community functioning. A small spend in a rural community has benefits far beyond what you may imagine.
