Michelle Dorian, Tarrangower Times

The temperature is dropping but the anticipation is rising: the Maldon in Winter Festival is coming to town! With the theme of ‘Let There Be Light,’ this year’s festival is shining a spotlight on many of Maldon’s hidden gems for both visitors and locals.

The festival is coordinated by Maldon Inc, Maldon’s peak business body, which is bringing local businesses and community organisations together under the Maldon in Winter banner. Festival organiser and local artist, Catherine Tait, explained on MainFM radio that this year’s strategy has been to bring to the foreground the wonderful things that are already happening in Maldon.

“The whole idea was community,” she explained. “They’re doing it anyway”¦ We’re going to promote what’s special.”

The variety of events and activities means that the festival is a chance to involve everyone and benefit everyone in Maldon. It even includes a list of the tastiest options at each of the food stores in town.

“It’s a matter of combining all the shops and giving us a voice and getting out there, then we all do well as a collective,” Catherine said. “And that’s what Maldon Inc is really all about.”

The festival will be longer than usual in 2024, to commence with the winter solstice and extend through the school holiday period.

Barry Robinson, President of Maldon Inc, encourages everyone to throw on a coat and a scarf to be part of it all. “The Maldon community has stepped up and come together ‘as one’ to get locals and visitors out and about during the school holidays,” he says.

Maldon In Winter Festival runs from Friday 21 June to Sunday 14 July at various venues around town. Peruse the program, get involved and keep an eye on the Maldon Inc website for updates and additional information: maldon.org.au.

Unmissable highlights

• Community Bonfire – Friday 21 June

Hosted by the Maldon Lions Club and located centrally at the Machinery Museum, this is a free event for all. Food and entertainment will be available. Coinciding with the winter solstice, when we’re furthest away from the sun, the bonfire is a chance to embrace the seasonal beauty of our town and get cosy around the fire together. Stay tuned to Maldon Inc on social media; the date may change if the weather is not suitable.

• Victorian Goldfields Railway Steam Train to the Bonfire – Friday 21 June

With the heritage steam engine back on track after a long period of maintenance, there has never been a better time to take the train. Castlemaine Circus will provide on-board entertainment and bar service will be available. A particular drawcard for this trip is the scheduled ‘listening stop’ in Muckleford, where passengers can savour the sounds of steam, whistles and the nearby ironbark forest under a full moon.

• Barefoot Bowls and Barbecue – Friday 28 June

A chance to try this gentle sport in a friendly environment – come at 4pm for some free coaching and then stay to play under lights. Featuring live music, sausages, kranskies and a bar. The $5 entry fee includes raffle entry.

• Bliss Bombs Burlesque – Friday 5 and Saturday 6 July

Round up a group and glam up to enjoy this sexy, comedy cabaret at the Community Centre. All tickets are $30 each – book a table or join one on the night. Bring a grazing platter, drinks available at the bar.

• Dionysus Feast – Saturday 22 June

Worship at the altar of wine in a heavenly location: Panacea Estate. Attendees are encouraged to dress as gods or goddesses and dine on pizza, salads and a warming roast meal. The $100 entry fee covers food and some drinks, with more available to purchase.

• Heaps of history

There are multiple opportunities to engage in Maldon’s famous history. Take a ‘Living Treasures’ walk to view pre-colonial eucalypts on Sunday 30 June, meeting at the Shire Gardens Rotunda, hear why Maldon heritage matters as part of a presentation by The Maldon Heritage Network on Saturday 6 July. See the splendid buildings from your bike as part of a cycling tour or visit the Maldon Museum and Archives Open Day on Sunday 7 July.

• Fabulous food

There’s a Midwinter Community Lunch at the Community Centre, ‘Xmas in Winter’ at Porcupine Village and a Men’s Breakfast at Maldon Baptist Hall.

• Art aplenty

After attending all the free events on offer, you may have some cash to spare to spend on art and art techniques. Learn ways to capture light and create a glow in watercolour or oil painting workshops with Catherine Tait. See some petite paintings in the Small Works Exhibition at Maldon Artist Network (MANet) and celebrate a selection of artists at the Winter Salon with Cascade Gallery.

This article appeared in the  Tarrangower Times, 14 June 2024.