The program for the 2024 Goldfields Gothic Festival has been announced and it promises to be another celebration of all things mysterious and darkly glamorous.
Spread across the weekend of Friday 2 August to Sunday 4 August, the festival will feature poetry, parlour games, spectres and stories plus magic and lots of music. This year, the events are being curated and organised by a new management team based at the Maldon Vintage Machinery and Museum, which will be a hub for many of the activities.
The Tarrangower Times spoke to Peter Thompson from the museum to find out what else will be distinct from previous iterations of the Goldfields Gothic Festival.
“We’ve scaled things down a bit so that people can enjoy it all,” Peter said. “A few people told us it was difficult to catch everything last year because events overlapped. There will be lots on at the museum, like poetry, spoken word and music. But there are other venues around town, too.” These include the stage on Bank Corner, 48 Main, Maldon Neighbourhood Centre and the Maldon Hotel, with no road closures planned for the weekend.
Peter explained that the festival had largely come together due to the high volume of applications received from potential artists and acts. “We called for expressions of interest before Easter and we got a good response because people want to see it continue. I think we’ve got a pretty good program.”
Highlights include spooky storytelling and performances until late on the Friday, and the return of the Dark Market on Saturday, featuring over 50 stalls and pop-up entertainment. There will even be a tour of the tunnels under the museum with a talk by historian, Natasha Joyce. Saturday evening will stretch into the deep, dark night, featuring a huge line-up of bands and a DJ.
Other activities include historic bus tours exploring the dark history of Maldon and a historic doll display in the cellar of Maldon Hotel, with Dark Magic sessions taking place on the Saturday. The famous Sunday picnic will take place at a new location in 2024 – it has been moved to the Beehive Chimney and its unique, elevated aspect over town. A Gothic Fashion Parade will be an unmissable addition this year at 3pm on Saturday 3 August – in Tobin Street, behind the shops.
The festival management team have tried to make it affordable and accessible, with many free events. Peter encourages Maldon residents and business to get involved. “Get on board, decorate shop windows, come along and enjoy it with everyone.” There are still opportunities for volunteers to be involved, particularly as ushers at events; call Peter on 0408 146 537.
Our cover star, Gabrielle Kelly, who has volunteered and attended for the past two years, does not need convincing. “Definitely attending this year, I’m loving the vibes for this one,” she enthused. “The Nosferatu screening is one I’ll definitely make it to and the market of course. I have to play netball on the Saturday, more than likely in my makeup!”
To see the program and buy a weekend pass, visit the festival website at goldfieldsgothic.com and keep up to date by checking the festival’s Facebook page.
This article appeared in the Tarrangower Times, 12 July 2024.
