General News
2 October, 2024
Gil shines on festival weekend
Gilgandra had a great time over the Goin’ to Gil Festival weekend, packed with music, food, and family fun.
From Friday, September 27 to Sunday, September 29, locals and travellers alike were delighted by an array of year-making highlights: local street busking, a Street Parade, and of course, the Under the Gums music event, just to name a few.
General manager of Gilgandra Shire Council, David Neeves, gave comment on the festivities. “I would like to extend my warmest congratulations to the Goin’ to Gil Planning Crew for an amazing weekend and a sincere thank you for the contribution to make the weekend awesome! To the local businesses and community groups that participated and held activities, as well as all the locals and visitors that attended the events across the weekend – thank you! What a weekend showcasing the Gilgandra Region and what we have to offer. Bring on 2025!”
Town-goers were treated to live music by BADJ along Miller Street on Friday, September 27, marking the start of our 2024 Goin’ to Gil Festival Weekend. Later that day, live blues music was on offer at the Railway Hotel.
On Saturday, September 28, things kicked into high gear. Phat Brass gave their first of many performances at Cooee Lodge before leading the parade along Miller Street before lunch. The funky five-man band was followed by Coo-ee Marchers, troupes of students from St Joseph’s, and Gilgandra Public School.
Residents of Gilgandra from the Philippines were represented by their own troupe, led by a custom-decorated golf cart. They were followed by members of the St Ambrose Church Restoration Committee, Gilgandra Toyota, and Bendigo Bank.
The parade continued with Malcolm Chandler on his Bulldog tractor, CWME’s trucks and heavy vehicles, buggies, antique cars from the Gilgandra Tractor and Machinery Club, and then Gilgandra Speedway, all making appearances. Local emergency services, including Fire and Rescue, the Rural Fire Service, and the SES, also made appearances. All the while, Lachlan Naef continued to paint a colourful mural in the Gilgandra Community Plaza.
Under the Gums 2024 was undoubtedly the highlight of everyone’s weekend: a year’s highlight music festival, the biggest in the central west. More than 3100 tickets were sold in total, according to Gilgandra Shire Council. Gates opened at 2.30 pm to Elle Flanagan on stage. A number of food stalls and vendors, local and beyond, set up shop for the afternoon in the grounds surrounding the Coo-ee Heritage Centre. Drinks were available, including a bar operated by Caffeinity Coffee and Wine Co. Henry Louie also gave a Welcome to Country.
