General News
9 October, 2025
What a weekend!
If you didn’t go to Gil this weekend....you missed out! The 2025 Goin’ to Gil Festival weekend was highly successful for the town.
The three days of events were well-attended including over 3200 people packing the Gilgandra Cultural Precinct for Under the Gums.
The crowd favourite music event featured a standout mix of national stars and regional talent. Country music’s rising name Lane Pittman wowed audiences with his headline set, playing a number of unreleased songs for the enthusiastic Gilgandra audience.
Australian music icon Daryl Braithwaite had the crowd singing along to classics and of course, ‘The Horses’ to finish.
Families turned out in force to see Bluey and Bingo take the stage for a lively, interactive performance that delighted children, and parents alike.
The festival’s collaboration with the Songwriters and Original Musicians Association Dubbo (SOMAD) shone a spotlight on regional creativity, with Darren Smith, Clinton Hoy, and Belle impressing audiences during the songwriter showcase.
Other highlights included performances by another rising star in country music, Abbie Ferris; the party-ready Splashpool; local band BADJ; and the ever-energetic Phat Brass.
During the event, a special ceremony was held to honour the legacy of late local performer Terry ‘Toss’ Nangle.
Members of the Nangle family were present to officially name, along with Gilgandra Shire Council mayor Doug Batten, the ‘Terry D Nangle Sound Shell’ - the main stage for Under the Gums. Daryl Braithwaite also later dedicated his performance of ‘Days Go By’ to Toss. Beyond the main stage, Goin’ to Gil 2025 offered a vibrant weekend of community fun. Visitors explored bustling street markets, food stalls, and kids’ activities, and joined in events including the town’s street parade, Speedway season opener, colour run, St Ambrose Church Art Show and Sale, Coo-ee Calling, and even a fiercely contested watermelon-eating competition. A special highlight this year was the 10-year reunion of the 2015 Coo-ee March Re-enactment, which drew strong crowds and applause along the parade route.
Under the Gums 2025 drew in its largest audience to date. Many festival-goers took advantage of regional bus services, while locals packed the precinct to enjoy the long-weekend atmosphere. With perfect weather, big names, and a strong sense of community, Goin’ to Gil 2025 cemented itself as one of the Central West’s most anticipated annual events - a weekend that celebrated local talent, small-town pride, and the enduring magic of live music during Under the Gums.
The night ended with the afterparty at The Sporties, while activities continued on Sunday with the Gilgandra Triathlon.
