2023 CELEBRATING Years
Mayor’s Welcome
The Lockyer Valley is ready to ‘Shine like a Diamond’ during the 60th anniversary Laidley Spring Festival. Enjoy a celebration of all things spring amidst a weekend filled with warm hospitality, charming experiences and delightful surprises.
We’re thrilled to present everything from colourful flower displays and garden fairs, to the Street Parade, artisan markets, a Show ‘n’ Shine, along with captivating performances, including the magic of stilt walkers and gnome people. I urge you to soak up the relaxed and twinkling vibe of Friday night’s Twilight Feast & Fest, along with the buzz of our new Bee Happy Day in Forest Hill on Sunday, where the littlies will be enchanted and inspired.
We’re thrilled to have festival ambassador, Paul West, a renowned chef and gardener, to share his passion and commitment to organic produce, local farmers, and sustainable agriculture –a perfect fit for the Lockyer Valley!
There are many fabulous diamonds, whose sparkle makes this Festival work, and I am grateful for each one of you! Particularly the community groups, who work tirelessly to showcase their organisations, the generous sponsors and media partners, and our amazing volunteers and staff. And bouquets to Laidley Garden Club Life Member and Patron Heather King, who had the vision for a garden-inspired event back in 1963.
Much of the diamond bling for this year’s Festival, including Paul West’s appearance, is thanks to the Queensland Destination Events Program from Tourism and Events Queensland. Please sparkle with me and enjoy a jam-packed program full of events the whole family will love.
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the region, the Ugarapul and Yuggera people and pay our respects to their Elders, past and present, and the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders of other communities who may live here. Lockyer Valley Regional Council is committed to cultivating inclusive environments for all staff, customers, residents and visitors.
EVENT ORGANISERS
MAJOR PARTNER
Minister’s Welcome
Welcome to the 60th Anniversary Laidley Spring Festival, a highlight on the It’s Live in Queensland events calendar and a wonderful opportunity to showcase Southern Queensland Country as a tourism destination.
The Laidley community is grateful to welcome visitors who fill their cafes and restaurants, stay in their accommodation, use local transport and explore our unique tourism experiences. That’s why we support events through Tourism and Events Queensland’s Destination Events Program because they bring a welcomed boost to the local community and support local jobs.
Events like the Laidley Spring Festival allow friends and family to reconnect and create community pride. We hope you enjoy your stay and return again in the near future. Be sure to immerse yourself in the local culture and get the opportunity to explore some of our world-class tourism experiences in this beautiful region.
Congratulations to the event organisers and volunteers – we wish you all the best for a successful event.
Hon. Stirling Hinchliffe MP
Message from the Minister for Tourism, Sport and Innovation and Minister
Assisting the Premier on Olympics and Paralympics Sport and Engagement
PLATINUM SPONSORS
GOLD SPONSOR
SILVER SPONSORS
DISCOVER THE MAGIC OF FOOD AND SUSTAINABILITY WITH AUSTRALIAN CHEF, GARDENER AND MEDIA PERSONALITY
PAUL WEST.
Paul’s passion, enthusiasm and commitment to helping people learn how to grow their own organic produce, the importance of supporting local Aussie farmers, and investing in sustainable agriculture aligns perfectly with his selection as the 2023 Festival Ambassador.
Keen to learn a few helpful tips for the kitchen and garden?
CATCH PAUL HERE:
GARDEN PRECINCT
(Laidley Cultural Centre)
• 12pm – 12:30pm - Growing food from scraps and leftovers.
• 1pm – 1:30pm - Composting, the good, the bad and the smelly.
• 2pm – 2:30pm - Growing for health, self, community and planet.
FESTIVAL PRECINCT
(Laidley Recreation Reserve)
• 5pm – 10pm - Twilight Feast & Fest
• 10am - Give Paul a wave as he leads the Grand Street Parade
• 11:30am - Cooking demo with local producers: Schulte’s Meat, Awassi Cheesery and Native Oz Bushfoods.
• 12pm - Snap a selfie with Paul at the big red vege truck, filled with produce from Australian Organic Farms.
• 1:30pm - Cooking demo with local producers: Cedar Gully Olives and 9Dorf Farms.
ETHAN BIELEFELD
FOOD VENDORS
LIVE MUSIC
TWILIGHT MARKETS
FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
TIME EVENT VENUE
7am – 1pm VILLAGE MARKETS
Take a moment to wander the Laidley township businesses and the village markets. Browse the range of family-owned stores and buy a memento. From plants to fresh produce, books to movies, home decor to knick knacks. Be sure to get there early for a bargain!
8am – 4pm
SPRING GARDENING FAIR
A totally gardening event! Browse market stalls, trade sites, enjoy a coffee and a selection of food from onsite food trucks. Onsite demonstrations and garden experts galore!
8am – 4pm SPRING GEM SHOW
An amazing display of work from members of the Gatton Lapidary Club – cabochons and tumbled stones set in jewellery as well as polished agates, thundereggs and rocks. Jewellery and gifts available to purchase. Lockyer Valley geology information also on display with kids learning about local rocks and identifying fossils.
8am – 4pm SPRING ORCHID SHOW
From delightful Vandas through to magnificent Cymbidiums, orchid lovers will be enthralled by the colour. Show includes plant sales, stalls, craft items and planting advice. Orchid re-potting from 12:30pm – 1pm.
9am – 12pm UNDER 5’S DAY
Activities suited to young children 5 and under, Drace – Magician and Illusionist, Bubble’licious – bubble play, Old MacDonald Animal Farm, Face painting, arts and crafts, story time and First Responders Crews, plus so much more.
Laidley Cultural Centre, 3 Laidley Plainland Rd, Laidley
ENTRY by donation (LifeFlight)
Laidley Cultural Centre, 3 Laidley Plainland Rd, Laidley
Laidley Sports Centre, Whites Rd, Laidley
ENTRY $4
Laidley District State School, 232 Patrick St, Laidley
TIME EVENT VENUE
9am – 3pm LAIDLEY PIONEER VILLAGE & MUSEUM
Step back in time as you amble through the oldest historical village in Queensland - a picture of rural life in Lockyer Valley Region from the early 1800’s. Admire the wonderful garden bed displays, view blacksmith demonstrations, vintage machinery, and lots of new and updated displays.
9am – 3pm MARKETS @ DAS NEUMANN HAUS MUSEUM & ANNIE’S COFFEE SHOP
Explore the historic museum, enjoy morning tea or lunch, browse the markets,or just relax under the magnificent 100+ year old Jacaranda tree and be entertained by Phil Vellacott.
9am – 4pm QUILT & CRAFT EXPO
A display of quilts that will leave you speechless. Meet the makers and hear their generational stories, then enjoy the vintage vehicle display, markets, and the Courtyard Cafe. Café bookings recommended.
Cnr Pioneer & Drayton Sts, Laidley
ENTRY by donation during festival
Cnr Patrick & William Sts, Laidley Ph 5465 3241
Laidley Uniting Church, 45 Patrick St, Laidley
ENTRY by donation
FRIDAY 8 SEPTEMBER
TIME EVENT VENUE
9am – 4pm SPRING ARTISTS’ EXHIBITION
Showcasing the work of talented and creative members of the Lockyer Valley Art Society Inc. (LASI). Meet the artists, watch an artist at work and purchase the perfect artwork. Church will also be open to the public with market stalls and free cuppa (Friday only).
10am – 2pm GARDEN COMPETITION
Explore the region’s loveliest gardens. Plan a drive around the region, visiting with and chatting to Lockyer Valley’s dedicated and creative gardeners.
10am – 2pm CHURCH FLORAL DISPLAY
Visit the historic church and browse the floral display. Free event.
Redeemer
Lutheran Church, 7 MacGregor St, Laidley
See page 16 for garden locations.
Laidley Anglican Church, 28 Ambrose St, Laidley
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
TIME EVENT VENUE
8am – 4pm FESTIVAL PRECINCT MARKETS
Discover a treasure trove of unique products and one-of-a-kind finds. From fashion to home decor, and everything in between, there’s something to captivate every shopper’s heart.
8am – 4pm SPRING GARDENING FAIR
A totally gardening event! Browse market stalls, trade sites, enjoy a coffee and a selection of food from onsite food trucks. Onsite demonstrations and garden experts galore!
Laidley Recreational Reserve, Patrick St, Laidley
Laidley Cultural Centre, 3 Laidley Plainland Rd, Laidley
ENTRY by donation
(LifeFlight)
Over 100 creative artisans will help you discover a treasure trove of unique products and one-of-a-kind finds - from stylish fashion pieces to charming home decor, and everything in between, there’s something to captivate every shopper’s heart.
SATURDAY 9 SEPTEMBER
TIME EVENT VENUE
8am – 4pm SPRING GEM SHOW
An amazing display of work from members of the Gatton Lapidary Club – cabochons and tumbled stones set in jewellery as well as polished agates, thundereggs and rocks. Jewellery and gifts available to purchase. Lockyer Valley geology information also on display with kids learning about local rocks and identifying fossils.
9am – 4pm SPRING ORCHID SHOW
From delightful Vandas through to magnificent Cymbidiums, orchid lovers will be enthralled by the colour. Show includes plant sales, stalls, craft items and planting advice. Orchid re-potting from 12:30pm – 1pm.
9am – 1pm SHOW ‘N’ SHINE
Wander through this extraordinary display of automotive passion, showcasing classic, custom, hot rods, muscle and vintage vehicles, while rock and roll music sets the stage for an unforgettable day.
9am – 3pm LAIDLEY PIONEER VILLAGE & MUSEUM
Step back in time as you amble through the oldest historical village in Queensland - a picture of rural life in Lockyer Valley Region from the early 1800’s. Admire the wonderful garden bed displays, view blacksmith demonstrations, vintage machinery, and lots of new and updated displays.
Laidley Cultural Centre, 3 Laidley Plainland Rd, Laidley
Laidley Sports Centre, Whites Rd, Laidley
ENTRY $4
Ferrari Park, Whites Rd, Laidley
Cnr Pioneer & Drayton Sts, Laidley
ENTRY by donation during festival
