Mayor’s Welcome
Spring Magic will descend on the Lockyer Valley during the 61st anniversary of the Laidley Spring Festival. I look forward to welcoming you to enjoy a celebration of all things spring amidst a weekend filled with warm hospitality, charming experiences and delightful surprises.
We’re thrilled to present such a wide range of activities - your only problem will be trying to fit everything in!
You’ll be captivated by our festival’s talented performers, especially Saturday’s PAW Patrol Show and Crack Up sisters EXTRAordinary Tent Show and Museum of Oddities.
I urge you to soak up the twinkling vibe of Friday night’s Twilight Feast & Fest, along with the buzz of the second Bee Happy Day in Forest Hill on Sunday.
We’re thrilled to welcome back 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!
The 40th anniversary of the esteemed Quilt and Craft Expo is a memorable milestone, and I extend my sincere thanks to all community groups whose tireless commitment makes the Laidley Spring Festival what it is today.
I take this opportunity to express my heartfelt thanks to the dedicated organising team, and countless volunteers who tirelessly work behind the scenes to make this event such a cherished tradition. Their unwavering commitment and tireless efforts are simply the best! Partnerships are key to making it what it is, and I also thank our media partners and sponsors.
Come with me to enjoy a magical program full of events the whole family will love.
Councillor Tanya Milligan
MAYOR – Lockyer Valley Regional Council
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.
PROUDLY DELIVERED BY MAJOR PARTNERS
Minister’s Welcome
It is my pleasure to welcome you to the Laidley Spring Festival, which highlights the personality and uniqueness of the Lockyer Valley.
Laidley Spring Festival is supported by the Queensland Government through Round 27 of Tourism and Events Queensland’s Queensland Destination Events Program, which strives to highlight the vital link between the wonderful events we host in our great state and the diverse destinations in which they take place.
Events such as Laidley Spring Festival foster community pride, impart local culture with all who visit and make meaningful contributions to the local economy.
Beyond Laidley Spring Festival, there is so much to see, do and experience in the Lockyer Valley. I encourage all visitors from far and wide to soak in all the delights of the Lockyer Valley and make the most of all the experiences unique to this special part of Queensland.
Congratulations to the organisers plus all those involved in working tirelessly to stage such a great event and for being part of the Queensland Destination Events Program.
Hon. Michael Healy MP Minister for Tourism and Sport
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 2024 Festival Ambassador.
Keen to learn a few helpful tips for the kitchen and garden?
CATCH PAUL HERE:
6 SEPTEMBER
GARDEN PRECINCT
Laidley Recreational Reserve
• 10am–10:30am - Grow food, save the world.
• 11:30am–12:00pm - Building biodiversity in your home garden.
• 1pm–1:30pm - Healthy soil, happy veggies.
FESTIVAL PRECINCT
Laidley Recreational Reserve
• 5:30pm–7pm - Twilight Feast & Fest
7 SEPTEMBER
• 10am–10:30am - Give Paul a wave as he leads the Grand Street Parade.
• 11:45am–12:45pm - Cooking demo using local produce.
• 1:15pm–3:00pm - Chat to Paul at the big red vege truck and pick up a tote bag with produce from Australian Organic Farmers.
FRIDAY 6 SEPTEMBER
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 – 2pm 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. Check out the live bee demonstrations each day!
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
Amazing displays of work from members of the Gatton Lapidary Club – cabochons and tumbled stones set in jewellery as well as polished agates, thundereggs and rocks all available for purchase. Lockyer Valley geology information also on display with kids fossicking activities daily.
8:30am –4:30pm OPEN GARDENS
Explore the region’s loveliest gardens. Plan a drive around the region, visiting with and
Cnr Patrick & William Sts, Laidley Ph 5465 3241
Laidley Recreational Reserve, Patrick St, Laidley
ENTRY by donation
Royal Flying Doctor Service
Laidley Recreational Reserve, Patrick St, Laidley
See page 16 for garden locations.
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 orchid cultural advice. Orchid re-potting from 12:30pm – 1pm.
9am – 12pm UNDER 5’S DAY
A special event with activities to suit our littlest community members. There will be a magician, face painting, baby animals, story time, arts and craft workshops, and even a visit from local first responder crews!
9am – 3pm LAIDLEY PIONEER VILLAGE & MUSEUM
Step back in time as you amble through the oldest historical village in Queensland. Admire the wonderful garden bed displays, vintage
Laidley Sports Centre, Whites Rd, Laidley
ENTRY $4
Laidley District State School, 232 Patrick St, Laidley
Cnr Pioneer & Drayton Sts, Laidley
ENTRY by donation during festival
FRIDAY 6 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.
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. Coach bookings recommended.
Redeemer
Lutheran Church, 7 MacGregor St, Laidley
Laidley Uniting Church, 45 Patrick St, Laidley
ENTRY by donation
SATURDAY 7 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
Laidley Recreational Reserve, Patrick St, Laidley
Laidley Recreational Reserve, Patrick St, Laidley
The EXTRAordinary Tent bought to you by The Crackup Sisters is a place where you can come and be amazed and thrilled to watch 10 minute up close and personal shows.
The Incredible Flea Circus featuring performing Fleas from around Australia all trained at the state of the art facility in Winton, Outback Queensland. , sharing tall tales of travelling
Wander through the treasure trove of creative artisans to discover one-of-a-kind gifts and wares. There’s something to captivate every shopper’s heart.
Rheanna Leschke Trio 2:10–3:10PM Tate Cole Band 1– 2PM Summers & Ainsworth 3:15– 4PM SATURDAY
After each show you’ll be invited to view the museum of oddities and get even closer to the mysteries of the
SPICER ST
PATRICK ST
