Past Events
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Market Day @ the Wharf
Markets, food, music and stories beside the Darling River. Come along and tell YOUR story in the Festival ‘Story Chair’ – and if you are brave, submit yourself for a ‘portrait’ snapshot in ‘the face of Bourke’.
Little Literature
This workshop by Graham Gibson, is for poets, writers or anyone who likes playing with words.
Life Writing
Ever wanted to tell your life story? – Life Writing is a free workshop where Greame Gibson will lead you through all the elements you need to bring your story to life!
Darling River Dirt Band
A local musical treat with the renowned ‘Darling River Dirt Band’ performing at the Port of Bourke Hotel, drinks and meals available.
Poets Breakfast
Release the Poets! – The inaugural Festival of a Thousand Stories Poets Breakfast – hosted by local poet, Andrew Hull. Come and join local poets and storytellers for a bacon and egg brekkie with real coffee and real stories, and be sure to bring one or two to tell – on the banks of the Darling at Bourke.
PV Jandra Cruise – Blues on The Boat
‘Blues on the Boat’ – a river cruise with a difference – lauded Australian writer and musician Frank Povah will be the mainstay of this ‘blues cruise’ with guest appearances from other Festival guests. – Bring a drink, pack a snack, and enjoy the blues on the famous paddleboat Jandra.
Poetry on a Plate
Dinner beneath the stars, around the campfire, with the finest Australian poetry and music.
Morning PV Jandra Cruise
Cruise the Darling on the Paddle Vessel (PV) Jandra with Captain William Hockins and learn more about the regions rich river boat history.
Come walk with us – Indigenous Tour
Take a look at Bourke through a different lense with the local Aboriginal tour ‘come walk with us’ – a walking tour along the river and the cultural centre with insights from local Aboriginal telling their story, their way.
Stories of the Road
Creative non-fiction with a focus on experiences of travel. Whether your interest is in a travel diary, memoir or “Wish you were here” postcards home, this workshop by Graeme Gibson will help.
Bourke Talks
Bourke Talks is an evening of local perspectives hosted by the Bourke Arts Council. Guests have been carefully selected and have each prepared a short talk on their particular area of interest – all relating to Bourke and surrounds.
Bourke Cemetery Tour
Join Paul as he details the lives of some of the characters buried in the Bourke cemetery.
Bourke Cemetery Tour
Join Paul as he details the lives of some of the characters buried in the Bourke cemetery.
Life Writing
Ever wanted to tell your life story? – Life Writing is a free workshop where Greame Gibson will lead you through all the elements you need to bring your story to life!
Bourke Women’s Stories
Bourke Women’s Stories – Hosted by the Bourke Arts Council – a view of life in this iconic outback town from the women in front of, and behind the scenes. Dinner and drinks available.
Poets Trek
The Poets Trek – heading off on an intrepid journey of writing and discovery through the story-rich landscape around Bourke with writers, musicians and poets in tow. Overnighting on the banks of the Barwon River at Brewarrina – not to be missed.
The Bourke Singers
The Bourke Singers – Hosted by the Bourke Arts Council – local talent comes to the fore as guests are entertained by a selection of songs from local ‘a capella’ performers. Dinner and drinks available.
Bourke Bands
Bourke Bands – Hosted by the Bourke Arts Council – a musical evening for all tastes. Big Band, Jazz, and Swing will slowly evolve into rock and roll and blues as a range of bands and performers play away all evening in both the Toorale Room and the back bar of the Port of Bourke Hotel, closing the festival with one last hurrah!
Book Launch The ‘Could Be’ Ring
Author Alexandria Nagy will launch and talk about her new work and her upcoming ‘Bourke’ novel.
Mini Music Festival
Festival artists perform at the Wharf Precinct – BYO drinks and buy a nibble plate to enjoy the festivities
The Poets Breakfast
An literary feast on the wharf! Come and join local poets and storytellers for a bacon and egg brekkie with real coffee and real stories, and be sure to bring one or two to tell – on the banks of the Darling at Bourke.
Market Day @ the Wharf
There is no better place to enjoy the beautiful Outback spring weather than Bourke’s Wharf Precinct on the banks of the Darling River. Market Days see the precinct become a bustling hub of activity, with locals catching up over a coffee and enjoying cakes made by some of the district’s best cooks.
Outback Show
A stockman style show conducted by Lachie Cosser – he is a true storyteller and animal wrangler!
Blues Cruise with Frank Povah and the Captain Starlight Express
Cruise the Darling on the Paddle Vessel (PV) Jandra with Captain William Hockins and learn more about the regions rich river boat history.
Saturday Sippers
Fi and Andy play the lazy Saturday Afternoon songs to help you sip away the day
Henry Lawson’s Wake
Locals and Lawson enthusiasts gather together on the 95th Anniversary of Henry Lawson’s death to discuss his legacy, poetry and stories. Music from Chloe and Jason Roweth plus the Festival Pop-Up Band.
Just Us
Bowling Club favourites ‘Just Us’ performing originals and pub classics well into the night.
Poets Trek
The Festival Flagship – the Annual poets Trek. This year trekkers will venture in Lawson’s footsteps to Hungerford, via Comeroo, for a campfire session. Trekkers return midday Monday. ($350/head)
Outback Show
A stockman style show conducted by Lachie Cosser – he is a true storyteller and animal wrangler.
Sunday Sippers
Lachie Crosser’s Country Music Sunday afternoon
Afternoon PV Jandra River Cruise
Cruise the Darling on the Paddle Vessel (PV) Jandra with Captain Stephen Coade and learn more about the regions rich river boat history.
The Toorale Room
Story Telling Event featuring the stories of locals and invited guests.
Poetry on a Plate
Dinner and Poetry around the Campfire featuring Frank Povah
One-Eyed Film Festival
Short films made locally (Dubbo) projected onto the big screen at the Back of Bourke exhibition centre.
Festival Pop-Up Band
The Festival Pop-Up Band will be appearing around the town at random
Come walk with us – Indigenous Tour
Take a look at Bourke through a different lense with the local Aboriginal tour ‘come walk with us’ – a walking tour along the river and the cultural centre with insights from local Aboriginal telling their story, their way.
Bourke Cemetery Tour
Join Paul as he details the lives of some of the characters buried in the Bourke cemetery.
Outback Show
A stockman style show conducted by Lachie Cosser – he is a true storyteller and animal wrangler.
Book Launch – Tony Pritchard
Partly truth, partly fiction, Tony Pritchard’s 2nd instalment of his ongoing affair with the Darling River – launched in Bourke
John Schumann & Friends play Bourke for RUOK
Over and above his passion for the work of Henry Lawson, John Schumann holds a distinguished place in the Australian music industry. Probably best known for his leadership of the legendary folk-rock band Redgum, and I Was Only 19, John Schumann has received almost every award the industry has to offer – some twice over. Free Concert – tickets required (Bourke Bowling Club)