Program
This is the 2018 program and is for only to provide an indication of what you might expect for the 2019 program. We are currently working on the 2019 program. The program will be available here. It will also be distributed in local newspapers prior to the festival. Copies of the program will also be available at the Visitors Information Centre.
2018 Festival Program
Quick links
This is the program for 2018. Some of the events are still in the process of being finalised so there may be additional events or cancellations so please check the program closer to the actual event.
For any one who would like to hold an event during the festival, please contact the Bright Autumn Festival committee at enquiries@brightautumnfestival.org.au.
Friday, April 27
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
28 Mountbatten Ave, Bright
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
Up to 1000 quality Art Works! One of Australia’s largest and best Art Shows! Don’t miss this chance to view or purchase a piece of fine artwork as a quality memento of your visit. Works for every budget and taste! Smaller items of woodwork and jewellery will also be available.
Entry $5, Children/Students free.
Phone: (03) 5750 1074
www.brightartgallery.org.au
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Wandiligong Historic Public Hall
462 Morses Creek Rd, Wandiligong
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
Enjoy its period charm as you browse in comfort through the many stalls, showcasing locally grown produce and hand crafted goods – exquisite hand dyed scarves, cushions, blankets, handmade cards, jewellery-novelty items, homemade jams, preserves and other wickedly indulgent treats. The annual Autumn Craft and Produce market not to be missed!
Entry: Voluntary donation
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Bright Autumn Instameet
27th, 28th & 29th April, various locations and times
If you love taking photos and would like to capture some of Australia’s most spectacular autumn colours, come along to Bright 2018 Autumn-Instameet. Join a gathering of photographers, keen, amateur, Instagramers, new and established. Bright Mystic, Bright Brewery and Bright & Surrounds will be hosting a weekend of sunsets, sunrises and a few favourite locations in between. Share in a weekend of inspirational images, tips and laughter.
Tickets include transport (including Mount Buffalo), breakfast and dinner on Saturday, workshop and guided walks for all locations.
Limited numbers book early.
For more information: www.visitbright.com.au/listing/bright-2018-instameet-autumn-bright/
Sunrises & Sombreros
From 9am – 1pm
28th to 30th April, and 4th to 7th May
Soak up the scenery on a fab electric bike ride along the Murray to Mountains Rail Trail from Bright to a Mexican themed breakfast at the Rail Trail Café in Porepunkah. Round off the perfect morning taking in the views and tasting the range at Ringer Reef cellar door.
Entry $79 per person
Please contact Leigh at Bright Electric Bikes
Phone: 03 5755 1309
Email: leigh@brightelectricbikes.com.au
www.brightelectricbikes.com.au
Bright Alpine Actors Inc
‘It’s My Party (And I’ll Die If I Want To)’
Bright Court House, 1-3 Park Street, Bright
7.30pm (except Sunday 30th April at 2pm)
26th to 28th April, and 3rd to 5th May
A laugh out loud black comedy.
Entry: $25, $20 concession. Family prices on request.
Tickets available at Country Collectables, 24 Ireland Street, Bright or at www.trybooking.com/ULDF
Phone: 03 5750 1853
Winding Road Design studio
‘Organic Exhibition’
100 Gavin Street, Bright
10am to 5pm daily, 27th April to 6th May
We are glad to present to you a unique photographic exhibition called “ORGANIC” by local professional photographer Jean-Pierre Ronco.
This exhibition captures the organic life present in our beautiful valley.
Entry: Free.
www.windingroaddesignstudio.com
Saturday, April 28
Wandi Nut Festival
Alpine Park, Wandiligong
9am – 4pm
The Wandiligong Nut Festival celebrates our local growers during their harvest bringing fabulous varieties of nuts and other fresh produce available in our cool climate during the autumn season.
The only nut festival of its kind in Australia!
Located at the Alpine Park, Wandiligong, nestled among heritage trees and gums near Morses Creek.
Come and enjoy local stallholders, cooking demonstrations, roasted chestnuts, local craft, food, wine and music. For the children we have a petting zoo and face painting.
Entry: $2 gold coin donation for adults and free for children under 12 years.
All Day
• Produce and Artisan Market
• Chestnuts
• Hazelnuts
• Walnuts
• Nut cracking tables
• Local apples
• Local beer
• Local cider
• Local wine
• Regional olive oil
• Food stalls
• Handmade craft stalls
• Chestnut roasting
• Children’s activities
• Raffle
• Live music
• Cooking demonstration by Patrizia Simone & Jean-Pierre Ronco
www.brightvic.com/wandinutfestival/
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
See Friday April 27
Bright Autumn Instameet
Various locations and times
See Friday April 27
Sunrises & Sombreros
From 9am – 1pm
28th to 30th April, and 4th to 7th May
See Friday April 27
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Sunday, April 29
Church Services
Visitors to Bright during Autumn Festival are welcome
to attend any of the local Sunday church services:
• 9.30am Uniting Church in Ireland St
• 10am Church of Christ in Park St
• 10.30am Catholic Church in Coronaton Ave
• 11am Anglican Church in Church St
Historic Buckland Cemetery Tour
Meeting Bright Museum, Railway Ave, Bright
Starting 9.30am
Meet at the Bright Museum, maps and information provided. Drive in your own car to the Buckland Cemetery where a local historian will give a brief history of the gold rush days in the
Buckland and the lives and tragedies that befell the early gold seekers.
Entry: $10 including a delicious country morning tea
with homemade cakes, tea and coffee in the beautful
gardens of John and Nanete Hall, who live next door to
the cemetery.
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Flea Market
Bright Brewery, 121 Great Alpine Road, Bright
8am to 1pm
Take a stroll around the 20 stalls and pick up a bargain of old wares and second-hand items at the first Bright Autumn Festival Flea Market supported by Bright Brewery.
Located on the land next to Bright Brewery, 121 Great Alpine Road, Bright.
Entry: Gold coin donation. Proceeds to Bright RSL Sub-branch.
To book a stall holder space, please download the Application Form here Autumn Flea Market Application Form
Bright & District Historical Society Museum
Railway Ave, Bright
Open 2pm – 4pm (Sun, Tue and Thur during festival)
A range of nostalgic items depicting the towns early days including rail & mining history.
Entry: Adults $3, Children $1
Bright Fun Run
Pioneer Park Oval
Starting 8am
The Bright Fun Run is now in its 8th year and is a great morning out for both families and the serious runner alike. Whether you want to support your kids in the 2km, challenge yourself in the half marathon or chase the single track on the trail runs there is an event to suit you
The event includes a 2, 5, 10 & 21.1km road course and a 5.4, 8.1 and 13.3km Trail Runs. You won’t find a more picturesque running course surrounded by tree covered hills, mountain fresh air and crystal clear creeks.
Entry 1/2 hour before the event or register on-line at www.brightfunrun.com.au. Early bird entry prices for entries before April 15.
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
See Friday April 27
Sunrises & Sombreros
From 9am – 1pm
28th to 30th April, and 4th to 7th May
See Friday April 27
Bright Autumn Instameet
Various locations and times
See Friday April 27
Monday, April 30
Social Tennis
Bright Tennis Club, Coronaton Ave, Bright
Starting 1pm
Cost: $2 per person, includes a cuppa
Murders & Mysteries
Meet at the Alpine Visitor Informaton Centre, 119 Gavan Street, Bright
Starting 6pm (tour approx. 1 hour)
In the streets of Bright, learn about some of Bright’s darker side. Warm clothing essential.
Entry: $5 per person to Bright Historical Society
The Red Stag – Deer and Emu Tourist Farm
324 Hughes Lane, Eurobin
Open 10am – 4pm
Enjoy a light snack or gourmet meal. Animal feeding, deer, emu, ostrich & goats, including bottle feeding the kids. Mini golf & playground. Commentary regarding the history, animal characteristics & byproducts at 10am.
Entry: Free
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
See Friday April 27
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Tuesday, May 1
U3A Casual Cycle Group
Meet at Old Railway Shed, Railway Ave, Bright
Starting 9am
Enjoy a leisurely ride with locals and coffee afterwards.
Cost: Free, coffee at own expense. Be aware that this ride is not covered by insurance.
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Bright Photography Workshop 2018
From 1st to 5th May
In the words of renowned landscape and wilderness photographer Cam Blake. “This stunning alpine country town in the north east of Victoria just screams out to be photographed in autumn. Alpine roads lined with the brilliant vibrancy of autumn make for one of the most spectacular locations to shoot.” Cam will be hosting his first Bright Autumn Festival Workshop and he is super excited about showing you all just how amazing this small township and surroundings are.
For more information on the workshop and pricing see www.camblakephotography.com.au
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
See Friday April 27
Bright & District Historical Society Museum
Open 2pm – 4pm (Sun, Tue and Thur during festival)
See Sunday April 29
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Wednesday, May 2
Metal and Wood Day
Discover the talented people who design and make quality products in our valley. Visit one or all of the following.
Suggested itinerary, 1pm – 3pm:
Leigh Kennedy, “Hand Crafted Wood”
337 Roberts Creek Rd, Porepunkah
Bespoke furniture, Artsan Gifs.
Steve Brown, “Made in the Country”
152 Great Alpine Road, Harrietville
Furniture & Sculpture from reclaimed wood & metal.
Simon Pankhurst, “Artist Blacksmith”
69 Churchill Ave, Bright
Workshop and gallery.
Bright Men’s Shed
Churchill Ave Bright (near CFA)
Finish here to view equipment & products.
Cuppa at 3pm Gold coin donation.
Goats & Lions Art
26 Coronation Avenue, Bright.
Studio & Blacksmith Forge.
Entry: Free, with products for sale
A Day in Harrietville
Four Gardens and the Gold Shed accompanied tour.
Start at 10.00am Shadybrook Cottages 20 mountain view walk.
2 gardens in the morning with guided tour.
BYO or buy lunch in Harrietville 1pm to 2pm
Afternoon tour start 2.00pm at the Historical Museum then two more gardens.
The tour includes a great variety of gardens both in style and size, Harrietville is a mountain village with an amazing history and magnificent scenery.
For more information call John 0438 050 475
Bright Singer Concert ‘2018 Autumn Concert’
Bright Community Centre, Railway Ave, Bright
Starting 8pm
Cost: $12 per person, Children free. Supper, gold coin donation for local chairity.
Tickets at Country Collectibles, Ireland St, or at the door.
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Flower Arranging Demonstration
Uniting Church Hall, Bright
Starting 2pm
Bright Lions A3820 Ladies Auxiliary will hold flower arranging demonstration and tips on indoor plant care by Hayley, local florist and talk on Felting by Mandy of Lyrebird, followed by afternoon tea.
Cost: $8 per person.
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
See Friday April 27
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Thursday, May 3
Gold Mine Visit and Bright State Battery
Meet at the Bright Museum, Railway Ave, in your own transport
Starting 9.30am
Visit a Gold Mine site near Wandiligong, then travel in convoy to the State Battery in Coronation Ave near the junction of Churchill Ave for an opportunity to see an intact Quartz crushing battery.
Cost: $10 including tea, coffee and a biscuit.
Croquet Social Day
Bright Croquet Club, Burke Street, Bright
10am – 3pm
Come and try croquet, have fun and exercise at one of the oldest clubs in Victoria. Come for an hour or stay longer and enjoy a cuppa with a biscuit.
Cost: $5
Phone: 03 5750 1437
Australian Pumpkin Seed Company
5061 Great Alpine Road, Ovens
Open 12pm – 3pm
Enjoy a European specialty seed and nut oil appreciation tasting.
Entry: Free. No appointment necessary.
Tel: (03) 5752 1199
www.pumpkinseed.net.au
Bright Brewery Bush Dance
121 Great Alpine Rd, Bright
Starting 6pm
Round up your gang, grab your partner and swing on into Bright Brewery for a colourful night of bush dancing and fun, which will raise money to support the future of Brights Autumn Festival.
This special event is a community fundraiser that will help showcase the spectacular Autumn season in beautiful Bright. Wear your best bush attire.
$5 from every ticket sale is donated to Bright Autumn Festival.
Cost: Adults $15 / Kids $10 (under 18) / Family $40 (2 adults & 2 children)
Contact Bright Brewery for more details and to buy our tickets online.
Ranger Guided Walk
Mt Buffalo Natonal Park – Dickson Falls
Meet at Cresta car park
11am – 12.30pm
Join the Park Ranger for a 1.5hr guided walk (gentle, no steep ascents or descents) across open snow plains and through Snow Gum woodlands to the edge of the plateau. Discover some of the park’s unique history and take in the lovely views over the Buckland Valley and across to the Australian Alps..
Entry: Free, please book (limited group size)
For further information or to book, please call Michelle Doherty
Phone: 03 8427 2581
Email: michelle.doherty@parks.vic.gov.au
Bright & District Historical Society Museum
Open 2pm – 4pm (Sun, Tue and Thur during festival)
See Sunday April 29
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
See Friday April 27
Sunrises & Sombreros
From 9am – 1pm
27th to 29th April, and 3rd to 6th May
See Friday April 27
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Friday, May 4
Red Cross Morning Tea & Stall
Uniting Church grounds, Ireland St, Bright
Open 9am – 12 noon
Homemade jams, sauce, relish. Delicious cakes. Books, bric-a-brac.
Cost: Morning tea is $5 per person
Murders & Mysteries
Starting 6pm (tour approx. 1 hour)
See Monday April 30
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Bright Astronomy Club
‘Star Gazing Night’
Bright Memorial Arboretum
Open 7pm – 10pm
Enjoy an evening of star gazing.
Cost: Gold coin entry.
Contact Club President Zachary on 0438 863 739 for more details.
Wandiligong Autumn Craft & Produce Market
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 14th April to 5th May
See Friday April 27
Sunrises & Sombreros
From 9am – 1pm
27th to 29th April, and 43rd to 6th May
See Friday April 27
Bright Singer Concert ‘2018 Autumn Concert’
Starting 8pm
See Wednesday May 2
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Photography Workshop
Winding Road Design Studio, 100 Gavin Street, Bright
1:30pm to 5pm
Jean-Pierre Ronco will conduct a photography workshop to celebrate his exhibition “ORGANIC” at Winding Road Design Studio in Bright.
Open to everyone from beginners to the most advanced photographers. We will meet between 1:30pm and 2pm at the Winding Road Design Studio. From 2pm to 5pm we will be on site to capture the Autumn colours in the Alpine Valley.
Limited numbers so book early.
For more information go to www.imagewriter.weebly.com
Saturday, May 5 – Bright Rotary Gala Day
9am – 4pm – Bright Gala Day Market & Street Entertainment
Main Street in Bright
9am – 4pm
Many market stalls, live bands, food, children’s entertainment and buskers.
1.45pm – GRAND PARADE
Theme “Our Town, Your Town”
Starting 1.45pm
The highlight of the Festival. Floats from businesses & community groups, brass & pipe bands and street entertainment.
To lodge an entry to participate in the 2018 Gala Parade, please download the entry form here 2018 Gala Day Parade Entry Form.
3pm – Bright’s Got Talent
Sibley Sound Shell, Howitt Park,Bright
3pm
Brought to you be participants of The Mandala Project’s Emerging Leader’s Program.
All acts welcome – young, old, musicians, comedy, poetry – the more the merrier. There is no cost to enter and there will be some great prizes on offer.
For more information contact Anthony Nicholson on 0435 910 357.
4pm – 9pm – Bright Brewery Bon Fire
121 Great Alpine Road, Bright
4pm – 9pm
Bonfire, mini-market vibe, demonstrations, music.
Entry: Free
5pm – Evening Tour of Bright Pioneer Cemetery
Coronation Ave, Bright
Starting 5pm
Tales of robbery, murder and hardship from the gold rush days. Tour depending on weather.
Entry: $5 per person to Bright Historical Society
7pm – Darebin City Brass – Preston Band Concert
Bright Community Hall – Railway Ave
Doors open 7pm. Concert 7.30pm
Darebin City Brass – Preston Band is the premier band in one of the most recognised brass band organisations in Australia, with a proud history formed over 83 years. Darebin City Brass is a community-based group who strive to produce quality music.
Cost: Adults $15 Concession $10.
Supper available – Gold coin donation.
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Sunrises & Sombreros
From 9am – 1pm
27th to 29th April, and 3rd to 6th May
See Friday April 27
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Sunday, May 6
Freeburgh Bush Market
Freeburgh – 9km from Bright on the Great Alpine Rd
9am – 1pm
Variety of stalls, morning tea & BBQ available.
Entry: Free. All proceeds towards the new hall.
Farm Connection: A Journey to Wellbeing
Wandiful Produce, Morses Creek Road, Wandiligong
8am – 12pm
Spend a morning on a small biodynamic farm in Wandiligong, slowing down making connections between; – healthy food through soil and getting dirty hands; a more aware mind through meditation practice; an energised and nourished body through yoga.
Share the day’s journey with friends or family and meet new friends on the day, while also enjoying fresh farm to table food, the simple pleasure of walking in the nearby forest and breathing the peppermint gum infused air.
Facilitating your journey is Emily Rose of Emily Rose Yoga and Megan Hughes of Wandiful Produce.
Cost: Adults $100, Children $50. between 12 & 18yo, includes brunch at the farm
Contact Emily Rose
Phone: 0431 423 442
Email: hello@emilyroseyoga.com
www.emilyroseyoga.com
Music Music Music at the Bright Soundshell
Howitt Park, Bright
11.am – 2pm
Mt Beauty Community Band a local and very popular band will play from 11am-2pm
Entry: Free
Open Gardens
No’s 1. 3. 4. 5. 6. 8. 10.11.12.13.14.15.16 & (9. by appointment only)
Seventeen wonderful gardens are on display, enjoy their splendid autumn colours and be inspired by their diverse styles and designs.
Enjoy these wonderful gardens open today, for more details click here. Open Gardens Full List.
Suitcase Sale
Bright Museum, Railway Ave, Bright
2pm – 4pm
A fun and different event held on the old railway platform. Bring along anything you can ft in a suitcase. Pick a spot and open your case. A great way to get rid of those unwanted knick-knacks, or for those crafty folk, sell your creations.
Entry: $3, $5 to sell wares. School children entry free
and are encouraged to be a part of this fun event
Church Services
See Sunday April 29
Bright Art Gallery’s Autumn Art Exhibition & Sale
Open daily 10am – 4pm, 29th March to 14th May
See Friday April 27
Bright & District Historical Society Museum
Open 2pm – 4pm (Sun, Tue and Thur during festival)
See Sunday April 29
Sunrises & Sombreros
From 9am – 1pm
27th to 29th April, and 3rd to 6th May
See Friday April 27
Bright Singer Concert ‘2018 Autumn Concert’
2pm matinee only
See Wednesday May 2
Cloud Nine Cinema – Short Film Festival
15 short films – An opportunity to see firsthand how talented and inspiring people from around Australia weave their magic on the big screen!
2pm matinee only
Cloud Nine will also be running an Autumn Film Festival from the 16th – 30th May.
Purchase a $30 AFF Voucher and watch 3 movies of your choice for the 2 week Autumn Film Festival.
2019 Dates
We will be back even bigger and better in 2019 from Friday 26th April to Sunday 5th May 2019.