The town of Toodyay will step back in time yet again to celebrate the life and times of the iconic Moondyne Joe by hosting the Moondyne Festival, Toodyay, bringing the infamous Avon Valley bushranger Moondyne Joe and his escapades to life. The highlight of the day being the re-enactment of Moondyne Joe’s various escapades and his mock trials.
The festival is the premier colonial festival in WA, first held in 1984 to celebrate the life and times of ‘Joseph Bolitho Johns, known as ‘Moondyne Joe’, the Avon Valley’s legendary bushranger.
The festival transforms the picturesque historical town of Toodyay into a lively all-day festival with the sound of song, dance, laughter and fun for the whole family.
The opening ceremony is at 10am. Locals and guests dress in 19th century costumes for a colourful procession down the main street, headed by the Kalamunda Pipe Band and followed by a fun, colourful, energetic and noisy parade with street actors, stilt walkers, town crier, blacksmith, wood chopping and much more.
Some 1860 costumes are available for loan to wear at the festival, email moondynecommittee@gmail.com for details.
Cheer on ‘Joe’s Gang’ and the floozies, coppers, swaggie and town crier as Joe is tried by a kangaroo court convicted by a corrupt judge and escaped with the assistance of local inhabitants who love Joe. One might say he was the WA equivalent of Ned Kelly or Robin Hood.
The festival will be held on Stirling Terrace. Toodyay which will be closed off to traffic from 8am to 5pm on Sunday 7 May.
As well as the street entertainment, there will be a variety of stalls, displays, performances and demonstrations. Arts Toodyay will present local art, while the Mad Tatters Morris, Convict Acrobats and Irish dancers will entertain you along the main street.
The Jarrah Celtic Band will delight us again with their wealth of colonial songs. Listen to Bush Poets, Australia, early settler’s music that will include Irish, Scottish, Italian and English folk, performed by various entertainers. Enjoy once again the very popular Royal Australian Navy Band and Toodyay Community Singers.
The festival follows through the main town site to the beautiful Duidgee Park resting on the banks of the Avon River which will be filled with specialty craft and food stalls. Events include log chopping, blacksmithing, bush poetry, stilt walkers, horse and cart rides, reptile display, historical tools restoration, and of course the ever-popular swaggie camp. don’t miss the vintage horse works display (circa 1850), camel rides, kids amusement rides, and a visit to Moondyne Joe’s cell at the old Newcastle Gaol Museum.
The mini train ride at Duidgee Park is always a highlight of the day.
This event is packed full of family fun and kids’ entertainment. Children will be delighted with stilt walkers, carnival, face painting, jugglers and much more.
Make sure you don’t miss this brilliant event suitable for all ages.
For more information and to view the events program visit www.moondynefestival.com.au or contact moondynecommittee@gmail.com.
