Blacksmithing workshops, a prohibition party, walking tours, and rides on the iconic Sunlander rail carriage will be among the attractions for all ages when Galvanized, Ipswich’s newest community festival, launches later this month.
Galvanized, running from 27 August to 5 September, brings Council and community groups together to showcase the city’s rich history, including open days, tours, demonstrations, workshops, and live shows.
It will also feature Queensland’s biggest gathering of steam and diesel road vehicles since the 1990s.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the new event comes at an important crossroads for the city.
“Ipswich was a centre for heavy industry in the 19th and 20th centuries, and we are now emerging as an advanced manufacturing hub,” Mayor Harding said.
“There are so many wonderful stories behind this transition that are just waiting to be told – stories captured by our city’s many creative, craft, train, motor and history buffs.
“From brass bands to steam engines and almost forgotten crafts that are being re-invented by the young, these are all part of the diversity of offerings that at Galvanized.
“Council is excited to partner with a range of community groups across Ipswich to bring Galvanized to life.”
Community, Culture, Arts and Sport Committee chair Cr Andrew Fechner said the Rhapsody of Road and Rail, a three-day event featuring a huge array of steam and diesel vehicles, will be a massive crowd-puller.
“On Friday September 3, Jazz and Traction will feature an evening of iconic Sunlander rail carriage rides, puffing traction engines, and big band music to transport attendees back to the 1930s,” Cr Fechner said.
“The following two days at the historic station will showcase rare and fascinating steam and diesel vehicles, re-enactments, together with vintage and retro train trips to and from the Bundamba Racecourse station.
“If that seems too big then Ipswich in Miniature, a display of heritage buildings made by Ipswich Mini Crafters, will be on at the Workshops Rail Museum from August 14 to October 17.”
Also on at the Rail Museum is a slideshow dedicated to the old practice of rail workers using their skills and crafts to make items they took home from work. It is on August 28 and 29 and September 4 and 5.
The Rail Museum will have a 1920s Prohibition Party on September 4, and revheads will enjoy Bikes, Beards and BBQ to celebrate the 50th anniversary of the Historical Motorcycle Club of Queensland on September 5 at Tulmur Place.
As well as displays of wonderful works of woodcraft, blacksmithing and quilting will feature, there is also the opportunity to participate in a variety of crafting workshops.
Among the workshops you can create wearable steampunk jewellery at the Rail Museum on August 28 and 29, learn how to make felt at the Cooneana Heritage Centre on August 30 and 31, and make a collagraph print block on September 4 at Springfield Central Library.
To heat things up, joins the blacksmithing workshop at the Rail Museum on September 4. Kids, or the young at heart, can recreate historic Ipswich buildings on a secure Minecraft server at the new Ipswich Children’s Library on August 31.
A heritage festival would not be complete without a tour of many of Ipswich’s historic and beautiful buildings.
Walking tours run daily during the festival and there are also living history tours of the Ipswich Cemetery on August 27 and 28 and September 3 and 4. Bus tours of iconic Ipswich landmarks run on August 28 and September 4.
Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage delivers a wide variety of events across 10 days. The full festival program is available at www.ipswichfestivals.com.au/galvanized
Galvanized is delivered through the support of the following partners:
Foundation Partner: Ipswich City Council; Support Partner: Built; Event Partners: 22nd Light Horse Infantry, ‘A’ Company, 15th Battalion, Amberley Brass Band, Brass Roots , Cooneana Heritage Centre, Heritage Bus Association, Heritage Centre, Historical Motor Cycle Club of Queensland, Ipswich Art Gallery, Ipswich Genealogical Society, Ipswich Historical Society, Ipswich Libraries, Ipswich Mini Crafters, Ipswich Orpheus Chorale, Ipswich RSL Sub Branch, Ipswich Visitors Information Centre, Ipswich Wood Crafts Club, Lost Ipswich, Nicholas Street Precinct, Picture Ipswich, Proms Orchestra and Choir, Queensland Metal Artisans Collective, Queensland Museum Network, Queensland Pioneer Steam Railway, Queensland Steam and Vintage Machinery Association, RAAF Amberly Aviation, Spinners, Weavers and Fibre Artisans of Ipswich Inc, The Workshops Rail Museum, Woodlands of Marburg
Program overview
Walks and Talks
Enjoy guided walking tours or join in discussions that reminisce on Ipswich’s past.
Open Days and Nights
Explore historical buildings and artefacts of yesteryear.
Woodcrafting and Blacksmithing
See how historical crafts and trades work.
Quilt and Craft Displays
Witness the art and skill of quilting and explore the history of Australian Quilts.
Exhibitions
See historical Ipswich buildings in miniature and learn about ‘Foreigners’.
Rhapsody of Road and Rail
Explore steam engine displays, re-enactments and music of the past, or ride a vintage train.
Torchlight and RAAF Aviation Heritage Tours
Tour a historical museum by night or go behind the scenes of aviation history and restorations.
Workshops
Join in hands-on heritage themed workshops.
Social Events
Celebrate all things heritage at fun social events.
Pop Up Performances, Haunted Tours and Moonshine Theatre
Enjoy a pop-up performance across the city or immerse yourself in a haunted tour or movie at Woodlands of Marburg.
