Clarence Valley Country Muster

If you are missing the country sounds from Tamworth, fret not, as the Clarence Valley Country Muster is just around the corner.

Expanded from two days to four, the event will start on July 25^th and go to July 28^th at 11 Coulters Lane, Ulmarra, near Grafton.

You will enjoy artists such as Jade Hurley, John, Lloyd, Jack Watson, Lindsay Waddington and Jamie Davis.

Special guest artists, Paul Ricketts, Winner of the Thornton Young Award and Nay McAplin, Winner of the Walk Ups in July, will also make an appearance.

Your comperes for the main stage will be Terry Gordon OAM and Ken ‘Chainsaw’ Lindsay.

And bring those nerves with you, as from 10.30am on Thursday, aspiring artists can take their turn on the microphone, with John Lloyd hosting the walk-ups.

All acts will be vying for a gig at next July’s event.

Now is the time to grab a group of friends or family members and book your spot by heading to their website www.cvcmuster.com.au or calling Wendy Gordon on 0432 741947.

Gates open for early arrival at the muster site on Tuesday, July 23.

For $120 per person, you can enjoy a full week of camping, camaraderie and entertainment at one of the best value-for-money festivals in the Clarence Valley.

Check out is Tuesday, July 30.

If you have a fire pit, bring it along as wood will be supplied.

There will be songs around the campfire, best dressed Christmas and party games and a big finale on the Sunday.

For more local Clarence Valley news, click here.

37^th Bentley Art Prize promises to be a great event

By Samantha Elley

There has been a changing of the guard in the running of the 37th Bentley Art Prize for 2024.

For the past 18 years Bentley’s Helen Trustum has been running the show, but she has now stepped down and a new committee of eight, headed by Gordon Serone, will be taking over.

“Helen’s service to the community, for which we give hearfelt thanks, has been truly amazing,” said Gordon.

“We wish her a relaxing retirement and hope she’ll come along to join in the fun, with no responsibility.”

This year’s Bentley Art Prize is on the weekend of July 12-14, starting on the Friday night with a cheese and wine event.

“Judging will take place on Friday afternoon,” said Gordon.

“The deadline for entry submissions will be June 28 and all entries need to be at the (Bentley) hall by Thursday afternoon, July 11.

“Because the prize will be in the school holidays, if the schools want to deliver their submissions, they can deliver directly to 56 O’neill Road, Bentley.

“We’ve also changed the categories where we took out the Golden Oldies section because everyone is an oldie now.”

All the regular sponsors have continued with their support, collectively donating prizes of over $14,000.

“We are very thankful to Richmond Dairies, Richmond Valley Council, the Casino RSM Club, Macdonalds pharmacy and Dr Castagna and Richmond Valley Library,” said Gordon.

With the expectation of over 300 entries this year, Gordon said the event is shaping up to be a fabulous weekend.

“Starting with the entertainment by Jamie Sullivan on Friday night, Luke Vassella on Saturday and Croaker and the Honeybee and Sylvia Nowlan on Sunday,” said Gordon.

Judging will be done by artist Harry Westera. His work can be seen here.

The cost of submitting an artwork is $10, or free for school children.

For more Casino news, click here.

The Circus is in town and it is action packed

By Samantha Elley

Put your expectations away and open your mind to the ‘edge of your seat’ experience you will be in for when you go to see The Circus in Coffs Harbour.

“We are a seventh generation circus family, originally from Germany,” said tour manager and matriarch, Marie Weber.

“We bring acts that have never been seen under the big top in Australia before.

“These include FMX (freestyle) riders, the splitting globe of death, comedians, aerialists and even a human cannonball.”

Patriarch, Harry Weber, has been involved in the circus touring life for the past 40 years and the family are excited to be in Australia.

“We have been touring in New Zealand, South Africa, Korea and other international areas,” said Marie.

That’s no mean feat with a family of eight children who have all grown up with the circus.

“We have performers from all walks of life,” said Marie.

“There are about 40 crew and performers, including those travelling with families.”

Marie said they are all like one big happy family, especially when they have been working so closely together for so long.

“Most of us have been working together for more than 10 years,” she said.

The Circus has just wound up six shows at Lismore Showgrounds and is now heading to Coffs Harbour where they have a giveaway on their Facebook page ‘Weber Bros Entertainment’ for two VIP packages and 10 double passes to their shows.

They will be performing their action packed shows at Coffs Harbour Showground between June 6^th – 16^th.

Book your tickets at 0452003300 or online at iticket.com.au for two hours of great family entertainment. Prices range from $35 – $85 for adults and $25-$70 for children.

For more Coffs Harbour news, click here.