2019
The 2019 Blacksmiths Festival ended up being our largest (3500 attendees) and incorporated over a full week of activities from Sat20-Sun27th April. When compared to the 2017 festival the main changes included:
a) Setting up of an extra large forging tent to conduct a four day sculptural masterclass involving 12 blacksmiths. The masterclass was led by Jake James (Canada) and included team supervision by three renowned Australian Blacksmiths including Will Maguire (NSW), Ben Beames (TAS) and Pete Mattila (TAS). The resulting sculpture "Many Hands" is a powerful piece which can now be viewed within the studio.
b) Holding of a sellout womens workshop led by Elizabeth Belz (USA) as part of a series of pre-festival fundraising.
c) Vibrant live music from Shiraz (6 piece tradiational jazz), and local westside band Snackthoughts (Electronica/Jazz). Balkan beats were once again delivered by the five piece Babaganoush who played an amazing rendition of Titi Robin’s song “Mehdi”.
d) Expanded delivery of over 60 general forging "taster" sessions to the general public.
e) Introduction of a "Kid-Smith" cold forging area, which was incredibly popular.
f) Running a Blacksmiths Dinner at the Plough Hotel for 60 attendees with slide shows delivered style PechaKucha by various blacksmiths.
