“With so many things to see and do, you will be spoilt for choice,” said Tourism Officer Lisa Kirton. 

“There are mountain bike and road bike events, a huge display of classic cars,  historic Langford House tours, a Billy Cart Derby, the Walcha Farmers Market, great food and market stalls, craft beer and boutique wines, Australian Wool Fashion Award parades, fabulous  live music, a quilt exhibition as well as free activities for the kids.”

As part of the Walcha Mountain Festival two separate bike rides will take place: the Road Ride event on Saturday, and Mountain Bike event on Sunday, supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter. 

“Both of these events have had changes made this year,” said Ms Kirton.

“On Saturday is the PKF Walcha Road Ride Challenge, which is a 75 km loop through the surrounding countryside and villages.  Due to a newly sealed section of road we have also been able to introduce a slightly shorter 56 km Challenge.”

The Carlo’s IGA Captains Ride, supporting the Westpac Rescue Helicopter Service takes place on Sunday.

“This format is completely different to the past few years,” Ms Kirton said.

“Previously the mountain bikers had to do loops of a fairly short but treacherously steep route but this year the Captains Ride will take you out and about on trails around Walcha, escorted by Westpac Rescue Helicopter staff. Morning tea will be supplied, and the riders will be back in time for lunch at Langford. Their non-participating family members can enjoy the festival whilst waiting for their return.”

From 9am there will be free kids activities, a rock climbing wall, quality food and market stalls and great entertainment. 

“Live music kicks off at 9.30am with Goldheist, a unique blend of folk, pop and classical music, followed by The BopCatz, with their fabulous mix of rockabilly and blues,” Ms Kirton said. 

The perennial Quilt Exhibition has built up a cult following over the years and it will be held over the whole weekend at the Langford Woolshed, with the official opening on Friday evening.

Saturday events will be focused around McHattan Park. 

“Come and enjoy the thrills and spill of the Walcha Billy Cart Derby, great food and produce at the Walcha Farmers Market, or find a hidden gem at the Trash & Treasure Market,” said Ms Kirton. 

“Live music at the family-friendly Commercial Hotel during the afternoon will be followed by a Neil Diamond Tribute Show at the Ex-Services Club and tickets are available from the venue.”