THE 51-year-old Back To Bowra Festival is scheduled for 14 November this year and organisers say they have planned a jam-packed day that includes even more of the traditional events for which the festival is famous.
Despite a hiatus of more than a decade, a group of committed locals reinstated the historic festival in November of last year to overwhelming success, with thousands of people visiting the small town of Bowraville.
This year, a volunteer committee, led by President Barney Townley and Vice President Gav MacKinnon, says it will run popular staples like the billy carts and whip-cracking competitions over a longer time-span to allow more to take part.
“In 2026, we are bringing back two popular events that many will remember – Gumboot throwing and the Mullen’s Mail Ride, a horse ride that leaves from Bowraville in the morning and returns for the festival at 11am,” Mr Townley told NOTA.
“We have also arranged for the town’s two historic museums, the Bowraville Folk Museum and the Frank Partridge Military Museum, to be open and allow visitors free access to their exhibits for the day.
“So between these highlights and our markets, musical events, whip cracking, billy carts, street parade, tug of war and all-day children’s activities, we think there should be something for everyone at this year’s Back to Bowra,” he added.
Another addition in 2026 is a passport competition whereby festival attendees can receive stamps on their official program as they visit events, with the first 200 visitors to collect all eight stamps eligible for a prize from staff at Bowraville Theatre.
From the stage, events will be compered by actor and stuntman Neil Fanning, known to some as the voice of Scooby-Doo in several popular movies of the same name.
Also on offer are performances by Bowraville school children and local musicians.
Finally, onstage from 2.30pm, recognised as front man of Australian band, the Sacred Crows, as well as for his participation in reality television program ‘The Voice’, Glenn Whitehall will perform covers with the Valley Seekers.
The festival is made possible by the support of Nambucca Valley Council, Transport for NSW, News Of The Area and a host of local businesses and runs between 10 am and 4 pm on Saturday 14 November in Bowraville’s High Street.
Most Back to Bowra events are free to enter but some require registration.
Further details can be found online at the festival’s website backtobowra.com.au.
By Ned COWIE
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