A SMALL but committed group of local volunteers has united to recreate a well-loved and famous event, the Back to Bowra Festival in the main street of Bowraville.
The festival will be held on 15 November 2025.
The history of this event goes back to 1975, when the thriving town of Bowraville and its original school, Bowraville Central School, celebrated their centenary.
The celebrations in October of that year, included competitions and activities, the burying of two time-capsules, a parade several kilometres long, markets, a marching band and many other events stretching over more than ten days.
Local Barney Townley remembers the fanfare and excitement he enjoyed at Back to Bowra festivals in the past.
“I won the Mayoral Cup in the billy cart races a couple of times,” he told NOTA with pride.
According to Barney, the Mullins Mail Ride was another highlight of the original festival.
Riders on horseback, many from the pony club in town, would ride out towards Simpsons Ridge following the historic path of the original postman, Jimmy Mullins, who had a fourteen-kilometre route out of Bowraville.
“Then they would return to the town to participate in the parade,” Barney added.
The festival was run regularly for 34 years before ceasing more than 15 years ago.
It is believed it was stopped due to a lack of interest and committee members.
The 2025 Back to Bowra committee of around eight includes Barney and Nambucca Valley Councillor Jane Smith.
“We have bookings for over 50 market stalls, with whip cracking, tug-o-war, billy cart races and a lunch time parade also on the schedule so far,” he said.
“Live music will be playing on the main street stage throughout the day, and we are hoping many local businesses will get on board and support us.”
Barney believes the parade could be a great opportunity for local businesses to advertise by creating a float.
“That could be just something small on the back of a ute or whatever, but the main thing is to have fun with it,” he said.
Bowraville’s 150th year celebrations are expected to span two days in 2025 with the actual Back to Bowra festival to be held on Saturday, 15 November.
On 14 November, Bowraville Central School will hold an open day inviting past staff, students and members of the public to join in activities and share nostalgic memories with its present-day attendees.
For more information, head to www.backtobowra.com.au.
By Ned COWIE
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