This was published 7 years ago
Majura Valley Bush Festival expected to return next year - with some tweaking
By Megan Doherty
All those involved with the inaugural Majura Valley Bush Festival last weekend have confirmed it will be back next year and it is likely to become an annual event.
The entirely volunteer-run event on the property Springfield on Majura Road attracted more than 8000 people on April 30.
Organiser Sherry McArdle-English said it had been extraordinary turn-out for the first-time event and the small committee who ran it, was overwhelmed by the response.
The day was meant to showcase the ACT's rural heritage and the working farms and produce of the Majura Valley.
"The farmers of the Majura Valley were overwhelmed by the response of the Canberra community on the day," Ms McArdle-English said.
"All day we saw smiling happy faces with people congratulating us on the true sense of grass roots heritage and farming displays."
Ms McArdle-English said there would be a review of the day and likely changes would be drawing the attractions closer together rather than spread along the valley.
"This was our inaugural bush festival and we now realise we need to redesign the layout of the event," she said.
That meant making the events more accessible but still giving visitors a full flavour of all the valley had to offer.
The festival was held on the property, Springfield, owned by Paul Keir. He generously opened the gates to the farm to let the general Canberra community understand a little more about the rural heritage of the national capital.
"It was great fun too - we enjoyed seeing everyone having a great time on the farm," he said.
"We had 110 volunteer t-shirts and we filled them all. Everyone did a fantastic job."
The organisers say they may be seeking some government funding next year to cope with issues such as traffic management.
"It'll definitely be back next year," Mr Keir said.