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Regional Arts Development Central West NSW

Arts Restart Micro Grant supports: Festival of the Bells

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May 7-9, Bathurst.  Carillonists and bellringers from around the country, together with the absolute best local adult and school bands, orchestras, choirs and ensembles. Supported by an Arts OutWest Micro Grant.

Bathurst has a world-class Carillon, one of three Carillons in Australia and the only one in the whole of regional and rural Australia.

Bathurst is also the only place in the world where a Carillon with its fixed bells is located near a Cathedral Belltower with swinging bells, creating a unique sound when played together.

The Festival features a packed program of music including classical, contemporary, and world music performed by local musicians intertwined with never-before-heard recitals on the newly installed clavier inside the Carillon.

The inaugural Festival, held from 7 – 9 May 2021, will address the commemorative nature of the Carillon as a War Memorial through a moving Last Post Ceremony on Friday evening, followed by two days of entertainment and celebration.

To keep the Festival COVID-Safe, the event is free, but ticketed to 5 separate sessions of 500 attendees each. You must obtain a ticket to enter your chosen session/s. A limited number of additional tickets will be available at the festival gate.

See the full program and book a ticket

This event is supported by Arts OutWest through an Arts Restart Micro Grant. Funds will contribute to the completion of a commission by Carillion Society of Australia for composer Gerard Brophy for the festival.