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Six of the best day trips from Perth..

We are super happy and very proud that York made it in a piece about Six of the best day trips from Perth. Of course, we are just 97km from Central Perth, a relaxing 90 minute drive so the perfect day trip destination.

The article appears in the Big Bus tour and travel guide, an Australian travel website that brings readers tour and travel ideas from around the world.

What’s more, the article Six of the best day trips from Perth shows how York is punching way above its weight with the other 5 in the list being Mandurah, Pinnacles, Swan Valley, Perth Hills and Margaret River ( journo has a helicopter?!).

Step back in time in York

“What do haunted hospitals, giant animals sculpted out of straw, and motorcycle festivals all have in common? You’ll find them all in York — an hour and a half east of Perth by car. If you’re looking for somewhere a bit quirky to visit, this town nestled in the Avon Valley should suit.”

We agree, so ignore the other 5 and come visit us! 😉 September or October is the perfect time to visit, the spring is glorious in the Avon Valley, the canola crops are stunning and if you visit between 28 September and 13 October the town will be buzzing with the York Festival, the Medieval Fayre and the Art & Craft Awards!

You might need more than a day trip, so check out the extraordinary variety of accommodation on offer in York and make a weekend of it. We’ve got heritage hotels and boutique bed & breakfasts in every price range.

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York Festival named as one of the Avon Valley’s biggest events on the tourist calendar!

One of a number of our funding applications for this year’s York Festival has been confirmed!

Tourism WA received 120 applications for funding through the Regional Events Scheme and The Avon Descent, York Festival, Beverley Heroic, Northam Motor Sport Festival and Moondyne Festival will all receive funds to support the planned activities.

Tourism WA’s Regional Events Scheme (RES), supported by Royalties for Regions, is an annual funding round for smaller, developing regional events across the State.

The scheme is administered by Tourism WA and supports regional events in WA that:

  • bring additional tourism income to regional communities by increasing visitor numbers and expenditure in the host community (economic impact);
  • attract media coverage that will help raise the profile of the region as a tourist destination (media impact);
  • involve and inspire the local community (social benefits);
  • extend the length of the traditional tourist seasons and better utilise tourism facilities and services during off-peak or shoulder periods;
  • improve the vibrancy and vitality of the State; and
  • support job creation in regional WA and benefit social amenity and wellbeing of regional WA.

In addition, it is advantageous if the event has a strong point of difference and/or profiles the unique features of the town and/or region.

The Wara Art Sculptures are unique to York and are made from wheat straw, directly linking into the Wheatbelt farming industry.

Japan’s iconic Udon noodles need premium wheat varieties to produce a flawless product. Did you know this wheat is sourced from Western Australia, the world’s leading supplier of noodle wheat into Japan and Korea?

We are proud to have been successful with this grant applications. We have a number of other funding applications pending so watch this space for further updates…


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Pitch your project!

Do you have a killer event or project you would like to present for the 2019 York Festival?  

The York Festival is inviting submissions from anyone or any organisation interested in putting forward their pet project for possible inclusion in the Festival’s 2019 program. 

These can be free or ticketed events and ideas to be considered could include but are not limited to: exhibitions, shows, displays, demonstrations or performances. 

If necessary, we can help you find the right location but those submitting a proposal will be entirely responsible for all matters related to staging the event, including all costs.  A programming fee will be payable and amount payable will depend on the organisation or individual holding the event, whether the event is ticketed, duration etc.

All you need to do is provide a synopsis of up to 50 words, website URL, social media pages, name of organisation and a graphic that represents the project.  Email your proposal to Festival Director at jenny@yorkfestival.com.au. 

Deadline for submissions 1/8/19. We look forward to hearing your proposals!

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York Arts & Events, Inc. 2019 AGM

The York Arts & Events, Incorporated 2019 Annual General Meeting will be held at 7.30pm on Wednesday 12 June at Hope Farm, 15 Carter Road, York WA 6302.

Please RSVP to jo@yorkfestival.com.au if you are able to attend the Annual General Meeting.

The Agenda for the meeting will include an update on grant funding applications for the 2019 York Festival,  this year taking place over three weekends from Saturday 28 September to Sunday 13 October.

We will also be able to share some info on the planned program.

2019 York Arts & Events, Inc.  AGM

 AGENDA

  1. Chairperson’s opening
  2. Apologies
  3. Minutes of previous meeting
  4. Business arising from the minutes
  5. Correspondence
  6. Chairperson’s report
  7. Treasurer’s report
  8. Election of committee members
  9. Questions and discussion
  10. Next meeting
  11. Close

We’d like to thank all our members, supporters and volunteers, we are excited about the plans for this year and look forward to sharing more information with you!

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2019 Branding has arrived!

When you think of a Wheatbelt Festival, what comes to mind?

This year’s festival branding incorporates intensive Wheatbelt colours, the deep turquoise skies and the evening sun on the golden wheat.

The imagery has been updated to reflect the importance of the Wara Art to the Festival.

The team has been busy submitting funding applications and planning the program.

Watch this space for more info coming soon!

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Wara Art Launches at The Act-Belong-Commit 2018 York Festival

The Act-Belong-Commit York Festival has been hosting the Hay Bale Challenge sculpture competition in recent years.  Now we’re taking straw sculptures to new heights – very new heights.

Japanese artist, Akira Moriya, will be travelling down under to oversee construction of three straw sculptures of endangered Australian fauna up to 4 metres high.  Mr Moriya, a veteran of Wara (rice straw) Art, has led the creation of around 20 rice straw sculptures.  While few of us have heard of Wara Art, in Japan it’s been a growing attraction that has spawned Wara Art Festival across Japan, so it is with great excitement that its inclusion in the 2018 York Festival will be the first time Wara Art has been seen outside of Asia.

Supported Festivals Australia, Healthway, the Shire of York and the Department of Local Government, Sport & Cultural Industries.

 Like to get involved?

Over five weeks, Mr Moriya will lead a team of artists and volunteers to create the sculptures in and around the York town site.  You can be part of this exciting project, so if you’re interested in being a volunteer, we’d love to hear from you – email us here.

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Songwriting Workshop

Songwriting Workshop – turning stories into song for 7-10year olds.  The songbirds will then hold a performance of their fresh jams.

Date: Sunday 15th October

Time: 1pm (1 hour)

Performance: 2pm- 230pm

Your creative composers may also be interested in participating in the *Free-form play* sessions, running in the afternoons on both Saturday and Sunday.

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Baba-Lala Musical Playtime

Music, movement, rhythm and rhyme especially designed for babies and little children, from 6months to 6 years old. (45minutes)

BABA LALA
Session Times:

SAT October 14th
10.45am & 1pm

followed by*Free form play* in the afternoon (after 2pm)

SUN October 15th
10.45am

followed by *Free form play* in the afternoon (after 230pm)

*Free-form play* are creative expression sessions for children of all ages. Come have a jam. Join a drum circle. Sing along. Learn some body percussion. Get involved in some interactive storytelling. Play, explore, express! (no set duration)