Community
8 September, 2023
Wreckfest full steam ahead
WARRNAMBOOL’S Flagstaff Hill will come alive with all the colour, excitement, fun and activities of the early 1800s during this year’s inaugural ‘Wreckfest’ celebration.
To be held on Sunday, November 5, this unique festival will take visitors back 150 years for an emersion into the lives of our forefathers – and offer a glimpse of the way they lived. There will be working displays, old trades, history and genealogy groups, a lighthouse display, high tea in the lovely tea rooms of Flagstaff Hill, cannons will be fired and lots more.
Wreckfest committee members Ken Sharpe, Glenda Peterson and Mark Croucher are keen to welcome visitors to the Hill for a day of history and entertainment.
The trio, who are now working hard on plans for the day’s events, say they are excited to bring this new, unique, maritime-themed festival to Flagstaff Hill Maritime Museum and Village.
“The museum and village have a unique cultural system; it portrays the story of the coast and portrays life in a shipping port back in the 1800s,” Ken said. “As a not-for-profit group our committee is certainly always on the look out for financial support for this event and welcome any contributions.”
To date, the committee has already organised a list of guest speakers, entertainment and working displays’ and the list is constantly growing.
“We’re hoping to have a maritime trade market which will include such things as a cooper, a blacksmith and lead lighting which are all very interesting trades from those early days,” Glenda said.
And visitors to Wreckfest won’t go hungry, with amply food vendors on hand to satisfy hungry stomachs, along with some traditional lollies and plenty of games and activities for children to enjoy.
“Community events have a unique ability to bring local groups together, giving people a sense of ownership and pride in their local areas and an opportunity to celebrate and embrace local diversity,” Glenda said. “We encourage people to take advantage of our on-line early bird tickets and to start planning their weekend. It’s an event not to be missed.”
Tickets will be available on-line from September 18 – just head to the Flagstaff Hill webpage and follow the events link.
