The star quality of the historic Western Downs town of Dalby and surrounds will be showcased to the world next month with its first Big Skies festival spanning nine days of “top act” music, food, fashion, unique country experiences and galaxy gazing.
The birthplace of a real life star in Oscar nominee Margot Robbie, Dalby and the Downs are known for the beauty of millions of other stars.
Big Skies festival celebrates those endless blankets of stars at night followed by postcard worthy blue skies during the day.
Many of the festival events will be held at historic Jimbour Station, 30 kilometres from Dalby, home of one of Australia’s most gracious historical homes Jimbour House, which dates back to 1873.
The festival runs from Saturday April 28 to Sunday May 6, with the jewel in the crown being the Day On The Plain musical extravaganza at the Jimbour amphitheatre on Saturday, May 5, boasting some of Australia’s biggest musical names.
Included in the star-studded lineup will be the Eurogliders, Wendy Matthews, Joe Camilleri and The Black Sorrows, Glenn Shorrock, Richard Clapton, Frankie J Holden and Wilbur Wilde.
From long lunches to hot air balloon rides, watching movies under the stars to picnic races – there is something for everyone.
The Dalby Picnic Race Day at Bunya Park Racecourse, which will kick off the festival on Saturday, April 28, is listed to run from 1pm “til late” indicating the day out will go on well past the last race and provide a fitting launch pad for what is to follow.
Festival-goers will be able to enjoy a variety of free and paid events suitable for foodies, families and fashion-lovers alike, with out of town visitors having the option of camping packages at Jimbour Station.
While the Day on the Plain music show is priced at $79 (doors open 10am with bookings essential) there are many other events that are free, including Cinema Under the Stars at Jimbour Station on Wednesday, May 2 and Thursday, May 3, Big Night Sky Guided Tour of the Galaxy on Friday, May 4 and Food & Fibre Festival, at Jimbour Amphitheatre on Sunday, May 6..
Snuggle up and settle in to see the Western Downs on the big screen with entries from the Smart Phone Short Film Festival, followed by an exclusive screening of a new release movie.
Visitors will be able to see what makes the Western Downs great from the ground up, recognising the rich and productive agriculture in the region and all that is locally grown and sewn.
Approximately 208 kilometres west northwest of Brisbane, at the junction of the Warrego, Moonie and Bunya Highways, Dalby is the centre of Australia’s richest grain and cotton growing area.
Big Sky Festival
Saturday, April 28 – Dalby Picnic Races.
Wednesday, May 2 – Dalby Sales Yard Tour
Wednesday, May 2 & Thursday May 3 – Cinema Under the Stars
Thursday, May 3 & Friday, May 4 – Camp Oven Experience
Friday, May 4 – Big Night Sky – Guided Tour of the Galaxy
Saturday, May 5 – Day on the Plain music concert
Sunday, May 6 – Hot Air Balloon Breakfast
Sunday, May 6 – Hot Air Balloon Ride
Sunday, May 6– Food and Fibre
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