Celebrate Ipswich’s heritage at Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage
23 July 2024
Step back in time with Ipswich’s signature heritage festival, Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage.
An ode to Ipswich’s history, Galvanized will once again transform the city with First Nations experiences, blacksmithing workshops, steam train rides, haunted ghost tours, historical dances and some of the best heritage experiences.
Running from 29 August to 8 September 2024 at various locations across Ipswich, the festival is an opportunity for the community to be immersed in the rich history of Ipswich.
Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said the festival is a wonderful opportunity for families and friends to come together and delve into heritage trades, workshops and experiences.
“Galvanized started in 2021 and has quickly grown into one of the most cherished festivals of the year,” Mayor Harding said.
“An exciting new addition to this year’s festival is the Indigenous Wild Food and Cultural Festival.
“Taking place on Saturday 31 August, the festival will include talented Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, food and cooking demonstrations, cultural performances, and fireworks. The First Nations festival has been running for the last four years in various locations and we’re lucky enough to have it in Ipswich this year.
“This is just one of the highlights of the festival. This year’s program boasts over 30 events, dedicated to the local heritage that residents of every age will enjoy, whether it’s learning the dances of yesteryear or taking a tour through historic buildings, its sure to be a festival to remember.”
Ipswich is proud to have a large number of heritage buildings. Over the 11 days, locals will be able to delve into the history of these fascinating structures with walking tours of the old Ipswich courthouse, churches, pubs and civic buildings.
With Father’s Day falling on the first Sunday of Galvanized, there are opportunities to spoil dad with the Steam & Smoke BBQ at Queensland Museum Rail Workshops, making treasured memories with vintage vehicles or a steam train ride.
Economic and Cultural Development Committee Chairperson Councillor Pye Augustine said she’s thrilled to see the history of Ipswich brought to life during the festival.
“Galvanized has a phenomenal lineup of events and experiences over 11 days,” Cr Augustine said.
“The Baker’s Ball is going to be a fantastic night out reliving the 1940s WWII Victory Dinner Dance but if you’re not interested in dancing the night away, take the chance to experience the oldest form of flight with a hot air balloon ride as the sun rises.”
“The lineup of workshops included in this year’s festival is incredible; try your hand at blacksmithing, take a tour of Nerima Gardens and learn the ritual of Japanese-tea making, or if you’re ready to unleash your creativity, learn how to sandblast a drinking glass. If you want to take part in the festival from the comfort of your own home, show off your LEGO master skills by recreating a heritage image with ‘Brickswich’, an online event. Your creation could be selected to be featured on the Picture Ipswich website.”
The full Galvanized festival program is available from 24 July at Galvanizedipswich.com.au
Galvanized – A Festival of Heritage is proudly funded through the Queensland Government’s Showcasing Queensland Heritage grants program.