After years of planning, the inaugural Maitland Heritage Fest is finally here.
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From today to June 13, the city will be a flurry of historical activity with a wide range of activities - all celebrating rich past of Maitland.
A huge range of groups have jumped on board to be part of the event including NSW National Trust, Walka Miniature Trains, Newcastle Lacemakers and Morpeth Museum - just to name a few.
Organising committee member Janece McDonald said organisation started in 2019 and the response had been incredible.
"We are very excited. We are told that it's going to be cold but fine," she said.
"All our ticketed events are essentially sold-out. It's all systems go and I think everyone is very excited. We are aiming to showcase Maitland's rich history from Indigenous to the present.
"We want to make people aware of what wonderful resources we have from its people to its buildings."
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There will be a wide variety of activities on offer including heritage walks, house tours, penny farthing demonstrations, bell tower tours and children's activities.
There will also be 19th century games and activities including puppetry, musical performances, expert restoration advice and food.
Local historians and a Town Crier will be on hand as well.
During the festival there will be a number of ticketed events include a Heritage Dinner at Mansfield House (June 11), ghost tours at Grossmann House (June 12) and Mansfield House (June 13) as well as a Heritage walk with a Devonshire tea at Mansfield House (June 13).
A highlight will include a rendition of the Mindaribba Waltz on a grand piano at Sun Street Studio on Saturday at 6.30pm with bookings essential.
Fellow organising committee member Lisa Allen, of Sun Street Studios, encouraged people to pay a visit over the weekend.
"There'll be loads of displays and interactive demonstrations over the weekend with a chance to spot Sanjex Serrati on his unicycle along with a visit from his steampunk friends around 12.30pm each day," she said.
She added tickets were still available for the Mindaribba Waltz recital which will be played on a restored 1840's Collard & Collard Grand Piano.
The Waltz was published circa 1895 by Maitland's own composer Henry 'Harry' Hyndes.
The concert will also feature works by Australian composers such as Andrew Chubb, Wendy Ireland, Katy Abbott as well as Chopin, Schubert and Ludovico Einaudi.
- For more information about or to book an event, visit maitlandheritagefest.org.au.
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