Arts
10 December, 2025
Trees light up festive fever
HUNDREDS of people have arrived at Wedderburn Mechanics’ Institute Hall to the sights and sounds of Christmas.
The town’s annual Christmas Festival ushered in a new year for the popular festive event last Friday and Saturday.
People were greeted by 451 exhibits in 40 sections as a new committee took its first steps to carry on the tradition of Wedderburn Patchwork Group whose members had retired from organising the festival.
The new group of volunteers, under the auspicing banner of the Lions Club, honored both the traditions of Christmas and the festival.
Val Thiele, who is now 96, brought the idea of a Wedderburn Christmas Tree Festival to the Wedderburn Craft group, 35 years ago.
The festival’s aggregate award is now named in Val’s honour.
The inaugural trophy was presented to Pam Turnbull who scooped the pool in craft and floral sections..
One of the organisers, Alex Holt, said the committee ‘was all smiling with glittery glee.
“The art and craft exhibition is only as good as the entries and wow – there were 451 outstanding entries across 40 different Sections,” she said. “We introduced a few new divisions to incorporate the former annual fleece and flower show’s elements. There were 18 flower arrangements on display so it proved a popular move.
Best religious-themed entry was awarded to the Church of Christ with its illuminated wire Christmas tree.
Amber Millie won the Best (overall) Student Entry with her 3D textured painting of the ocean.
The new Residential Care section was very well supported with 24 wonderful entries in total. The baking section, also new to the Schedule, delivered diversly creative cakes, a gingerbread garland and preservatives.
“The success of the event is also measured by the incredible generosity of volunteers of which there were many,” Alex said.
“Chris Tonkin and Heather Hargreaves devoted three days of assistance along with decorating the stage and outside the hall which was a highlight of the show. The committee is grateful for every person who contributed to the festival.”
Planning has already started for 2026 and Alex said exhibitors were keen to return to present another dose of festive fever.
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