A Branxton Greta Business Chamber initiative, the festival is a celebration of all that is special about the area through community involvement, local businesses and additional entertainment from further afield.

The idea for umbrellas comes from the concept of every different part of the community coming together under the one umbrella for the day.

Chamber president Michael Starkey said the festival will celebrate inclusiveness and promotion of the local area.

“This is a festival for us all to come together under one umbrella for a moment and celebrate the magic of this particular country town,” he said.

Riding on the success of last year’s night time movie event, and upon consultation with local businesses, stall holders and car clubs, the chamber wanted to create something that is unique and distinctively family-friendly.

“Imagine the main street of Branxton decorated with multi-coloured umbrellas, tourists from the vineyard region and nearby towns walking down the main street to see what wonders it holds and local families enjoying a day where they don’t have to travel for a day out,” Mr Starkey said.

“This is what Saturday, October 17 will be like for Branxton when the town lights up like a fire cracker and shows the world what we can do.”

The festival will run from 10am-4pm, with activities in the main street and local business promotions such as a best dressed shop front competition, busking and more. 

There will also be events happening at Branxton Oval in John Rose Avenue, including a tug-of-war competition hosted by Maitland Tug-of-War, outdoor laser tag and food and drink stalls.

Kirkton Public School will host some fun kids’ activities on the oval and Branxton Girl Guides will hold damper-making demonstrations at the guide hall. 

One very special aspect of the day for locals will be the screening at Branxton RSL hall of old footage of the town filmed by the late Doctor Hurst.

This footage will showcase the country spirit of Branxton as images from the old Branxton Show flicker through time. 

The Show and Shine event will also be a highlight with cars and motorcycles coming from as far afield as Sydney and the Central Coast as well as local clubs getting involved.

Like ‘The Umbrella Festival’ on Facebook for more information.