Press Release
2008 Blacksmiths Magic Festival – Sparks will Fly
6 to 7th December
Sparks will fly as iron is turned into art at the 2008 Blacksmiths Magic Festival on December 6 and 7.
Festival organiser Mr Evan Horne said blacksmiths from around Australia will converge on the Cabarlah Sports Ground, New England Highway to demonstrate skills that date back thousands of years.
“The festival is in its ninth year and has been growing in popularity each year. This time the new larger venue, about 20 minutes north of Toowoomba, will house three major competitions,” Mr Horne said.
“In the Open Event, competitors will create a piece of iron art of their own choice, in their own time, prior to the event.
“They are free to use modern and traditional methods.
“In the Traditional Event, competitors have two hours to create a piece of iron art.”
But the pressure will really be on those artisans taking part in the Mystery Challenge.
“They have to select a parcel of steel and work in pairs to design a piece of art in 15 minutes. Then they have 45 minutes to create it using only traditional methods,” Mr Horne said.
“That means no mig or laser cutters – just sheer muscle and skill.”
But the festival is not just limited to the experts - a “Have a go tent” will allow members of the public to try their hand at the ancient art.
Mr Horne said all artworks made during the festival would be auctioned on Sunday, December 7, with proceeds going to the Highfields and Crows Nest Lions Club.
Admission is free for the public and there will be free train rides for children.
Enquiries can be directed to Evan Horne on 0439 871 901 or www.BlacksmithsFestival.com
