A feature of the Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival 20th June 2026
When: Saturday 20 June 2026
o Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival commences 11 am – 7:00 pm
o Fire Twirling – 5:00 pm
o Wickerman Bonfire lighting – 5:15 pm
o Event concludes – 7:00 pm
Who: Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival 2026 – coordinated by Newbridge Progress Association Inc.
What: Newbridge Winter Solstice Grand Street Parade – Costume Parade
· A colourful, vibrant spectacle of dancers, musicians, Vikings, Knights, peasants, wenches, quirky cosplay creatives. The wild and the quirky costumed attendees all joined in. – living history, fantastical characters & futuristic creativity coming to life at the Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival.
· The Costume Parade will be led by Canobolas Pipe Band – 3rd year of leading the parade.
· Features the Brave Jousting knights astride their mighty steeds, bringing up the rear of the parade.
· Attendees participate – all costumed attendees and performers encouraged to join in
· Costume prizes provided by local businesses
o Gladstone Hotel, Newbridge RFS, Central West Village Voice, Railway Meats, Bi-Rite (Miskells), Newmans Buses & Fuel, Ampol Adelaide St, Bernardis Group, Goldrush Collectives, Odd Sock Gallery
· Newbridge Winter Solstice Festival major event sponsors
o Newmont (through Orange 360 Tourism)
o Blayney Shire Council – Tourism Development Program
Where:
· Newbridge Showground – 1:30 pm approx. Parade muster commences.
· 2 pm – Parade of costumes from Newbridge Showground down Trunkey Street through the market to the Gladstone Hotel stage area.
· Attendees can join the parade at any point as it moves from the showground to the Gladstone Stage.
· Costume prizes presented with MC Marlena Dali and an invited guest (tbc)
Why:
· The costume/street parade is designed to enhance and maximise attendee participation and contributions to the overall vibe of the event
· Encourage and acknowledge the amazing creativity and enthusiasm of attendees and performers
· Promote local businesses through prize sponsorship and event sponsorship opportunities
· Create a community event vibe where everyone can take part and contribute to the event’s atmosphere and overall success.
An annual community event coordinated by Newbridge Progress Association Inc. contributes to Regional Tourism Development by encouraging tourism visitation to the regional area, towns, and villages. Profits raised from NPA Inc.’s annual events contribute towards community projects that improve/enhance village facilities and infrastructure. i.e. Covered Walkway project, Memorial Garden Paving project.
Images: courtesy of attendees of 2024 & 2025 events.
