PROGRAM & EVENTS
WHATS ON?
2023 Boorowa Irish Woolfest Program
The anticipation grows as we release this year’s exciting Program revealing the excellent offerings awaiting you at Boorowa Irish Woolfest over the October Long Weekend.
Pack up the family for a ‘road trip’ to Boorowa and prepare for a day of fun and festivities, creating some unforgetable memories at the 2023 Boorowa Irish Woolfest.
Explore the Online Program Here ➡
Boorowa Irish Woolfest 2023 Map and Schedule
Boorowa Irish Woolfest
Sunday, 1 October 2023
(Running of the Sheep)
Enjoy the main festivities from 8am to 4pm
Main Stage Highlights
11.40AM – Blessing of the Fleece and Official Opening
12 NOON – Street Parade and Running of the Sheep
Musical Performances presented by Gold Trail Re-Enactments
Main Act – Limerick
Simon Watts – Violinist
Canberra Celtic Pipe Band
Canobolas Highland Pipe Band
Lugh Damen
Childrens Entertainment presented by Boorowa Court House Arts and Craft Co Op
Bubble Artist
Face Painting
Library Storytime – Reading ‘Where is the Green Sheep?’
Tony Joe’s Amusements – Carnival Rides
Merino Magic presented by Tilt Renewables
Boorowa’s finest merino wool display, prepared by famous local studs
Location: Nutrien Wool Shed, 37B Queen St, Boorowa
Irish Craic presented by SquadRon Energy
Irish Accent Competition
Pie Eating Competition
Shamrock Dancers
Robyn Sykes Poetry
Demonstration Excellence presented by 2LF and Roccy FM
Wood Choppers – South Coast & Tablelands Axeman
Shearing Shack Hawkesbury Working Dog Demonstration
Gold Trails Re-Enactment Entertainment
Animal Display presented by Donohoe’s Estate
Llama Association Display
Black and Coloured Sheep Display
Old Kentucky’s Animal Farm Patting Paddock
Australian Blacknose Valais Sheep Breeders
Cultural Fun presented by Boorowa Tractors
Yarn Bombing
Market Stalls
Boorowa Irish Woolfest Art Show
Antique Engines and Tractor Display
Fringe Events
29 September to 30 September 2023
Friday 29 September
5:00PM ART SHOW – OFFICIAL OPENING
Cocktail Party $10 entry
Location: Old Courthouse Building Marsden St, Boorowa
7:00PM LIVE MUSIC AT THE BOOROWA HOTEL
Big Willy, solo cover artist
Location: 37 Marsden St, Boorowa
7:30PM LIVE COMEDY SHOW AT THE OCCASIONAL WINE BAR
Sean Woodland headline act, $20 entry
Location: 9 Marsden St, Boorowa, next to pharmacy
8:00PM LIVE MUSIC AT THE COURTHOUSE HOTEL, BOOROWA
Music until close
Location: 12 Marsden St, Boorowa
Saturday 30 September
From 9:30AM BOOROWA WOOLFEST BOWLS TOURNAMENT
Contact the club to enter: (02) 6385 3338
Location: Ex-Services Club 55-59 Pudman St, Boorowa
FROM 11AM 2023 QUICK SHEAR COMPETITION
Featuring Ford 4 Shearing
Location: Ex-Services Club
55-59 Pudman St, Boorowa
10AM TO 4PM BOOROWA IRISH WOOLFEST ART SHOW
Location: Old Court House Building, Marsden St,
Boorowa
11AM TO 2PM BOOROWA MUSEUM
Location: 35 Marsden St, Boorowa
FROM 5PM LIVE MUSIC AT RAM AND STALLION HOTEL,
Beer garden, pizzas served from 4pm
Location: 70-74 Brial St, Boorowa
FROM 5PM FOODIES AND MOVIE NIGHT AT THE RECREATION CLUB INCLUDING:
– Food Markets
– Jumping Castle
– Face Painter
– Outdoor Cinema
– Fireworks
Location: 36-44 Market St,
Boorowa
Boorowa Irish Woolfest 2023 Highlights:
The Running of the Sheep
The Main Event
“The Running of the Sheep” has been likened to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona and is considered Boorowa’s special woolly version. It is not to be compared to the danger of the bulls as our sheep are cute and cuddly but certainly as visually exciting. Visitors love the sheepdog component when they see the trusty kelpies leaping on and off the sheep’s backs as they race down the street guided by Farmer Ashley on his four wheel motorbike. This is an opportunity to see Boorowa’s fine Merino sheep up close and personal.
Blessing of the Fleece
An Old Tradition
A sheep is shorn with old time shears on the shearing shack and the fleece is thrown on the stage to receive a spiritual thanksgiving for the fine wool of the district at The Ecumenical Blessing of the Fleece.
Boorowa is world renowned for its fine wool and this is an important event of the Irish Woolfest.
Art Show Exhibition
Showcasing Local Talent
You are cordially invited to the free official opening night of of the 2023 Boorowa Irish Woolfest Art Show, beginning at 5pm Friday 29 September.
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Headline Act – Limerick
Australian Celtic Music Awards Winners 2020
Limerick bring together 4 highly talented and entertaining musicians who have a ‘Reel’ passion for hi-energy music. Joined by The Shamrock Dancers, Limerick put on a show that will get your blood flowing, performing a line-up of toe tapping, beer stomping, sing a long, Celtic rock, traditional tunes, originals and modern crowd pleasers. You are sure to be sure to be Celta-field with Limerick’s roaming ‘Pied Piper’ like fiddle player, leaving you satisfied with a smile from ear to ear.
Limerick is one of the top Qld based Celtic rock bands and has been a feature band at some of the best venues and festivals across QLD and Northern NSW and now bringing their charm to the NSW Southern Tablelands.
Limerick has released 2 CDs, Up Yer Kilts and Fiddlers Bow, played by national and international radio stations and available on all online music platforms.
Want to see more of Limerick? Check them out here:
Web: limerickmcb.com
Facebook: limerick MCB
Instagram: limerickmcb
Boutique Markets
Local Quality
Tantalise your tastebuds with an array of homemade sauces, dressings and jams in unique flavours with a variety of delectable tastes to suit all palettes. Walsh’s Country Kitchen also create fruit cakes and plum puddings like Grandma used to make. Gourmet honey and a range of unusual bee souvenirs are available for purchase whilst a range of olive oils and olive products can be sourced from a variety of regional vendors. The Pantry on Pudman, a local shop which is well known for its great coffee, also has a wonderful range of gourmet products.
Light up your world and create atmosphere in your home with romantic candles from Three Wishes, Care for your body with a visit to health product stalls for a beautiful treat, with natural beauty products made to heal and soothe. Local Clubs will be hosting food stalls including the Historical Society and the Boorowa Lions Club.
An amazing variety of creative stalls provide a wide variety of boutique products. From garden products, to jewellery, candles, woollen garments and much more a range of quality that will dazzle you.
Plan your visit
