Armidale Events In May 2016
If you happen to be in Armidale in May, you will enjoy the magnificent display of autumn colours provided by the deciduous tree-lined streets. There are also many parks and gardens around Armidale, all showing off their brilliant autumn colours. Whenever you visit Armidale, there will most likely be an event in or around the area – there is something for everyone!
FOR ART LOVERS
– Armidale Art Gallery Exhibition: Armidale Art Gallery, 168 Beardy
Street Mall (upstairs – adjacent to Carr’s NewsXpress): Mondays to Saturdays (from Mon 2nd, to Wed 26th May 2016)
TIME: 10.00am-4.00pm. For more information, phone (02) 6772 9993.
– New England Arts & Crafts Expo: Town Hall, 127 Rusden Street. Saturday 7th & Sunday 8th May 2016, 10.00am-4.00pm. Showcasing a wide range of work by local artists and craftspeople from the New England region and beyond, with demonstrations and sales of their work. Morning/afternoon teas, and lunches, will be available. For more information, phone Merryn on (02) 6772 8795 or 0428 642 966.
– Aboriginal Cultural Centre & Keeping Place Exhibitions: Weekdays till 12th May. 9.00am – 4.00pm. Discover contemporary and traditional Aboriginal art with changing exhibitions. Top quality, authentic Australian Aboriginal art is sold all year round.
FOR MUSIC LOVERS
– Armidale Symphony Orchestra Concert: Lazenby Hall, University of New England. Sunday 15th May 2016, 3.00pm. COST: $60 (family), $25 (adult), $20 (UNE student), $5 (school student).
Conductor: Peter Maddox. Works include:
Chaminade – “Flute Concertinto in D”; Grainger – “Grigg Fair”; Maddox – “Kubla Khan”; Hill – “Symphony No 1 ‘Maori’”
For more information, visit www.armsymph.org or email info@amfchoral or admin1@armsymph.org.
– New England Bach Festival: Thursday 5th to Sunday 8th May: VENUES and TIMES vary. For Bach lovers, works include: Fanfare; The Wonderous Machine; Coffee Cantata; Arioso; Festival Evensong – Cantata 56, and others. Performed by first class musicians, on a range of instruments including trumpet, cornetto, organ, cello, accordion, guitar – as well as a performance by the PLC String Group. For more information, incl. prices, phone Benjamin Thorn on (02) 6772 5889 or email benjaminthorn@bigpond.com.
– Armidale Dance Group: Legacy House, 89 Faulkner Street. Saturday
7th May, 7.30-11.00pm. COST: $9pp. A “plate” for supper appreciated. For more information, phone Hazel on (02) 6775 2543, or email hcharles@bigpond.com.
– Market Sunday Concert: Uniting Church, 114 Rusden Street. Sunday 29th May 2016, 12.30pm. Concert is free, but donations are greatly appreciated. For more information, phone (02) 6772 3233.
GUIDED TOURS
– Botanic Garden Open Day: “Fangorn” Private Botanic Garden, 16 Hitchcock Lane (4km west of University of New England, off Old Inverell Road).
Sunday the 29th May 2016. 9.30am-4.30pm.
Garden Tours: 10.30am, 12.30pm, 2.30pm
Botany Feature: National Correa Collection; Waratah Collection; Aboriginal plant usage trail; Botanical treasure hunt; Plus Banksias, Grevilleas, Wattles and much more.
Plant Sale: 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm
Stone Wall Building Demonstration: 9.30am, 11.30am, 1.30pm
Refreshments: All proceeds to the Red Cross (except for plant sale)
Contact: Maria Hitchcock, phone (02) 6775 1139, or 0421961007, email: maria.hitchcock@gmail.com or saveourflora@gmail.com, or visit coolnatives.com.au or correacollection.weebly.com
– Saumarez Gardens & Farm: Gardens & Farm, Saumarez Road (enter from New England Highway via Armidale Airport). Weekdays throughout May. 10.00am-5.00pm. COST: $7 (adult), $5 (concession), $15- (family), National Trust members free.
This rural property is still pretty much unchanged since the time when many families worked there, whose skills made the homestead almost self-sufficient: they grew, harvested or slaughtered most of the food on the property. Station-bred horses supplied transport, and they were shod from the on-site blacksmith’s shop. Also, stroll through Mary White’s cottage garden, the picking garden and lawns. In the main gardens is a “Green Cathedral”, under a giant Chinese Elm – a perfect place for special outdoor functions. For more information, phone (02) 6772 3616.
– Saumarez Homestead Tours: Saumarez Homestead, Saumarez Road (enter from New England Highway via Armidale Airport). Weekends throughout May. Homestead tours 10.30am, 2.00pm and 3.30pm. Grounds open between 10.00am and 5.00pm. Café open 10.00am to 4.00pm.
Guided tours through the White family’s 30-room Edwardian mansion, with original furnishings, then a stroll through Mary White’s varied gardens, and the lawns. Visit outbuildings complete with 19th century tools and equipment. Devonshire teas, lunches and other refreshments are available at the Saumarez Café. For more information, phone (02) 6772 3616.