Events October 2008

Art Tuesdays is a fun creative after school class, and gives kids the chance to experiment with a range of mediums, working with local artists and educators. Art Tuesdays classes run for 8 weeks during school term, and always begin week 2 of term. The same workshop teacher (assisted by MRAG volunteers) will take the class all term. It’s a unique, enjoyable social after school class for budding young artists. Kids will usually go through a wide range of experimenting and preliminary exercises, and most terms will end up with a finished work of art. All materials provided.

Events November 2008

Sensational aromas will fill the Maitland Heritage Mall on Thursday nights during November and December for the Summer Diner’s Markets. Be tempted by international cuisine, fresh produce and boutique Hunter wines. Enjoy live entertainment surrounded by the beautiful outdoor atmosphere and indulge yourself with some retail therapy with over 100 specialty stores to choose from.

Over 400, 000 Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens. Every Wednesday to Sunday night plus Christmas Eve from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. Includes all the lights from the Gracelands property plus lots more, special guest Santa, entertainment plus food and beverages available. If you have visited the Gardens throughout the day, entry to the Christmas Lights Spectacular is free with your receipt as proof on entry. Closed Christmas Day.

Three course meal Friday & Saturday nights followed by bush dancing, games, mechanical bull rides and live band "Double Deal".

Maitland Repertory Society presents their annual Melodrama - Maria Marten (or the Murder in the Red Barn) Director - Alex Spinks This is a tragic story of a woman's betrayal. Full dinner menu will be served - 4 courses. BYO alcohol.

Memorial Drive EP Launch for 'The Morning After...' with performances also by 'Iridium' and 'Illusion of Despair'.
 

The first ever railway blues music event in NSW. Live music, train rides, stalls, displays and activities for the kids.

Mojo Juju and the Snake Oil Merchants
Chase the Sun
Glen Terry & Paul Robert Burton
Gail Page & Parris MacLeod
Ghost Road
Dr Goodvibe
Dan Granero

Also playing:
Fisherking, Dave Anderson, Isaiah Blues, Bluetounge Blues Band, Barrel House, Karismakatz, The Tiger & Me, Phil Edgeley, Peter Healy & The Hurricanes, No Pressure, Checkered Fist, Ange Murphy, Jemma Abrahams & Chris Taylor

This event is to raise funds for and awareness of The Iris Foundation for the prevention of suicide.

Featuring no less than four specially prepared courses, accompanied by five Polin & Polin wines.Book early to join us for a delightful evening for delectable food and wine, co-hosted by boutique family winemakers, Polin & Polin.

A day on the green kicks off its 2008/2009 summer series with Grammy Award-winning singer/songwriters John Mellencamp and Sheryl Crow to play seven 'a day on the green' events as part of their Australian and New Zealand concert tour. This event is set to be one of THE most anticipated concerts of the year, so dont miss out!

The market is currently held in the carpark of the school on Morpeth Road.
At the Artisan Market at Linuwel you can find fresh organic produce, beautifully unique hand made clothing, quality toys supporting imaginary play in children, Steiner based art and craft, deliciously healthy food, all natural skincare products, and live music – just to name a few!!!

Events December 2008

Over 400, 000 Christmas lights on show throughout designated areas of Hunter Valley Gardens. Every Wednesday to Sunday night plus Christmas Eve from 7.00pm to 10.00pm. Includes all the lights from the Gracelands property plus lots more, special guest Santa, entertainment plus food and beverages available. If you have visited the Gardens throughout the day, entry to the Christmas Lights Spectacular is free with your receipt as proof on entry. Closed Christmas Day.

Nigel Marsh's bestselling memoir "Fat, Forty and Fired", was published in 2005 to critical acclaim and top-ten success. Chairman of Leo Burnett, Australia's leading advertising agency and a former stand-up comic, Nigel's writing is entertaining and inspiring. His memoir about a stressed overweight mortgage slave struggling to balance a high pressure career, a marriage and the demands of four small children is a voyage of self-discovery that is funny and thoughtful.

The University of Newcastle Chamber Choir, Directed by Philip Matthias. Winners of Channel 7's battle of the Choirs.

Sensational aromas will fill the Maitland Heritage Mall on Thursday nights during November and December for the Summer Diner’s Markets. Be tempted by international cuisine, fresh produce and boutique Hunter wines. Enjoy live entertainment surrounded by the beautiful outdoor atmosphere and indulge yourself with some retail therapy with over 100 specialty stores to choose from.

Friday: Traditional evensong service at St Peter's
Saturday: Historical display and gourmet stall in Parish Hall with hourly tours of the Church
Saturday evening: Celebration dinner at Easts Leisure and Golf Club which includes hors' douvers & champagne on arrival and a two course meal
Sunday: Eucharist at 11.00am celebrated by Bishop Brian Farran. "Bring and share" lunch in Church grounds after service.

Treat your friends, staff, clients or any other fun loving group of people to an unforgettable Christmas function at Maitland Goal this year! Building on previous year's successes, Jingle Cells will commence with a pre-dinner drink and canapes on arrival at 6.30pm. Entertainers will take you on a short tour of the gaol then muster and escort you into the cells for an individually served, traditional Christmas main course and dessert catered for by Mansfield, finishing with tea and coffee. Throughout the evening you will be taken on a "night of hysterical mayhem and musical madness". You will be released by 11.00pm - unless convicted of misdemeanours during the evening!

Join us for this community event and experience the wonder and spirit of Christmas under the stars. Featuring all the old favourites, everyone is invited to come along and enjoy the show. Pre show entertainment from 6.00pm. Main show commences at 7.30pm including a visit from Santa. Fireworks at 9.00pm. Food and beverage available to purchase onsite.

Come and explore Australia's biggest regional market with over 600 variety stalls. Enjoy sites displaying old fashioned home made, home grown goods, musicians, gourmet foods and fine quality art. Held the first Sunday of each month from February onwards.

A Day on the Green proudly presents Alicia Keys. Alicia will perform at Bimbadgen Estate, Hunter Valley on Saturday December 13 as part of her Australian tour. Special guest support artist will be chart-topper JORDIN SPARKS, with LOWRIDER opening the day. Check out the website for more details for on this event!

Maitland Ministers Association in conjunction with Maitland Churches provide an opportunity for our community to get together to celebrate christmas. The festival will incorporate creative arts, visual arts, music, theatre and dance from local people, schools, churches and organisations. It will include market stalls, food, beverage stalls, activities, games, rides for children, a visit from Santa, plus displays of community projects and services. The festival will conclude in a fireworks display.

Return nine hour cruise to Morpeth with a two hour stop over to explore, shop and dine. Informative commentary, opening of historic Hexham lift span bride, devonshire tea on route to Morpeth, admission to Morpeth museum, official Morpeth Heritage walk guide and township map, local produce tasting on board your cruise. Bookings Essential.

St Peter's has presented this traditional carol service every Christmas for the past 35 years. Nine Bible readings which intersperse the carols trace the story of Christ's expected coming and tell of his birth in a stable, heralded by angels and worshipped by shepherds and wise men. The choir presents special Christmas music whilst everyone joins in on the familiar carols.

Christmas Fiesta. Come and explore Australia's biggest regional market with over 600 variety stalls. Enjoy sites displaying old fashioned home made, home grown goods, musicians, gourmet foods and fine quality art. Held the first Sunday of each month from February onwards.

Includes giant jumping castle for the kids, Irish dancers, fireworks at 9pm & 12pm, live band and DJ.

For something a little more special join the New Years Eve Deck Party. Just $135 per person includes: dinner, beer, wine and soft drink, private bar, the best views of the fireworks and live entertainment.

Events January 2009

Celebrate Australia with our “Australiana” theme school holiday activities designed to educate children and celebrate the heritage of Australia. There will be Aboriginal Craft and Painting, Face painting, Free Australian Flag Temporary Tattoo and an Aboriginal dance and musical performance.

As the sun sets over the vineyards, enjoy a glass (or two!) of Tamburlaine Wine & experience the relaxed ambience of the Members' Lodge lawn at our annual Tamburlaine Twilight Concert. Sumptuous picnic food prepared especially for you and your guests by Casuarina Catering ensures you don't have to do a thing except enjoy yourself!

The Lions and Lioness Clubs of East Maitland, East Maitland/ Beresfield, Kurri Kurri, Maitland and Rutherford will hold their ' Australia Day Ball in the Mall' on January 24, 2009 in the Maitland Heritage Mall. Tickets go on sale November 15, 2008 at Harvey World Travel in the Maitland Heritage Mall. These Lions and Lioness Clubs in our area have been able to support many local charities with the proceeds from the Ball since its inception in 1991. This will be the 19th Ball.

Legendary guitarist, Anti-war protestor. Hall of Famer. Environmental crusader. Instantly recognisable vocalist. Father. Social activist. Filmmaker. Godfather of Grunge. Oscar nominated songwriter. Heart of Gold. The last Waltz. Crazy Horse. Let's Impeach the President. Rockin' the Free World.

We could go on but why not hand it over to the man himself? Five years since he last ventured Down Under, rock icon NEIL YOUNG returns this coming January

A theatrical experience at twilight amongst the buildings of Old Tocal. Come upon some of the characters of the past as you are guided around the heritage site. Concludes with dinner in the Visitors Centre.

Headlining Raggamuffin 2009 is reggae icon Bob Marley's eldest son Ziggy Marley. He first sat in on recording sessions with his father at a tender age and soon joined with his siblings to form The Melody Makers. Ziggy's solo career has included top hit singles Tomorrow People, Look Who's Dancing and Kozmik. Ziggy's incredibly successful career has earned him four Grammy awards. Eddy Grant needs no introduction with major international hit singles, including the US #1 Electric Avenue, I Don't Wanna Dance and Romancing the Stone. In July 2008 Eddy toured the UK playing to packed stadiums as well as appearing at Glastonbury and Nelson Mandela's 90th birthday celebrations at London's Hyde Park. Ziggy Marley is pleased to have his brother Stephen Marley join him for Raggamuffin. Stephen, a fellow member of the Melody Makers, has spent his career as a songwriter, multi-instrumentalist and Grammy winning producer. Last year he released his highly anticipated debut solo album Mind Control. Blending his love of reggae, rock, R&B and hip-hop, it was awarded the 2008 Grammy Award for Best Reggae album earlier this year.

Events February 2009

Valentines Day Special. Come and explore Australia's biggest regional market with over 600 variety stalls. Enjoy sites displaying old fashioned home made, home grown goods, musicians, gourmet foods and fine quality art. Held the first Sunday of each month from February onwards.

The first exhibition for the new-look Maitland Regional Art Gallery will be the late Brett Whiteley's work. The wife of the iconic Australian artist will open a mini-retrospective of her late husband's work. The exhibiton will feature Whiteley's works from the Art Gallery of NSW, including the large Woman in the Bath 1964, Big Orange (sunset) 1974 and a studio self portait. Wendy Whiteley will visit the city for the February 11, 2009 exhibition to introduce Whiteley's work to Maitland.

Event to be advised. Check back later for details.

Masquerade Ball for Valentine's Day. Three course dinner and dance with band GENR8. Proceeds to Mai-Wel Ltd to help continue services to advance the lives of people with disabilities.

From their very first albums Picture Book (1985) and Men And Women (1987) to The New Flame (1989) and Stars (1991), which sat at the top of the UK charts for 19 weeks, to their last studio album Stay (2007), Mick Hucknall and Simply Red's classic hits have dominated Australian charts, racking up more than one million album sales. The Greatest Hits tour is set to thrill fans with a set list showcasing their amazing career including Money's Too Tight To Mention, Holding Back The Years, The Right Thing, Stars, Fairground, If You Don't Know Me By Now, Something Got Me Started, A New Flame and Sunrise. The tour will celebrate the release of the band's eagerly-anticipated 2CD Greatest Hits album and DVD out November 22. Special guest on all shows is Kate Ceberano who recently released her 17th album So Much Beauty, following up the 2007 platinum release Nine Lime Avenue. With an unforgettable run of chart-toppers like Are You Old Enough, April Sun In Cuba, Still In Love With You, Rain, Get That Jive and many others, DRAGON's legacy is of one of Australasia's most successful pop bands. Joined two years ago by rock veteran Mark Williams as frontman, the revitalised band is thrilled to be back on stage again. Their contribution to Australian music history was recognised when they were inducted into the ARIA Hall of Fame on July 1.

Jackson Browne has written and performed some of the most literate and moving songs in popular music and has defined a genre of songwriting charged with honesty, emotion and personal politics. He's been honored with inductions into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame (2004) and the Songwriter's Hall of Fame (2007).

Jackson Browne, live in concert with full band, will feature Jackson's greatest hits, including the favourites Running on Empty, Load Out, Stay and Somebody's Baby as well as material from his new album. This performance by music legend Jackson Browne, and his special guest Tim Freedman is not to be missed!

Events March 2009

Music legend Eric Clapton is set return to Australia in March next year. The Hunter Valley show will take place at the newly constructed Hope Estate Winery ampitheatre, which has seating capacity for 19,000 guests. The tour marks Eric's second trip to Australia in two years following an almost 20 year absence. Tickets for all shows go on sale on Friday October 24.

NSW Seniors Week will be celebrated in style at Hunter Valley Gardens with a number of exciting events and activities taking place for all seniors to enjoy. Hosted in recognition of the contribution seniors make to the community. All seniors who visit will receive a free gift.

Leave Paterson Court House Museum at 1pm for a conducted walk around the village of Paterson. Led by HIstorical Society President Cameron Archer.

Events April 2009

Hunter Valley Gardens
Phone: (02) 4998 4000
Email: welcome@hvg.com.au
Website: www.hvg.com.au
When: 9.00am - 5.00pm daily
Cost: Adults (16yrs +) $19.50, Pensioner/Concession $15.00, Clubs/Societies/Groups $15.00, Locals $12.00, Children (6 - 12yrs) $10.00, Children 5 years and under are free. Family Pass $49.00 (2 adults & 2 children)

Take away the boredom of the school holidays at Hunter Valley Gardens with our Fitness Fun theme. Includes gym and fitness classes, Giant Parachute games, Sporting games and equipment, Vegetable garden talk and tour, Free ‘Vege garden’ seed pack for every child, Free fitness prize draw everyday, plus an Interactive music, dance and exercise-based show.

Join the Easter Bunny in searching for lots of coloured eggs in our Giant Easter Egg Hunt. Every child receives a gift of Easter chocolate at the completion of the hunt. Egg Hunts run every 45 mins between 9.00am and 12.45pm. You can also have brunch with the Easter Bunny (additional charge) and have fun on the jumping castle. Don’t forget to bring along your Easter hat and join in the Easter Hat Parade.

Steamfest is again set to thrill people of all ages and will be celebrating its 24th anniversary. Included on the program are: steam train excursions, “tin hare” vintage diesel train excursions, market stalls, street steam, miniature loco’s, children's entertainment, – and returning popular special activities including Kids Party Trains and Lunch Trains.

Events May 2009

In 2008 Maitland sold out in under 3 weeks and we expect 2009 to sell out in a few days. Groovin the Moo Maitland proudly presented by Triple J, Cattleyard Promotions and My Space will return to Maitland on Saturday May 9, 2009. Please visit the Groovin' The Moo website for details on where to purchase tickets.

Spoil your Mum this Mother's Day at Hunter Valley Gardens! There’ll be great prizes, girls only pamper zone, demonstrations plus lots of fun for the kids with jumping castle, pony rides and face painting. (free after paid Gardens entry) A Mother’s Day Lunch Begins at 12pm. Bookings essential. A special day the whole family will enjoy.

Mothers Day at the Hunter Region Botanic Gardens promises a relaxing day for Mum and all the family. Entertainment supplied by ‘Stilling Street Swing’.Gift Shop and plant/crafts for sale.
Lucky Gate Prize.
Picnic on the lawn – the Kookaburra Café will be serving lunches, Devonshire Teas and snacks throughout the day.Visit the Gardens Wetland or take a stroll along our walking trails.
Each Mum, on entry to the Gardens, will receive a flower and chocolate.

The Lovedale Long Lunch is an annual event, held on the third weekend in May. It is a progressive-type lunch where visitors wine and dine their way around seven participating wineries over the weekend enjoying a glass of wine, gourmet food, fabulous music and art.

Events June 2009

Hunter Valley Gardens are excited to have the opportunity to hold a school choir competition for the third year running. We look forward to embracing and encouraging young talent across the region, providing a platform for students and teachers to showcase their musical achievements and to offer cash prizes which will enhance education and creative arts facilities and resources in the school environment. Come along to hear this remarkable talent each Tuesday and Wednesday.

Support the local school choirs in the finals of the School Choir Competition. Experience a day out at the beautiful Hunter Valley Gardens with lots of Family Fun activities. Food and drink available to purchase on site.

Events July 2009

An old fashioned family day out, with skills and crafts of yesteryear demonstrated throughout the heritage site. Delicious home made refreshments available all day. Historic talks, blacksmiths working, working horses, and much more.

Events August 2009

Events September 2009

Hi Ho singers, whip crackers, jugglers, tappers, fire-eaters, muso’s, poets and yarn spinners you’re invited to enter the 2009 Maitland Busking Festival and Competition. With prize money to be won and the title of 2009 Maitland Busking Champion on the line, it’s time to get cracking and enter. “Young people, skilled performers, not so highly skilled performers, groups and individuals who simply like performing should get on board to give it a go! The Busking Festival will be a great day out with great entertainment, plenty of laughs and lots to enjoy! Lions Club of Maitland Inc. will use funds raised for a variety of community projects. Please contact the Maitland City Centre office to put your name on the list for 2009.

Events October 2009

In its 16th year, the Maitland Mercury Maitland Triathlon will be held on the banks of the Hunter River in and around the historic port village of Morpeth in NSW. This year the Erox River Swim and Athletes Foot Country Fun Run to the event. The river is in great shape and the farms are green and lush. Come and be part of the great atmosphere around one of Australia's best regional triathlons and sports festivals.