Galvanized is the city of Ipswich’s festival of heritage, showcasing the best heritage experiences and events Ipswich has to offer across 11 days from 31 August – 10 September.
Be transported back in time by visiting iconic venues and historic sites and participating in open days, tours, demonstrations and workshops.
First Nations
Galvanized continues to expand First Nations heritage events on offer and this year features three key events celebrating Indigenous Culture.
There will be an opening event on Thursday August 31 featuring a traditional welcome by Nunukul Yuggera and an interactive virtual reality tour uncovering tens of thousands of years of the local area by Virtual Songlines.
First Nations artist Sue Ray will perform on the night also. Tickets are free, but numbers are limited.
Then on Saturday September 2, learn about First Nations history and more with the Changing Landscapes of Ipswich seminar. Entry is free, but registrations are required.
The festival will finish on September 10 with Culture on Country, a celebration of First Nations Culture with workshops, food, stories, performance and arts. Entry is free, but registrations are required.
Social events
Six key social events are on the calendar during Galvanized.
Book in to attend the Baker’s Ball in Marburg on September 9 and be transported back to the 1940s with this WW2 victory dinner inspired event. Start your night with hors d’oeuvres at Scotland Yard Antiques with the Andrews Sisters singing on the verandah of the heritage-listed Marburg Hotel. Then enjoy dinner at the hotel with a 1945-inspired menu and after dancing and dessert at the Anglican Church Hall with a live band and swing dance classes.
The Prohibition Party is back again this year with Great Gatzby glitz and glamour. Dress up, dance the Charleston, explore the games parlour and try a bootleg brew! The party is being held on September 2.
If you’re after an event that’s a bit more low key, book in for heritage dining at The Sugarmill Restaurant set inside the historic Woodlands of Marburg Mansion. Heritage Dining is being held on September 1 and 2.
Then there’s also the Limestone Frolic – a chance to learn about traditional dances and have a go yourself on September 1; A Look at the World of John Rutter performance inside St Mary’s Catholic Church also on September 1; and the annual Bikes, Beards and BBQs event on Sunday September 3.
Workshops
During this year’s Galvanized Festival there’s eight different workshops to get hands on with!
Try your hand at photography, learn leathercraft or try blacksmithing at the Sky Iron Festival of Blacksmithing and at The Workshops Rail Museum.
You can also make steampunk jewellery, try life drawing, use blueprints to recreate historic buildings, and learn old techniques with the Spinners, Weavers, Fibre Artisans of Ipswich during a Fibre Arts Workshop.
Talks and tours
With just over 20 different tours during Galvanized this year, there’s sure to be something for everyone.
Whether you’re interested in learning about Ipswich’s old pubs on the Rubbidy Dubs to Pubs: Ipswich Walking Tour, taking a guided bus tour through the historic town of Marburg, or learning about haunted history on a ghost tour there are lots of ways to connect with history on a tour.
You can learn about the history in our conservation estates with a moonrise night walk, or walking tour of Denmark Hill.
Then there’s Ipswich’s Rail history with guided tours at The Workshops Rail Museum, Torchlight Tours and Might and Muscle Guided Tours.
There’s guided walks around heritage sites in the CBD, the Soldier’s Memorial Hall, and the Ipswich Cemetery.
And tours at Woodlands of Marburg, exploring the history of the site and haunted tales.
For all the tours and talks available visit the Ipswich Festivals website.
Exhibitions and open days
Another feature of the Galvanized Festival is exhibitions and open days.
There’s 11 different events in this category including art exhibitions, a quilt and craft display, an open day at St Mary’s Catholic Church, and an after hours event at Cooneana Heritage Centre.
