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The picturesque village in the Yass Valley, population 250, will host the 2014 Bush Poetry Championships on September 12-14.
All poets, poetry lovers and supporters are invited to come and enjoy a fabulous poetry-packed weekend at the Binalong Bush Poetry Prize, surrounded by Banjo Paterson history.
The action will begin on Friday September 12 with a meet and greet, including walk up performances at the Binalong Hotel.
It will continue at the Binalong Mechanics Institute (Binalong Hall) over the weekend of September 13-14 with adult open, intermediate and novice sections, junior competition, school performance, open mic opportunities and generally a chance for everyone to be involved and have a great time. Details to be released shortly. In the meantime, any enquiries can be directed torobynsykespoet@gmail.com
Banjo Paterson, bush poetry and Binalong are synonymous. Banjo Paterson grew up at nearby “Illalong”, he attended the bush school in Camden Street and his statue is in Pioneer Park.
His boyhood at “Illalong” gave Banjo a love of the Australian bush and its characters. This was a time of bushrangers, gold transported by Cobb & Co coaches, families reliant on their own resources, tales told around campfires. These experiences inspired the poetry so well known today.
Successive generations in Binalong have kept the tradition of Banjo Paterson alive, with the sadly missed Bubbles Garry and Adrian Sykes among those who would break into poetry at community events, concerts, parties, picnics and more.
These two local legends will be recognised at the event in September. In more recent times Robyn Sykes, Australian Women’s Bush Poetry Performance Champion, George Elliot and others have continued the tradition.
Now in 2014, all poets, poetry lovers and supporters are welcome in Binalong on September 12-14 for the Binalong Bush Poetry Prize and NSW Bush Poetry Championships. We’d love to see you there.