Henry Lawson in 1915 as photographed by William Johnson. Photo source: State Library of NSW.
Each June long weekend, the quiet country town of Grenfell pulls out all stops to honour its most famous son – poet and short-story writer Henry Lawson – but this year, the Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts is embracing not just tradition, but transformation.
Now in its 67th year, the festival will run from today (4 June) to Monday (9 June), celebrating Lawson’s legacy with five packed days of storytelling, music, art and community pride.
But the 2025 program is far from a nostalgia trip.
It’s taking bold steps to nurture new talent, with a fresh focus on youth, creativity and regional innovation.
At the heart of that push is the Bioluminescence Project, a cutting-edge creative development initiative aimed at people aged 13 to 24.
Over two days of free workshops, participants will learn the ropes of digital art, sound design and event production – skills ranging from video editing to projection mapping.
Their work will culminate in a spectacular large-scale audiovisual installation that lights up the festival’s official opening night at Grenfell Showgrounds on Friday.
Friday night will also see the festival pavilion come alive with music, thanks to high-energy country rock trio Elk Mountain Band from Dubbo.
With their blend of boot-stomping anthems and original songs, they’ll take the stage from 7 to 11 o’clock, setting the tone for a weekend that balances local roots with rising-star energy.
On Saturday, music takes to the streets with the launch of an all-new busking competition, led by local talent and The Voice Australia alumnus Josh Maynard.
Maynard, a gifted singer-songwriter and guitarist who grew up west of Cowra, has spent the past few years touring the east coast.
Now, he’s returning home to mentor young performers – and take the stage himself.
“Josh is an outstanding performer with a real passion for nurturing talent,” says festival chair Belinda Power.
”We’re excited to unearth some great new acts – and having Josh involved makes it even better.”
The busking competition will run from 2 to 4 pm on the Bromar Busking Stage along lower Main Street, offering $250 prizes in youth and open categories, plus a People’s Choice Award that lets the audience have their say.
Traditional favourites will also be out in full force, starting with the much-loved Poetry by Firelight event on Wednesday evening at Rose Street Little Theatre – a fitting way to ease into the festival’s storytelling spirit.
This year’s theme, “Kindness is Your Superpower”, echoes Lawson’s poem The World is Full of Kindness and threads through the festival’s signature creative competitions, including verse, short story, visual art and shop window displays.
It also sets the tone for Saturday’s street parade, where participants are encouraged to channel their inner heroes – capes and all.
As always, Main Street will be buzzing with street performers, food and market stalls, and a lively family-friendly atmosphere.
The iconic group photo of all the Henrys will take place at 12:30 pm on Saturday at the Henry Lawson statue, while the less camera-shy can get their solo selfies anytime.
Families can enjoy the Kids’ Zone at Proctor Park, hop aboard a ride on the historic Cobb & Co Coach, or venture beyond the main festival trail to discover some of the Weddin region’s hidden gems.
Petrolheads and chrome lovers are in for a double treat this year.
The Grenfell Car Club will host its annual car show, while the Vintage Japanese Motorcycle Club rolls into town with a Motorcycle Show & Shine from 8 am to 3 pm on Saturday along Main Street.
With 19 trophies up for grabs – including Best Classic Honda, Best Classic Suzuki, Ladies’ Bike, Three Wheeler and Bike of Show – it promises to be a haven for collectors and curious onlookers alike.
Art lovers won’t want to miss Wallangreen Sculpture Garden, just outside town.
This expansive outdoor gallery features more than 100 steel sculptures, crafted from recycled farm machinery – part thoughtful, part whimsical, and entirely unique.
The festival’s fringe events also add flavour to the long weekend.
On Sunday, the nearby village of Caragabal hosts its popular Camp Oven Cook-Off at the Caragabal Sportsground, serving up slow-cooked dishes, smoker classics and bush hospitality from noon.
Meanwhile, Iandra Castle in Greenethorpe opens its grand gates for rare public tours – a chance to explore one of regional NSW’s most impressive private estates.
And if you’re keen for a country-style adventure, there’s plenty more on offer, from rustic fun at Glencara Maze to small-batch brews and good company at Bulla Creek Brewing.
With a program that’s both forward-thinking and deeply rooted, the Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts continues to grow – not just as a tribute to a literary giant, but as a living, breathing celebration of regional culture, creativity and connection.
The Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts runs from 4 to 9 June in multiple locations. For more information, head to the festival’s website and Facebook page.
