The Chronicle

2 festivals merged

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LOCKYER VALLEY: The Laidley Heritage Weekend and the Gatton Heavy Horse Field Days will this year merge to become the Lockyer Valley Heritage Festival.

While it’s a new name, Lockyer Valley Mayor and Tourism and Events portfolio chair Tanya Milligan said the foundation­s of both events would remain unchanged.

“The synergy between the Laidley Heritage Weekend and the Gatton Heavy Horse Field Days is strong, and rather than ask people to travel to the region on different weekends for these events, combining them into one weekend will make it more attractive for external visitors and locals to attend,” she said.

“The aim of this change is to attract overnight stays in the region and bring the tourism dollar into the community, as well as to attract the day visitor market and, of course, local residents too.

“We want people to spend two or three days in the Lockyer Valley and enjoy the events, markets, accommodat­ion and food tourism operators.”

Cr Milligan said visitors were spoilt for choice when it came to things to see and do in the region.

“What we want is for tourists to really take the time to see what is on offer,” she said.

The Laidley Heritage Weekend will be held on Saturday and Sunday, May 4 and 5 at the Laidley Pioneer Village and Museum and Das Neumann Haus while the Gatton Heavy Horse Field Days will be held at the Gatton Showground­s.

See luvyalocky­er.com.au/ whats-on/this-month for more details.

To be involved in the new festival as a volunteer, stall holder or entertaine­r, email the council at lockyereve­nts@lvrc.qld.gov.au.

 ?? Photo: Ali Kuchel ?? JOIN UP: Enjoying the Gatton Heavy Horse day in 2017 are Paula Ven den Elsen (left) and Janine Bowyer. The event is joining with the Laidley Heritage Weekend to form the Lockyer Valley Heritage Festival.
Photo: Ali Kuchel JOIN UP: Enjoying the Gatton Heavy Horse day in 2017 are Paula Ven den Elsen (left) and Janine Bowyer. The event is joining with the Laidley Heritage Weekend to form the Lockyer Valley Heritage Festival.

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