Countdown is on for the Laidley Spring Festival
With winter now done and dusted, spring is here and that means the annual Laidley Spring Festival is right around the corner.
The weather is warming up, flowers are starting to bloom and Laidley is set to celebrate over Friday and Saturday, 9 – 10 September.
As Laidley’s dedicated community groups make their last-minute preparations for the Festival, Lockyer Valley Regional Council Mayor, Cr Tanya Milligan praised their tireless work and enthusiasm.
“These groups are the backbone of the Laidley Spring Festival and the reason we still have a thriving Festival after 58 years.
“Their dedication is what makes this Festival possible and Council, and the community sincerely thanks them for the time and effort they give to this event.
“It is this spirit that represents the Lockyer Valley so perfectly,” Mayor Milligan said.
The Horticultural Expo attracts busloads of visitors from afar, with this year to be no exception. The Laidley Cultural Centre will be a hive of activity with displays, market stalls, trade sites and the opportunity to celebrate the link between city and country, thanks to Heather King’s much-admired stage display.
The Spring Orchid Show has a fresh new home at the Laidley Sports Centre, after outgrowing its space as part of the Cultural Centre’s Horticultural Expo.
Mayor Milligan said regional events such as the Laidley Spring Festival were incredibly beneficial to the economic prosperity of the Lockyer Valley.
“Not only do they bring external dollars into our towns, but they also provide our community groups the opportunity to fundraise,” she said.
“Often these funds meet the group’s running costs for much of the year, whether that’s insurance costs, financial management, electricity costs or hall maintenance, which is a huge help.”
Other community groups set to benefit from their hard work at the Laidley Spring Festival include the Lockyer Valley Art Society (LASI), Gatton Lapidary Club, the Quilt & Craft Expo, church groups and heritage groups, Das Neumann Haus and the Laidley Pioneer Village & Museum.
Mayor Milligan shared the excitement of event organisers, with high numbers of visitors and bus groups expected to attend the festival.
“How great that after a two-year hiatus, groups are experiencing unprecedented interest in their events.
“This is also a reflection of the re-energised program, which offers a beautiful tapestry of great things to do and see in the Lockyer Valley.
“We can’t wait to welcome everyone to the 2022 Laidley Spring Festival on 9 – 10 September – I will most certainly see you there!”
The 2022 Laidley Spring Festival will be held from 9-10 September. For more information, visit www.laidleyspringfestival.com.
