By Lucy Waldron
The annual Jumpers and Jazz in July festival is a vibrant celebration that combines the arts, music, and community spirit. It began in 2004 and has grown to become one of the most beloved winter festivals in the region.
The festival’s origins are rooted in the desire to create a unique and engaging winter event that would draw visitors to the area during the colder months. It was conceived as a way to boost tourism and community engagement, capitalising on the charm of winter in the Southern Downs.
The concept of “yarn bombing,“ where trees and public spaces are decorated with colourful knitted and crocheted pieces, was a central and distinctive feature from the outset.
Jazz music was introduced as a complementary element, providing a lively and soulful soundtrack to the festival’s visual feast. The combination of warm, handmade art installations and cool jazz performances created a distinctive atmosphere that appealed to a wide audience.
Over the years, Jumpers and Jazz in July has expanded its program to include various activities such as art exhibitions, workshops, street performances, and market stalls. The festival has become a significant cultural event, attracting visitors from across the region and beyond, and it continues to celebrate creativity, community, and the unique heritage of Warwick.
It may not be known how the quirky festival filled with jumpers and jazz came to be a prominent feature in the small town of Warwick.
As the festival celebrates its 20th anniversary, it’s an opportune time to reflect on its origins and the visionaries who brought it to life.
Former Mayor Ron Bellingham shared a crucial piece of the festival’s history that is often overlooked and that is how the Jazz element came into play.
“After it came out in the paper that we were talking about putting jumpers on trees, a gentleman named Kevin Keogh walked through the [council] door and said, ’I see you’re putting jumpers on trees. Why don’t you make it Jumpers and Jazz?,” Mr Bellingham said
Kevin Keogh, an internationally renowned trumpeter who had retired to Glennie Heights, played a pivotal role in adding the jazz component to the festival.
“In that first year, he invited all his friends, and it was incredible the number of people that came because Kevin Keogh lived here and he had invited them,“ Mr Bellingham said.
“Unfortunately, within a couple of years, he had to return to Melbourne, but his contribution was instrumental in shaping the festival’s unique character.“
The festival’s blend of art and music quickly resonated with the community, drawing visitors from far and wide to experience the joy and creativity that Jumpers and Jazz in July offers.
Over the years, the festival has expanded its program to include various activities such as art exhibitions, workshops, street performances, and market stalls. This growth has been supported by the dedication of the Warwick Art Gallery and the festival committee, ensuring that each year brings new and exciting experiences for attendees.
As the festival marks its 20th anniversary, it continues to celebrate the creativity, community spirit, and unique heritage of Warwick.
The enduring appeal of yarnbombed trees and live jazz performances remains a testament to the visionaries who saw the potential in this winter event and to the countless artists, musicians, and volunteers who have contributed to its success.
Here’s to many more years of yarnbombing, jazz, and the vibrant community that makes it all possible.
