By TANIA PHILLIPS
WITH record numbers in the first week, organisers are expecting a big turn-out as the Jazz and Jumpers in July Festival wraps up across the region this weekend.
Warwick Tourism and Events Co-ordinator Julie Peterson said the unique winter festival had really struck a chord with locals and visitors alike this year.
“It’s fantastic, it’s been a huge success,” she said.
“Numbers have definitely increased from last year. We have been trying to do more during the week including having music from 10am to 2pm in front of the Town Hall.
“We’ve put couches out there and a lot of people have been coming along and relaxing and catching the music – there has even been a bit of dancing.”
She said the event, which capitalises on the region’s winter temperatures – colder than most parts of Queensland – had proven a boost to the area.
The Visitors Information Centre had recorded a record number of visitors from outside of the area coming to the quirky and unique Queensland Festival this year.
“We have had so many we have almost run out of the program,” she laughed.
“We are in the midst of printing more for the second week of the festival.
“All of last week’s events went really well and most recorded full houses. And it wasn’t just our big events in town – most of the restaurants were at full capacity.”
The festival is set to crank up again over the weekend, with a full program to see and do.
Julie said many of the events were unique and quirky, just like the festival itself.
This festival is a major event on the Downs not only because it attracts many visitors to Warwick, but also because it involves the community in a united, exhilarating, and spontaneous happening.
Meanwhile one of the more colourful aspects of the festival – the tree jumpers – were judged last week and the winners announced on the opening night with Margaret Amstrong taking out the open section with her colourful owl design.
Section 1: Open:
Winner: Number 76: Margaret Armstrong
Excellence in knitting/crocheting
Winner: Number 106: Colleen Hunt
Best community group winner: Akooramak Aged Care
Section 3: Zen Theme
Winner: Number 72: Warwick Credit Union
