Beechworth's famous Ned Kelly Weekend returns from 3-5 August 2012 with a lively program of re-enactments, theatre, art, comedy, music , craft, market stalls, heritage displays and talks by leading authorities of the subject of the life and times of Australia’s most notorious bushranger.
Now in its ninth year Australia's most significant annual celebration of the Kelly legend commemorates the anniversary of the outlaw’s committal hearing, held in the historic Beechworth Courthouse from 6 to 11 August, 1880.
With a strong emphasis on Mrs Kelly, the forensics surrounding both the massacre at Stringybark Creek and Ned's skull, and a heritage display in the Police Paddock, this year’s festival has something for everyone
2012 PROGRAM Please be advised this program is subject to changes
TICKET SALES WILL GO ON SALE EARLY MAY AND CEASE 30MINS PRIOR TO THE EVENT
Children are classed as 16 and Under NO CONCESSIONS
5 pm – 6pm: - Sherritt & Brynes Beechworth Walk Departs from the Old Hospital Facade in Church Street.
A special walking tour which delves into the colourful characters with links to the Kelly gang. Learn about Aaron Sherritt and Joe Byrnes' connection to Beechworth. This is a great tour to start your Ned Kelly Weekend weekend.
Tickets: $15 Adult, $10 Child
6 pm - Dinner at the Hibernian Hotel Camp Street, Beechworth
A relaxing dinner at the Hibernian Hotel, with its colourful ties to Aaron Sherritt and the Kellys is a great way to escape the winter chill following the Sherritt & Byrnes Walk!
Cost: Menu Prices
7 pm - Display and reading of Kelly Correspondence Robert O’Hara Burke Museum, Loch Street
The Jerilderie Letter brings Ned Kelly's distinctive voice to life and offers a unique insight into the man behind the legend. One of only two original documents by Ned Kelly that are known to have survived, it was dictated by Ned Kelly to Joe Byrne in February 1879 and is the only document providing a direct link to the Kelly Gang and the events with which they were associated. See the original letter along with other correspondence surrounding the outbreak. Enjoy readings from the Friends of the Burke as we launch our display on the correspondence surrounding the Kelly's.
Wine & Nibbles
Admission: Gold coin donation
SATURDAY 4 AUGUST
9.45am - Kelly's in the Beechworth Gaol Old Beechworth Gaol, Williams Street
20 minute presentation by Darren Sutton on the Kelly's in the Beechworth Gaol.
Admission: FREE, No Bookings Required
10am - Gold Fever Treasure Hunt
Mini Miners Children's Event Town Hall Gardens, Ford Street
A kids’ treasure hunt for elusive gold nuggets in the Town Hall gardens. But be sure to pick up a license from the gold tent in the Police Paddock first to avoid being arrested by the Traps! All gold found can be handed in for the highest quality lollies on the diggings.
AGES: 5-12 years
License to prospect*: Gold coin donation *license is limited to the event only and cannot be used as a miners right.
10am - Pony Rides Police Paddock, High Street
Admission: Gold coin donation
10am - Squid Jig Music Police Paddock, High Street
Squid Jig will be entertaining everyone over the course of the Saturday. Dance and relax around the camp fire in the police paddocks to the sounds of Irish and Bush music.
Admission: Free
10am - Re-enactment
Ned’s arrival at the Beechworth Railway Station Starting at from the Railway Station (Railway Avenue) to the Courthouse(Ford Street)
Best vantage point is the corner of Ford St and Camp St (at the roundabout)
See Ned Kelly arrive at the station and depart for the Courthouse under police escort. Join in the event by showing your support for Ned or the Police.
Admission: FREE
10.30 – 11am - Firearms and Cannon display Police Paddock, High Street
A half hour display of 1800's guns and cannon. This is your chance to get up close to black powder weapons and learn from the experts. This is a must for all ages.
Admission: FREE
10.30 am – 12.00 noon - His Mother’s Son Town Hall, Ford Street
Christine Middleton is a musician, story teller, performer and a writer of musical theatre productions that document the real historical journeys of ordinary people. Described as '... riveting, poignant drama' His Mother's Son was written as a tribute to the pioneering bush women who shaped this country with their vision, courage, devotion, hard work and resilience
Admission: $20 Adult $10 Child
11.15am - A Day in the Courthouse Courthouse, Ford Street
Come and experience the ins and outs of the smaller more trivial trials that kept Beechworth Courthouse busy. Assault, drunk & disorderly and treason are just some of the many charges heard in countless cases at the Beechworth Court during its 130 year history.
Admission: $25 Adult $18 Child
12 noon - Lunchtime talk on John Buckley Castieau Nicholas Hotel Cellar, Corner of Camp and High Street
Join Mark Finnane as he explores the personal diaries of John Castieau, the Governor of the Beechworth Gaol and later the Melbourne Gaol at the time of Ned Kelly's execution. A career in the Victorian penal system might not seem to be a source of excitement but for John Buckley Castieau it was the inspiration for nearly three decades of diaries that reveal far more about the colonies’ early social history than what went on behind the prison walls.
Admission: $ 35 Adult $35 Child (Prices include Meal)
1.30 pm - Re-enactment
Aaron Sherritt’s body brought to Beechworth under police escort Begins at Ford Street. Best vantage point Intersection of Ford and Camp St.
A respectful reminder of the heightened tension in 1880. On 26 June 1880 Aaron Sherrit was shot and killed by Joe Byrnes, his body brought to the Vine Hotel on Sydney Road. This event would lead to the demise of the Kelly gang at Glenrowan.
Admission: FREE
1.30pm - Talk on The true story of Ned Kelly’s Last Stand by Paul Terry and Ian Jones Tanswell's Commerical Hotel, Ford Street
Using science, history and family lore to unearth a new understanding of how a legend was made this is the full story of the most famous siege in Australian history - the man and the myth; the people great and small.
Join Paul Terry and Ian Jones as he launches his new book delving into the siege of Glenrowan
Admission: $ 20
2.30 pm - Re-enactment
The Raid at Sebastopol Begins at Courthouse, Ford Street Best vantage point outside the Courthouse, Ford Street or at the intersection of Ford and Camp Street.
See the mounted police in plain clothes gather outside the former police station in Ford St, than ride off to Sebastopol, searching for the Kelly Gang.
Spectacular gathering of dozens of horses and riders.
Admission: FREE
3.00 pm - Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine: Indentifying Neds Remains Old Beechworth Gaol, Williams Street
Experts from the Victorian Institute of Forensic Medicine explain their historically significant investigation into the story of Ned Kelly’s remains from the moment he was executed at the Old Melbourne Gaol. The team successfully identified Ned Kelly’s skeletal remains that were exhumed in 1929 but questions remained about the "Ned Kelly” skull that was stolen from the Old Melbourne Gaol Museum in 1978.
Was the skull Ned Kelly’s after all? And if not, whose is it?
Admission: $25 Adult $20 Child includes entry to the Gaol.
5 pm – 7 pm - Re-enactment of Mrs Kelly’s trial aiding and abetting in the attempted murder of Constable Fitzpatrick Courthouse, Ford Street
On the 15th of April 1878 Constable Alexander Fitzpatrick rode out to the Kelly homestead to apprehend Daniel Kelly. The events that took place in the hut that night have never been truly revealed. However it was claimed by Fitzpatrick that Ellen Kelly attacked him and that Ned had shot him.
Witness the case that began the Kelly outbreak in the North East of Victoria.
Please be on time. No entry to the Trial re-enactment is permitted after the performance commences.
Tickets: $25 Adult, $18 Child
8 pm – 12am - Variety Night Old Priory, Priory Lane
Enjoy a great lineup of local talent, with a Kelly twist. Comedian Kieran Butler hosts this entertaining night of Kelly-inspired music, theatre, comedy and poetry. What better way to escape the winter cold?
This is an after-dinner event. Drinks at bar prices.
Admission: $10 Adult $5 Child
SUNDAY 5 AUGUST
9.30 am - CSI: Stringybark Creek Town Hall, Ford Street
The 'CSI @ SBC' team of Linton Briggs, Gary Dean, Glenn Standing and Kelvyn Gill have completed an extensive and exhaustive review of all the available information about events at Stringybark Creek (including some only discovered in 2009) including photographs, newspaper accounts, reports, maps and of course Thomas McIntyre's various statements. Together with extensive field surveys and analysis over the last two years they have now beyond reasonable doubt established the correct position of the Police camp site at Stringybark Creek. The team's extensive report has been provided to Government and other interested bodies, and is now published. The report will be presented and discussed by the team.
Admission: $12 Adult $8 Child
10.30 am - Re-enactment
Harry Power being brought to the Cell Best Vantage point intersection of Ford and Camp Street.
Henry Johnson alias Harry Power, was arguably the most successful bushranger in Australia's history and tutor of Ned Kelly. See Harry being brought by police escort to the infamous Harry Power's Cell in the Historic Precinct.
Admission: FREE
11.30 am - Firearms & Cannon display Courthouse, Ford Street
A half hour display of 1800's guns and cannon. This is your chance to get up close to black powder weapons and learn from the experts. A must for all ages.
Admission: FREE
11.00 am - Harry Power and Ned “What’s-his-name” his young apprentice Town Hall, Ford Street
Following last year’s highly acclaimed first-up appearance, local historian and performer, Keith Warren, returns by popular demand as the loveable rogue Harry Power. Full of bravado and blarney “Old Harry” hilariously recalls his life story including the Kelly associations and the mentoring of young Ned….. Not to be missed!
Admission: $25 Adult $18 Child
11.30 am - Joe Byrnes' Armour and the Woolshed Valley Forge Old Beechworth Gaol, William Street
Darren will relate the discovery of the Woolshed Valley forge and provide an insite into the making of the Kelly gangs armour.
Admission: FREE No Bookings Required
12 pm - Display and readings of Kelly Correspondence Robert O’Hara Burke Museum, Loch Street
The Jerilderie Letter brings Ned Kelly's distinctive voice to life and offers a unique insight into the man behind the legend. One of only two original documents by Ned Kelly that are known to have survived, it was dictated by Ned Kelly to Joe Byrne in February 1879 and is the only document providing a direct link to the Kelly Gang and the events with which they were associated. See the original letter along with other correspondence surrounding the outbreak. Enjoy readings from the Friends of the Burke as we launch our display on the correspondence surrounding the Kelly's.
Wine & nibbles
Admission: Gold coin donation
10am - Gold Fever Treasure Hunt
Mini Miners Children's Event Town Hall Gardens, Ford Street
A kids’ treasure hunt for elusive gold nuggets in the Town Hall gardens. But be sure to pick up a license from the gold tent in the Police Paddock first to avoid being arrested by the Traps! All gold found can be handed in for the highest quality lollies on the diggings.
AGES: 5-12 years
License to prospect*: Gold coin donation *license is limited to the event only and cannot be used as a miners right.
1 pm - Re-enactment of Ned’s Committal Hearing & Trial Courthouse, Ford Street
Ned Kelly was brought to the Beechworth Courthouse to answer a charge of murder. This re-enactment of the Committal Hearing of Ned Kelly which took place from 6 – 11 August 1880 offers a fascinating insight into one of the momentous events of Australian legal history.
Please be on time. No entry to the Trial re-enactment is permitted after the performance commences
Admission: $25 Adult, $18 Child
2.30 pm - Ned’s Departure from Beechworth Begins from Ford Street
Ned Kelly was taken from Beechworth along Ford St bound for Melbourne. Witness Ned being taken away in custody to meet his fate.
Admission: FREE
WEEKEND EVENTS Subject to Changes
The Ned Kelly Weekend Demonstrations 10 am – 5 pm Saturday and Sunday Police Paddock behind the Historic and Cultural Precinct, High Street
This event will transform the Police Paddock into a village square of the Gold Era, featuring a array of traditional crafts like spinning and weaving, shingle making, tent making and blacksmithing as well as steam engines, pony rides, coffee and food stalls and live tunes from bush band Squid Jig
Admission: FREE
10am - Display on Kelly Correspondence Times: Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm Location:Robert O’Hara Burke Museum, Loch Street
The Jerilderie Letter brings Ned Kelly's distinctive voice to life and offers a unique insight into the man behind the legend. One of only two original documents by Ned Kelly that are known to have survived, it was dictated by Ned Kelly to Joe Byrne in February 1879 and is the only document providing a direct link to the Kelly Gang and the events with which they were associated. See the original letter along with other correspondence surrounding the outbreak.
Admission: $8 Adult $5 Concession/Child $16 Family
Display on Garrison Artillery Times: Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm Location: Beechworth Gold, Corner of Ford and Camp Street
Fearing a repeat of the robberies in Euroa and Jerilderie the orders were put in to the Garrison Artillery to guard our banks in Beechworth. However before their arrival the Siege of Glenrowan took place and they were turned around. Come explore the Garrison Artillery display in the Gold Safe of the Bank of Victoria (aka Beechworth Gold.)
Admission: FREE
Ned's Needles Times: July 19th 2012 onwards Location: Robert O'Hara Burke Museum, Loch Street
Combining sensible winter warmth with a celebration of Beechworth's hirsute history, Ned's Needles is a brand new competition for those who love to knit (or crochet, felt or in any other way create with wool)... wearable beards!
Entries are now open for Ned's Needles with the competition culminating in the official judging and launch of an exhibition of around 30 of the finest, most creative knitted beards at Beechworth's Burke Museum on Thursday 19th of July.
The exhibition, which will continue throughout July/August, will be a fitting warm-up for the town's famous Ned kelly Weekend taking place across the first weekend in August.
"FRAMED" Tintype photo roaming exhibition Times: Saturday & Sunday: 10 am – 5 pm Location: Shop Windows
Wander the streets of Beechworth browsing the local window displays and take in "FRAMED" a tin type of photo exhibition brought to you by Albury Wodonga photographer Paul Temple.
Admission: FREE
Ned Kelly 100 min Bus Tours Departs: Outfront of the Telegraph Station, Ford Street Times:
Saturday: 10 am & 3 pm
Sunday: 9 am
The tour includes the Beechworth Cemetery and then on to Telegraph Rock and the Woolshed Valley to view the remains of the hut where Aaron Sherritt was murdered as well as other Kelly sites.
Tickets: $18 Adults $9 Children NO CONCESSIONS
Ned Kelly Walking Tours Times: Saturday & Sunday: 10.15 am and 1.15 pm Departs from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre (Town Hall), Ford Street
Enjoy this lively and informative tour led by our experienced Guides.
See the historic sites and hear the stories of Ned Kelly, his family and
the Gang and their connection to Beechworth.
A must for all Kelly enthusiasts or anyone interested in Australia’s
most famous bushranger. Highly recommended
Tickets: $10 Adult, $7.50 Concession/Child, $25 Family
Tickets can be purchased from the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre 15mins before the start of the Tour.
Gold Fields Bake House Saturday & Sunday: 11.30am Police Paddock, High Street
Beechworth Bakery – Bread and Ned Kelly biscuits making with kids
Admission: Gold coin donation
Public Access to Beechworth Courthouse.
Constable Fitzpatrick Exhibition on Display Saturday and Sunday!
Admission: $8 Adult $5 Child/Concession $16 Family
Ghost Tours Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum Mayday Hills Lunatic Asylum (La Trobe), Albert Road
Indulge yourself on a night tour of the former Beechworth Lunatic Asylum, Our ghostly host will share with you tales of the eerie past, spine tingling stories that will have your imagination working overtime. On this tour you will hear of the Kelly connection to the Hospital and the life of James Kelly, Ned's uncle. Highly recommended for all lovers of History.
TIMES: Friday & Sunday: 8 pm till Late, exact times TBA
Tickets: $25 Adult, $23 Concession, $15 Child
Beechworth Gaol Unlocked Old Beechworth Gaol, Ford Street
"Beechworth Gaol Unlocked" reveals Beechworth's less well known history, one that's rich with tales of great escapes, betrayal and even romance - all within the walls of the gaol. Learn about Ned and Ellen's Kelly time spent behind its walls.
TIMES: First Tour leaves at 11.00 am
Tickets: $22.50 Adult, $20 Concession, $17.50 Child, $75.00 Family
Cancellation Policy / Terms & Conditions General Conditions:
NB. All prices inclusive of GST all booking & handling fees Please note the organisers reserve the right to cancel or substitute performers or events should circumstances arise which make this necessary PLEASE NOTE: Ticket sales close 30 minute before scheduled start times. Tickets to some events sell out quickly there may be no tickets available to events you wish to see so book early.
No entry to the Trial re-enactment is permitted after the performance commences. CONCESSION CARD HOLDERS Where a concession tickets price is advertised it applies only to holders of a current Pensioner Concession Card issued by Centrelink or DVA Gold or White cardholders. The concession does not apply to Seniors Card. Holders or those with Commonwealth Health Care Cards.
All customers attending a performance must hold a valid ticket for that performance. Late arrivals may result in non-admittance until a suitable break in the performance.
The organisers reserve the right to add withdraw or substitute artists; vary advertised programmes seating arrangements and audience capacity. Refuse admission with reasonable cause or request a customer to leave the venue if disrupting others.
Ticket holders must comply with the security arrangements for the event and the venue including prohibition of certain items such as knives umbrellas glass and alcohol. The organiser accepts no responsibility for confiscated items.
The taking of photographs video images and audio recordings of performances are strictly prohibited.
Delivery of Tickets and Venue Pick Up:
If you have selected delivery through the mail please allow at least 14 days after your order is confirmed to receive your tickets. If you have not received your tickets within 48 hours of the event please contact us on 1300 366 321. Tickets booked within fourteen days of the event will be available for collection at the Visitor Information Centre up until 5.00 pm and after that at the venue 30 minutes before the event.
Refunds and Exchanges:
Before purchasing tickets carefully review the details of your ticket request. No refunds will be given after a ticket is purchased or for lost stolen damaged or destroyed tickets. Contact the Information Centre 1300 366 321 if you lose your ticket. When you receive your tickets please keep them in a safe place. A change in personal circumstances does not entitle the ticket holder to return the ticket.
Location Map
For further details or to make a reservation, please call the Beechworth Visitor Information Centre 1300 366 321 or e-mail visit_beechworth@indigoshire.vic.gov.au
