Billinudgel Hotel turns kids’ birthday party into regular event

IT started by accident, but Billinudgel Hotel’s Family Fun Day has proven so popular it’s become a regular event.

The much-loved country pub held its first such gathering in June, when one of the staff celebrated their son’s birthday at the venue and booked a jumping castle.

“Word had gotten out amongst the school kids and all of a sudden half the Shire was here with their kids for the afternoon,” licensee and owner Jordan Barham said.

With the event regularly attracting between 80 and 150 people, the hotel has decided to make it a permanent fixture on the calendar.

This Saturday October 24, families will be able to enjoy face painting, a jumping castle and live music from Tahlia Matheson, who has performed at events such as the Gympie Muster, Bluesfest and National Folk Festival.

“Tahlia is about as home grown as the Shire could possibly offer having grown up with her old man performing at the Billi quite regularly,” Barham said. “She blends the songwriting integrity of Kasey Chambers, the storytelling of Kelsea Ballerini, and a touch of Emmylou Harris.”

Barham said the historic hotel’s beer garden offered an ideal space for families to spread out, enjoy a beer in the sunshine and soak up the vibe.

“There is plenty of space to pull up a chair or throw out a picnic blanket and let the day go by in the safety and serenity of the back garden,” he said.

The next family fun day will be held on Sunday, November 30. From next year, the event will take place on the last Saturday of every month.