Heritage fest an historic treasure trove

MORE than 30 local events are scheduled over the next four weeks, including tours, exhibitions and cultural performances, as part of the Australian Heritage Festival – the country’s largest annual community-driven festival of its type.

Running from tomorrow until Monday 18 May, the theme for this year’s program is change.

Philip Howe, the National Trust’s Bendigo and District Branch president, said in the lead-up there’s been a strong response from local organisations keen to host a diverse range of heritage events.

“People are (also) registering to attend tours of 19th century buildings, enjoy performances in historic venues, learn more about our industrial heritage, take walking tours with local experts and view exhibitions that provide glimpses into the past,” he said.

“In Bendigo, the former law courts are open for tours and will provide the venue for a Bottled Snail Productions reading of Romeo and Juliet.

“(This) demonstrates why the central Victorian goldfields are on the path to UNESCO World Heritage Classification.”

Tours will also be available of Bendigo church organs, the former Bendigo gas works and Langley Estate in White Hills, where a world premiere of The Operatic Servant Girl is happening on Sunday 3 May.

Performed by soprano Matilda Wilby and baritone Peter Hunt and directed by Merlyn Quaife, the work tells the story of opera-mad maid-servant Mary Trillett and her master, a music-teacher named Quaver, who succumbs to Mary’s pleas for him to teach her music and singing.

Further information is available on the Australian Heritage Festival website.