A fiddle, a washboard and wholesome fun at old-fashioned bush dance

FAMILIES are being encouraged to pull on their boots, denim and checked shirts for an old-fashioned bush dance at the upcoming Connecting Generations Bangalow event.

Local mum Ali Drennan and her neighbour Murray Hand have teamed up to provide live music for the event, with Drennan on the fiddle and Hand on a washboard he has enhanced with a service bell and enamel tin to create a rhythmic, raspy beat.

Hand, who also won the Bush Poetry competition at the 2025 Bangalow Show, said he has long been inspired by bands such as The Bushwackers.

The pair plan to lead attendees in a group dance such as the heel-and-toe polka at the event at Bangalow Heritage House and Museum.

“Everybody can join in and partner each other, and we can mix the partners up so everybody gets to dance with everybody,” Hand said.

Drennan began playing folk and traditional fiddle as a teenager but stopped for 20 years before picking up her bow again during the COVID-19 lockdowns in 2020.

“I felt it was a time in the world where we especially needed music to lift our spirits,” she said.

Drennan said music – especially folk music – has the ability to connect people of all ages, making it the perfect fit for the event.

“Aussie bush dances are such wholesome fun,” she said. “They have a lively, inclusive spirit and a real larrikin vibe.”

The autumn Connecting Generations Bangalow event will be held at Bangalow Heritage House & Museum from 3pm to 5.30pm on Saturday 23 May.

Attendees will also be able to enjoy nature-based arts and craft activities, free face painting, make and sample damper and purchase pizza from Drew’s Brews Coffee and Catering.

For more information follow Connecting Generations Bangalow on Facebook.