Banjo Paterson Australia Poetry Festival

The birthplace of the beloved Australian poet, Orange NSW and the surrounding region celebrate Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival each February to coincide with his birth date on February 17, 1864.

Andrew Barton (Banjo) Patterson was an Australian legend. Recognised as one of Australia’s most famous and most admired bush poets he wrote many ballads and poems about Australian life, focusing particularly on the rural and outback areas, including districts in New South Wales where he spent much of his childhood. He led a fascinating life and went on to become a journalist, lawyer, war correspondent and farmer, who fought in WWI.

Banjo Paterson’s Waltzing Matilda is known worldwide; many Australians can recite a string of his poems; and his work has been converted to song and theatre. What better way to celebrate this great Australian’s life and work than through a Festival in the district in which he was born.

Welcome to the sixth Banjo Paterson Australian Poetry Festival in its current form since the celebration of his 150th birthday in 2014. The Rotary Club of Orange has taken a lead role with Orange360 and other community organisations in coordinating events that will be attractive to lovers of good old Australian entertainment. Bush poetry, school performances, professional entertainers, a very special Banjo Paterson Festival dinner in Molong, markets, history and barbecues are some of the attractions.

Fancy your recitation skills? Take the opportunity to show your skill in poetry recital and musical entertainment. Australian poetry is alive and well and this Festival will provide something for every age group, including lots of local history and the wonderful food and wine of the Orange region.