20/07/2026
The Rotary Club of Uralla, Thunderbolts Festival
History: in early 2026, after years of declining membership on the Thunderbolts Festival committee, mostly due to aging, Rotary approached Council for the event to go back as a section 355 committee in the hope that not being under Rotary would enable more people to join, however this was rejected. Council did assist with an EOI (expressions of interest) process and through this 3 new members have joined the committee. We are glad to announce the event will continue, although more members are needed to coordinate activities in the lead up and on the day.
Thunderbolts Festival will be held Saturday 24th October (11am-3pm) in the lovely Alma Park, Queen St, Uralla. Theme: Disco! Entry is free!!
Following the enormous success of last years Festival, there will be the Bush Poets Breakfast and the Main Street activation from 10:30am; roving band and street performers, Chilli Jam on the Bolt Inn top verandah, Des Ahoy at Café 53 on Bridge and more!
The invigorated Street Parade will include; bikes from Newcastle & Blue Motorcycle Project, Hot Rods, Classic Cars, Antique Machinery, Capt. Thunderbolt, fire engines, local schools and community groups. All vehicles to be on display from the Street Parade onwards in Queen Street. There may be activities, a car / bike show competition and a Poker Run as well - tbc.
In Alma Park the official opening will be by Mr Brendan Moylan MP and the Welcome by Aunty Pam. There will be; kids’ activities, a $2 wristband gives them access all day to the rock climb wall, inflatable rides and 2x jumping castles - adult plus a medium sized.
Street Performers; Hemlock, plus Helly Hoops roving circus performer and free circus play space for kids - hula hoops, poi and magical giant bubble show.
Market stalls are now by invitation only due to the limited number of sites available and the high demand to attend, we have new coordinators this year.
Four Book Trilogy a local favourite band will provide live music throughout the day. NEMAS Medieval Arts display and spontaneous combat, face painting, photo booth, hula hoop competition and New England Antique Machinery Display.
Ol Mates Coffee will be onsite, local schools with food stalls - BBQ’s plus hot dogs and Friends of McMaughs with their tea, sandwiches and cakes.
Night Event at Alma Park; 7pm-8:30pm Helly Hoops NEW Show with neon poi & lots of neon hula hoops for kids to have a go!! Sausage sizzle by the original Uralla Neighbourhood Centre.
Major Sponsors are Uralla Shire Council and ACEN Australia. Other sponsors include; EnergyCo, Phoenix Foundry, The Top Pub, Uralla Bowlo, The Bolt Inn, Fleet Warbirds, Uralla Motor Mates as well as many local businesses and individuals in Uralla.
