Southern Forests region springs to life with unique events

By: Lisa Cook

What do a medieval carnivale, a flower festival and a farming conference have in common? 

They’re all special events coming to small towns in WA’s Southern Forests region this August and September. 

Lords, ladies, knights, jesters and squires will descend on the tiny picturesque town of Balingup for its beloved Medieval Carnivale, on Saturday 23 and Sunday 24 August. 

Celebrating its 30^th year running, the event welcomes locals and visitors to step back in time for a weekend of music, dance and medieval combat. 

Two unmissable events during the weekend of medieval festivities include the grand parade, and the burning of the dragon on the Saturday night. Don a medieval costume, or hire one when you arrive, browse more than 100 variety stalls, and sample local produce, including Balingup’s famous fruit wines. 

In the nearby town of Nannup, more than 10,000 tulips will be in full bloom for the Nannup Flower and Garden Festival, running across two weekends in August.  

Whether you’re an experienced gardener or simply have an interest in plants and florals, there’s something in the packed program for everyone to enjoy. 

This year’s festival features more than 80 events and workshops, as well as open gardens, market stalls and competitions. 

The Nannup Flower and Garden Festival will be held from 8-17 August. 

Chefs, growers and gardeners will unite at a world class conference and food festival hitting Bridgetown in September. 

Offering a mix of farming knowhow, good food stalls and community conversation, GROUNDED is a satellite event following RegenWA’s conference in Perth. 

The event will cover topics like how we grow food, the impact soil has on human health and a range of important topics relevant to everybody, accompanied by good food and local wines.  

If you’re interested in farming and food systems, grab tickets to GROUNDED, held in Bridgetown on 19-20 September.