The Orange Region Winter Fire Festival is promising to be the hottest winter celebration of the year.

RUNNING across two weekends (August 4-13) the Orange Region Winter Fire Festival showcases Orange and the villages of Blayney and Cabonne at their winter best, says Orange360 general manager Ned Sweetapple.

“The festival program comprises a range of events in our region’s cellar doors, restaurants, villages, and other venues that celebrate the magic of winter,” says Ned.

“The Winter Fire Festival is one of our region’s keystone events, and we’re excited to turn up the heat this year! 

“The chill of winter is no match for the warmth of Orange’s hospitality.

“We’re proud to showcase what we love about this region in winter – frosted mornings and sprinklings of snow are followed by bright sunshine days and crisp clear nights. 

“The Winter Fire Festival is our region’s antidote to the cold and is the opportunity to celebrate all the good things about our winter season and the fun to be had. 

“Indulging in hearty, warming meals, sipping cold-climate wine and artisan drinks around the bonfire, sharing stories, music, dance and laughter with friends and strangers under starry crystal-clear skies. 

“The region’s charming cafes, pubs, cellar doors and restaurants offer cosy retreats complete with crackling fireplaces, comfortable armchairs, and friendly locals eager to share stories. 

“Sample freshly roasted coffee, savour house-made specialties or enjoy a warming glass of local award-winning red wine.” 

Here’s Ned’s guide to some of the Fire Festival highlights: 

Millthorpe Fire Fair (Friday, August 4) 

Kick off this year’s festivities at the first event of the festival, the Millthorpe Fire Fair in the historic Millthorpe Village. Sample some of the best from local producers, wineries, and businesses, all while soaking up the vibe with live music and fireworks. The event starts at 5pm with fireworks around 8.30pm. Tickets are $10 for adults with kids entry by gold-coin donation on the day. Book here. 

Woodfired Eugowra (Saturday, August 5) 

Nothing ignites the soul like an afternoon with friends and family along the Mandagery Creek. Be warmed by the crackling fire as you take in local artisan food including woodfired pizza and low and slow meat. Sample regional wine, cider, and beer while you sit back and enjoy live music from local musicians. The kids will be entertained with a jumping castle, face painting and their own food options. Bring the family and venture to Eugowra for a cosy Saturday afternoon! This is a free event but registration is required to secure entry. 

‘Inferno’, film screening (Saturday, August 5) 

An exclusive screening of “Inferno” by local filmmaker Samuel Rodwell. Hosted at the Orange Regional Gallery, this is an opportunity to meet the filmmaker with a post-screening Q&A hosted by award-winning cameraman Nick Lee followed by drinks and canapes. Book here. 

Handpicked – “Fire Songs” (Thursday, August 10) 

Heating up the Orange Winter Fire Festival and getting your blood pumping is one of the region’s hottest bands serving up a selection of fiery songs from a wide range of artists including Bruce Springsteen, Adele, Billy Joel, Jimmy Hendrix, Alicia Keys, James Taylor, Garth Brooks and many more! 

The Handpicked House Band features Orange’s most prominent rock musicians Kyle Manning, Luke Ferguson, Dave Egan and Travis New. These boys are a show all on their own, so lovers of live music can expect a roof-raising night of tunes, great food and singing along with everyone in the Canobolas Hall. Tickets on sale now. 

Union Bank Winter Wonderland Party (Saturday, August 12) 

The Union Bank is hosting a Winter wonderland-themed party! Think fire, smoke, disco balls, poutine, mulled wine, hot toddies and schnapps. Be sure to don some retro ski attire for an added complimentary drink ticket! This event will go ahead in all weather, with several spaces within the venue activated for this event. 

Tickets available now. 

Il Tavolo Osco (Sundays, August 6 & 13) 

Storytelling is on the menu at these spellbinding food and wine events at Antica Australis in the heritage village of Carcoar during the Winter Fire Festival. Take a seat at the Oscan table – Il Tavolo Osco – and step back in time for Antica’s favourite tales to share with you about the original Italic tribes of Central Italy and their Bronze Age fight to defend their noble nation of Víteliú against the ancient Romans.

Guests will be whisked away to the mountaintop villages of the “hidden” region of Ciociaria in central Italy and thousands of years into the past, while dining on a three-course regional Italian set menu with two matched Italian varietals from local Angullong wines. Tickets available now. 

Stories with Swinging Bridge (Sunday, August 13) 

Indulge in a truly immersive vineyard tour and lunch at Swinging Bridge’s Hill Park vineyard. Explore the captivating stories and history of Swinging Bridge, the vineyard, and the remarkable individuals behind it. Traverse the scenic landscape, pausing at various points to learn about the award-winning wines and the people that have shaped the vineyard into a site of excellence. 

Satisfy your appetite with a sensational three-course lunch, artfully prepared over open fire by the skilled chefs. Discover the exquisite flavours of locally sourced ingredients, expertly paired with the finest wines. Book here.

To buy tickets and view the full Winter Fire Festival program visit orange360.com.au.