Richmond is gearing up to celebrate its bicentenary with a four-month-long program featuring over 70 events, exhibits and festivals.
The historic and beloved Tasmanian town will kick off the festivities with a street parade in December to mark the 200th anniversary since the laying of the foundation stone of one of Australia’s most historic and significant bridges, the Richmond Bridge.
The events are expected to draw both locals and tourists to the historic town, as organisers aim to tell the ‘conflicting stories’ of its history.
“Richmond is one of Tasmania’s most historic and most visited towns and the Coal River Valley more broadly also has significant heritage value and visitor appeal,” Clarence City Council Mayor Brendan Blomeley says.
“There are many long-standing families in the area and some fascinating stories to be told of the people, buildings, agriculture and industry of Richmond and the surrounding area.”
Some highlights of the program include a street parade, a collectors roadshow, convict family reunions, an open house event and a village fair.
Richmond Bicentenary Event Calendar
Weekend 1, 8-11 December 2023 | Bicentenary Launch
Commemorate the 200th anniversary since the laying of the foundation stone of Australia’s oldest surviving large stone arch bridge, the Richmond Bridge. Street parade and official launch, plus vehicle displays, music, and exhibitions.
Weekend 2, 18-22 January 2024 | Richmond History Festival
Talks, exhibitions, Collectors’ Roadshow (21 January 2024), guided tours and events focused on Richmond and the Coal River Valley and its role in Tasmanian development.
Weekend 3, 10-11 February | Heritage Farming Expo
Experience traditional farming demonstrations and displays and the contribution of convict farm labourers. Presented with Hobart Vintage Machinery Society.
Weekend 3, 10-12 February 2024 | Convict Muster
Explore convict ancestry with keynote speakers, convict history-themed talks and music 10-12 February.
Weekend 4, 23-27 February 2024 | Bicentenary of Town Proclamation
Open House Richmond, presented with the Australian Institute of Architects, offers unprecedented access to more than thirty properties. Explore Richmond’s diverse architecture along with special events, walks and talks and exhibitions.
Weekend 5, 8-11 March 2024 | Fruits of the Valley
Celebrate the 2024 harvest at the Richmond Village Fair. A celebratory Street Party for local residents will conclude the festivities.
