Recently, @ The Coalface attended one of Central Queensland’s iconic events, the Clermont Gold and Coal Festival. This annual celebration, which has been an important part of the community since 2000, offers a unique blend of history, culture and entertainment that highlights the rich mining heritage of Clermont.

The festival’s primary purpose highlights the significance of gold and coal in the region.

Organiser Kristy Espig said the festival is a beloved tradition for locals and visitors alike.

“Gold and coal are not just resources, they’re a huge part of Clermont’s story,” Kristy explained.

“The festival is all about celebrating how these industries have shaped our town, both economically and culturally.”

Over the years, the festival has evolved, particularly with the involvement of Clermont Artslink.

“One of the biggest changes was the introduction of arts into the festival. We started including activities like painting fossicking pans and inviting visiting artists.”

Another significant development has been the incorporation of the Clermont Lagoon.

“The lagoon is the heart of the town – it’s where our history began and integrating it into the festival has been a way to connect the event even more deeply with our heritage.”

The festival continues to evolve with the recent opening of the Clermont Historical Centre, which serves as a fringe event, offering visitors a glimpse into the town’s past.

“One of the highlights is the firing of the steam tractor that famously moved the town from the lagoon to where it is today.”

This year’s festival offered a range of attractions, including a showcase of local small businesses, food and drink vendors, and free lawn games for children.

“We were especially excited about the lighting up of the lagoon this year. The bridge was beautifully illuminated, creating a magical atmosphere that was a big attraction for attendees.”

The impact of the festival on the local community and economy is significant.

“It’s a great platform for students and local groups to showcase their talents and fundraise for their activities. It also boosts local businesses by bringing in visitors, which helps our hospitality sector and strengthen community connection.”

When asked about the challenges of organising the festival, Kristy acknowledges the difficulties.

“Like many non-profit events, we struggle with a limited number of volunteers. But we focused on what areas can be streamlined, to make the workload more manageable and are thankful for additional volunteers who showed up to lend a hand.”

Kristy said what sets the Gold and Coal Festival apart from other regional events is its unique blend of history and community spirit.

“It’s a free event that brings together locals and visitors to acknowledge our heritage and the resilience of our town. That combination of accessibility and sentimentality is what keeps people coming back year after year.”