I love celebrating the Queens Birthday.
You get three days off and you don’t even have to buy the ol’ girl a present.
Perfect.
I remember once (in my very youthful days) going to a “Corgis OR Crownies” Queens Birthday bash.
To get in, admittance was either one or the other.
A Corgi…OR a carton of Crown Lager beer.
I searched high and low, but unfortunately, no one I knew owned a Corgi. (Mmm…I can NOW see that this was a sneaky trick to ensure a healthy beer quota for the organisers – my “young man” naivety astounds me.)
So without any Corgis to balance out the beer, that particular Queens Birthday long weekend ended up being a very messy non-regal event.
Thankfully, I’m far more refined nowadays.
This long weekend I’ll be feeding my book addiction in Brisbane at the Lifeline Bookfest. It’s considered the biggest second-hand book sale in the universe.
Cool website – Check it out here: http://www.lifelinebookfest.com/
Don’t worry. We haven’t forgotten about the rest of Australia. Catie Cash has done a bit of research for me to cover all the major cities. (Other than Perth as they’re waiting a bit for the WA Queens Birthday weekend.)
Take a peek at Catie’s suggestions…
SYDNEY – The Vivid Festival – get a FREE torch from Info booths @ Circular Quay.
“Vivid Sydney is back to shine light, music and ideas across the city in the biggest festival of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere.
EnergyAustralia and Vivid Sydney invite you to take home a little bit of Vivid light for yourself. Collect your FREE torch from Info Booths at Circular Quay (Customs House) and St Mary’s Cathedral, open 5.30pm-10.30pm daily, while stocks last!”
http://vividsydney.com/
http://vividsydney.com/free
MELBOUNE – The Winter Film Festival – FREE Movies @ Docklands
“Enjoy Melbourne’s premier free classic Winter film festival screened under the stars at Docklands every night. Rug up and bring your family and friends down to Waterfront City Piazza. Grab a meal, hot chocolate, popcorn or pizza and enjoy classic movies under the stars. Bring along a blanket and picnic or director’s chairs are available – perfect if you are coming straight from work. Screenings every night at 7pm. Saturday at 2pm and 7pm.
Schedule for long weekend and thereafter…
Friday, 11 June at 7pm – Matilda
Saturday, 12 June at 2pm – World’s Fastest Indian
Saturday, 12 June at 7pm – You Got Served
Sunday, 13 June at 7pm – Alvin and the Chipmunks
Monday, 14 June at 7pm – Citizen Kane
Tuesday, 15 June at 7pm – Monster House
Wednesday, 16 June at 7pm – Goldfinger
Thursday, 17 June at 7pm – Only You
Friday, 18 June at 7pm – Sleepless in Seattle”
CANBERRA – The Royal Australian Poultry Show – Ever seen a Barnevelder? Enjoy something a wee bit different in our Capital city. I wonder if KRudd is going to this one? :
“Come and visit the Poultry Show this Queen’s Birthday long weekend in the Fitzroy Pavilion at Exhibition Park In Canberra.
The feature breed to this year show is Barnevelder, one of the rarer breeds originating from the Netherlands.
Six judges will carry out the judging of over 1000 Show birds in accordance with the Australian Poultry Standards, which assess the birds on colour, condition and carriage.
Whether you want to buy a chicken or duck for the backyard or you just want to have a laugh and see all the cute birds, the Poultry Show has it all.”
http://www.rncas.org.au
ADELAIDE – The Annual Salisbury Craft and Hobby Fair
“The Annual Salisbury Craft and Hobby Fair is held on the June long weekend each year. In 2010, the dates are Saturday 12, Sunday 13 and Monday 14 June.
With over 140 indoor stalls, door prizes, food stalls, entertainment including temporary tattoos, rides, a jumping castle, woodwork, teddy bears, dolls, jewellery, pottery, glass, decoupage, toys and more!
Local businesses will also be present, displaying their products, services and providing demonstrations.
Location
The Gardens Recreation Centre
Cnr Kings and Martins Roads
Parafield Gardens
Phone: (08) 8281 4888
Email: The Centre Manager
Admission
Adults – $4.00
Concession – $3.00
Children under 15 years are free”
http://cweb.salisbury.sa.gov.au/manifest/servlet/page?pg=17368&stypen=html
DARWIN – The “Top Half” Folly Festival
Northern Australia, Mary River; 11 – 14 June 2010
It’s time to dust off the camping gear!
With perfect Dry Season weather guaranteed, the Top Half is definitely a festival to be part of – just come along and write yourself into the program through the blackboard concerts, workshops, poets breakfasts, dances and campfire sessions.”
http://www.topendfolkclub.org/index.htm
HOBART – Lumina Festival – If the website is anything to go by, this one looks like a fantastic way to enjoy the long weekend…
“All aboard for the Comedy Festival Roadshow! The comedians have left the building for the ultimate comedy road trip. Now in its 12th big year the Roadshow shares the Melbourne International Comedy Festival vibe with punters at the Theatre Royal. A cast of big Australian names, newcomers and overseas guests prove there is nowhere a comedian fears to tread. Join us for a hootenanny of a good time.”
http://lumina.discovertasmania.com/events/comedy-roadshow-hobart
CASH DOCTORS TRADING HOURS OVER THE QUEENS BIRTHDAY LONG WEEKEND
We’re closed Monday, June 14, 2010.
If you think you’ll need cash, and you prefer to be paid into your bank account (not your Cash Doctors Card) make sure you apply before the long weekend starts.
If you use your Cash Doctors card you don’t have to worry. You’ll be covered 24/7.
Have a great Queens Birthday long weekend…and keep the Crownies to a minimum.
Cheers!
Greg Ellis
