WORK has begun to bring the Railway Hotel at Bogan Gate (Bogan HQ) up to scratch for the inaugural Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival.

A working bee was held last Saturday at the historic pub as preparations continue for the July 12 and 13 event.

For one of the chief organisers Tara Shaw, the event promises to be something huge for those looking for a festival that’s fun-filled and novelty based.

“We are on track for a big event and today’s working bee will be followed by another in June,” said Tara.

“There is only eight weeks until the festival and the support has been incredible.

“From volunteers, to sponsors to ticket sales – it has been fantastic to see so much support,” Tara said.

With tickets selling fast, punters are encouraged to get in or risk missing out on this unique festival.

“First round tickets are selling fast and those who want to come really shouldn’t leave it to the last minute,” Tara said.

“Two day passes are $75 but will rise to $85 – that’s better value than most other festivals and it allows you to enter in over 20 activities from fashions in the field, husband calling, darts, pool, Euchre and air guitar among others.

“The festival combines three shires (Parkes, Forbes and Lachlan/ Condobolin), benefits the Bogan Gate community and Currajong Disability Services who stand to gain some of the proceeds including the cash for cans return and earn,” said Tara.

“There aren’t many festivals we’ve found that benefit so many from across the region.”

The date of the next working bee is still be announced however people are encouraged to follow Australia’s Biggest Bogan Festival on Facebook or go to www.boganfest.com.au for more info or to buy tickets. There is also downloable programs in the Forms section for those who want a current program or wish to become a sponsor.

For those interested in camping, the Bogan Gate Showground allows self-sufficient campers up to 72 hours of free camping as the amenities are not up to scratch. Others are encouraged to book their accommodation nearest the Friday night town/ venue they wish to attend and catch buses from their nominated town/ venue on the Saturday to and from Bogan Gate.

The festival will feature Chris Franklin, Hype Duo, Sweaty Palms, The Noll Brothers, Benny Bogan, Domenick O’Kieran, Victoria Ferrara, Luke Acheson, Bogan’s Heroes, Victor Bogan, Three Quarters Full, Amanda G and Rawson Road. Friday July 12 from 6pm – Cambridge Hotel, Parkes (Bogan’s Heroes and Chris Webbe/ Sweaty Palms) MCs Dooley Thomson and Chris Webbe; Post Office Hotel, Forbes (Domenick O’Kieran and Hype Duo) MCs Dane Millerd, Domenick O’Kieran and Tara Shaw; Condobolin Hotel, Condobolin (The Noll Brothers) MCs Luke Acheson and Benny Bogan; Railway Hotel, Bogan Gate (Amanda G, Rawson Road and Victor Bogan) MCs Brad Gibson and Lara Tulaga. The Forbes Services Club will be holding a separate ticketed event called Bogan Bingo. Check their Facebook page for details. Saturday will include all of the above acts from 10am at the Railway Hotel in Bogan Gate.