Camp Oven Festival set to return to Nymboida this June long weekend

After bushfire devastated the village in 2019, and COVID-19 lockdown cancelled the 2020 event, organisers of the Nymboida Camp Oven Festival are excited to bring back the much-loved event

Nymboida Camp Oven Festival will be back bigger and better than ever in 2021.

The tantalising aroma of camp oven delicacies will soon be wafting through the village of Nymboida once more, with organisers of the popular Nymboida Camp Oven Festival prepared to put two years of setbacks behind them for this year’s event.

With the village still on the long road to recovery following the devastating 2019 bushfires, which saw 90 homes lost, last year’s Camp Oven Festival was cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic restrictions.

Undeterred by their recent bad luck, the management committee for Nymboida Camping & Canoeing are delighted to announce the return of this much-loved event, which will take place from June 11-14 and promises to be bigger and better than ever.

“Moving to the June long weekend means we’ve added a whole extra days’ fun and entertainment,” festival creative director Laena Stephenson said.

“This year people can look forward to a program that celebrates multicultural Australia and showcases the wonderful diversity of people living in our region. It really is a feast for the senses, with live music, the Poet’s Breakfast, a bush dance, the fiercely-contested Camp Oven Cooking and Billy Boiling competitions and family fun games such as Rubber Ducky Race and Cardboard Kayak Calamity.”

This week it was revealed that renowned Australian blues guitarist and songwriter Ray Beadle will bring his powerhouse trio to thrill audiences as the headline act at the 6th Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival.

Whether you know your Muddy Waters from your Robert Johnson, Ray’s blend of original compositions and personal take on classic blues numbers educates and enthrals in equal measure.

Renowned Australian blues guitarist and songwriter Ray Beadle is set to bring his powerhouse trio to thrill audiences at the 6th Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival.

It is not by chance that Ray has become a favourite among Australian blues and music fans. Inspired by his musical family to begin his journey as a musician aged nine, Ray has accumulated experience and polished stagecraft over 20 years of performance, recording and touring, including a stint with the house band in BB King’s Club in Memphis.

Event organisers have gone to lengths to ensure the festival can be run in a COVID-safe manner.

“It’s absolutely crucial that customers feel safe and protected at such events, which is why we’re implementing a comprehensive plan in response to current restrictions,” Festival Manager Phil Nicholas said.

“In the large part, the restrictions don’t materially impact on the festival experience. For instance, there will be designated seating areas at each performance area. Those who camp overnight at the festival tend to bring their own chair anyway, so they will be directed to sit in specific spots with adequate distance separating family groups.”

“As for the bush dance, it can take place in the open air, with family groups staying within their marked area. Our bush band, the brilliant Sunburnt Celts, have managed dances in this way before and it’s loads of fun, just without the partner-swapping.”

The festival is calling for volunteers, who can receive a complementary festival pass and camping, to apply via the website. Food vendors and market stallholders are also encouraged to apply online. Weekend camping and festival passes are on sale now from the venue office, call 02 6640 4155 or head to www.clarencevalleycampovenfestival.com for further information.