Jumpers and Jazz 2024: Warwick celebrates 20 years of unique, award-winning arts festival
It may be one of the coldest parts of the state but one of Queensland’s most unique arts and tourism festival will warm up the Southern Downs as they celebrate their 20th anniversary over a jam-packed 10 days. See what’s in store in 2024 here.
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There’s no denying Warwick’s annual Jumpers and Jazz in July festival is a success, winning a national street art award in 2023, and contributing millions to the Southern Downs economy.
Now in its 20th year, the 2024 festival is extra special to the community who fought tooth and nail to ensure its legacy would continue.
The 10-day festival is set to begin on July 18, with events, tours and more happening each day around the region until the final weekend on July 28.
Committee member and one of a number of hardworking organisers, Pam Burley remembers when the event program was a grand total of 10 things.
Now the eccentric event offers more than 162 activities in 10 action-packed days.
“We now have 53 different event hosts from local businesses and community organisations,” she said.
Ms Burley and the dedicated team of volunteers spend almost 365 days of the year eagerly planning for the next year’s festival, thriving off the joy it brings to all ages from far and wide.
There’s an acknowledgment of its unrivalled impact in every aspect of planning that’s gone into this years event, Ms Burley said.
Unique and exclusive to the Southern Downs, its wide range in variety of things to do and see is why thousands flock to the region each year.
In 2023 the festival produced more than $4.34m into the local community, estimating roughly 60,000 attendees over the 10 days.
According to Booking.com there was one vacancy available in Warwick across the 10-day period as of July 15.
“We feel we do a really good job of keeping things as affordable as possible, keeping in mind the cost of living impacts we’re all facing,” she said.
“There’s a lot of options for people (including) a number of free events and there’s also the option to go to those ticketed events.
“(The festival) is unique because it’s so diverse in what it offers and it’s a community owned and led event.”
The 2024 yarntopian display will pay homage to the intertwine of yarn, and staple carnival themes.
Also lining the streets of Warwick will be the impressive display of tree jumpers.
With only a matter of days until the festival kicks off, Ms Burley said the clock is ticking to secure a spot in the ticketed events.
Ms Burley said despite the almost year long efforts of the committee, their rewarded ten fold in how the festival gives so much back to the Southern Downs community.
The festivals highlight events can be found below with the full program available on the Jumpers and Jazz in July website.
SIGNATURE FESTIVAL EVENTS – TICKETED
• Jumpin Jazz Laneway Party, Warwick Town Hall on July 19 from 5pm-10pm. Tickets here.
• Twilight Jazz ‘n Blues in the Park, Leslie Park on July 27 from 6.15pm-9.15pm. Tickets here.
• Saturday Stroll n Swing in the Park, Leslie Park on July 27 from 8.45am-3pm. Tickets here.
• Matt Golinski tastings, Leslie Park on July 27 with sessions starting from 10am. Tickets here.
• Long Flavours Long Lunch, Leslie Park on July 27 at 11am. Tickets here.
KEY FREE EVENTS
• Yarnbombed tree exhibition at Warwick Town Hall car park, from July 18-28.
• Yarntopian Installation, St Marks Church precinct from July 18-28.
• Artisans Markets, Warwick Art Gallery on July 20 from 9.30am-2.30pm.
• Grand Automobile display, Palmerin St and Leslie Park on July 21 from 9.30am-2pm.
• Suitcase Rummage Market, Leslie Park on July 27 from 9.30am-3pm.
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Originally published as Jumpers and Jazz 2024: Warwick celebrates 20 years of unique, award-winning arts festival