THE 6th Clarence Valley Camp Oven Festival will run from 11 to 14 June at Nymboida Camping and Canoeing in Nymboida NSW.

In a community still recovering from the devastating 2019 bushfires, in which 90 homes were lost, followed by the pandemic-induced cancellation of the 2020 festival, the management committee for Nymboida Camping & Canoeing are delighted to announce the return of this much-loved event.

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

“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.

“Our headline acts will be announced soon, so sign up for updates via our website or follow us on Facebook to be the first to hear.”

The event organisers have gone to lengths to ensure the festival can be run in a covid-safe manner.

Festival Manager Phil Nicholas said, “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.

“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.