Roaring 20s Festival: Bringing chutzpah back

Celebrate the opulent era when Australia’s first tourist destination kicked up its heels for a decade-long party. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

It’s almost time to clad your chassis (female body) in your glad rags (“going out on the town’’ clothes) for a copacetic (wonderful) time to celebrate the opulent era when Australia’s first tourist destination kicked up its heels for a decade-long party.

The Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz will be held throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region from February 7 to 22, and is for any egg (person who lives the big life) who loves a shindig (party).

Dance your way into history at the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The festival will again kick off with the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge at the newly re-opened Hydro Majestic Hotel, conveniently opposite Medlow Bath railway station, on Saturday, February 7.

The challenge aims to break its own Guinness World Record for the greatest number of costumed people to dance the Charleston. It set the record with 276 in 2013, 319 in 2014 – let’s make it 350 in 2015. Registrations are now open via the festival website.

The celebration of decadence, architecture and jazz music will continue with a dizzying round of costumed balls and high teas, historical walks, fashion parades, outrageous dancing and jazz music.

There will be the exquisite Long Lunch with gourmet food and wine event at an exciting new venue, 1920s-themed transport rallies and film nights, garden tours, murder mysteries, radio plays, vintage sports and more.

Popular TV personality Claudia Chan Shaw will again be festival patron. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Popular TV personality Claudia Chan Shaw will again be festival patron and Charlotte Smith, curator of The Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture, will be its ambassador.

Festival director Angela Corkeron said it was a great opportunity for locals and visitors to dress up and relive the era of true extravagance.

“The 1920s was a time to celebrate – the drudgery of World War I was gone, people were happy and kicked up their heels to show it.

“Everything was almost a dare: the fashion, the makeup, ladies’ traditionally long hair was cut short, skirt lengths rose so that one caught a glimpse of elegant ankles and the dancing was matched by the fabulous rise of jazz and ragtime music.’’

Definitely not for a flat tyre (dull-witted, insipid, disappointing date) or Mrs Grundy (priggish, tight-laced person), the festival is the calendar highlight for flappers (stylish, brash, hedonistic young woman with short skirts and hair), fly boys (glamorous term for aviator), owls (person who’s out late) and any Sheba (woman with sex appeal) or sheik (man with sex appeal) out to whoopee (have a good time).

The festival celebrates the elegance and style of the 1920s era. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism chairman Daniel Myles said: “The Roaring 20s Festival has brought the chutzpah back to the original hedonistic holiday destination and given people yet another reason to visit.

“The grand hotels of the era – the Carrington, Mountain Heritage and now the Hydro Majestic – have, one by one, been restored back to their glorious heyday and are now overflowing with the wonderful characters they were made for.

“Then there’s the Glamour & Gowns Ball at Lithgow’s Civic Ballroom, which was spectacularly decked out last year, and everyone can experience the age of steam and industry at the Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair at Oberon.’’

Events will be held throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

So get a wiggle on, don a swanky outfit and shake your gams (a woman’s legs) for a hotsy totsy (pleasing), nifty (great) time of sumptuous architecture, costume balls and high teas, saucy clothing, outrageous (for the time) dancing and jazz music.

Stay a night or three and fully immerse yourself in the era.

Go to roaring20s.com.au for more information about the Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz.

Go to visitbluemountains.com.au for accommodation, dining and activity options.

The Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge is a great activity for the whole family. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge: Officially amazing – again

The 2014 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge broke its own record. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The 2014 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge has officially beaten its own Guinness World Record.

The community dancing event was held in Leura Mall thanks to Leura Village Association on February 2 as part of the Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism annual Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz!.

Participants travelled from as far afield as the NSW Far North Coast and Queensland dressed in 1920s gear eager to high kick the previous record of 276 participants set at the 2013 attempt.

The latest attempt included 319 costumed dancers. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

After months of anticipation and submitting a copious amount of written, photographic and film evidence of the attempt, confirmation of the “Largest Charleston dance’’ in history was received from Guinness Book of World Records in England by the official regional tourism organisation on August 12.

The official letter reads: “We are delighted to confirm that you have successfully achieved a new Guinness World Records title for `Largest Charleston dance’. We would like to congratulate you on your record-breaking achievement. You are OFFICIALLY AMAZING.’’

Roaring 20s Festival director Sandy Luxford thanked all participants during the past three challenge attempts: “Not only have people continued to take part, they have brought friends with them, determined to set higher records each year.

“One of the requirements of the Charleston Challenge is that participants must be in costume to qualify and everyone does, which creates a wonderful festive atmosphere of fun and community. That’s what the Blue Mountains has been renowned for years.’’

BMLOT chairman Daniel Myles said: “The Roaring 20s Festival is a marvellous showcase of the region and gives people yet another chance to kick their heels up and party – how very 1920s, how very tourism and hospitality.

Participants travelled to Leura Mall from around the state. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

“The great thing about the Charleston Challenge is that anybody and everybody can join in.’’

The Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge has traditionally launched the Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz, which will again be held at various venues throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region throughout February 2015.

The 2015 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge will be held on Saturday, February 7, when it is hoped the record will be smashed once more with 350 dancers.

“This is a great opportunity to plan ahead, book a bed at one of the many accommodation venues in the area and really let your hair down and relive the 1920s,’’ Mr Myles said.

“We’ve even got hotels, guesthouses and B&Bs, restaurants and cafes and retail shops from the era so the scene has already been set.’’

The Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz pays homage to the decade when the region cut loose in an endless round of hedonism – sumptuous architecture, costume balls and high teas, saucy clothing, outrageous (for the time) dancing and jazz music.

Go to http://www.roaring20s.com.au for more information about the Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz.

The 2015 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge will be held on Saturday, February 7. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

 

Lithgow: Glamour & Gowns Ball a roaring success

This gallery contains 9 photos.

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism The Glamour & Gowns Ball at Lithgow was a glittering Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz success with 220 guests last Saturday, February 15. Hosted by Lithgow Mayor Maree Statham, the ball was attended by Her Excellency NSW Governor Professor Marie Bashir AC CVO, …

Ragtime and royalty at Jenolan Caves

Relive the day the Duke and Duchess of York visited Jenolan Caves.

By Jenolan Caves

Relive the era of the Great Gatsby, ragtime music, flappers and royalty as part of the Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz at Jenolan Caves on Sunday, February 16.

Visitors to one of the most magnificent cave systems in the world can step back to the day the Duke and Duchess of York, (later King George VI and the late Queen Mother) visited Jenolan Caves and stayed the night at Caves House – March 31, 1927.

The caves will celebrate the royal visit with an historic cave tour, traditional high tea and a tour of Caves House.

Retrace the steps the royal party took through the very cave they visited, the Left Imperial, exploring sections they would have seen but not generally open to the public today.

In fact, browse the www.jenolancaves.org.au website and you won’t find the Left Imperial Cave. It was renamed the Chifley Cave in 1952 after former Australian Prime Minister and good friend of Jenolan Caves Ben Chifley.

This cave boasts two firsts: in 1880 it was the first cave to be lit by electric light and was the first one anywhere in the world to be visited by the future king and queen.

Your guide for the day will be George Brown, one of the longest serving guides at Jenolan (he is listed on the honour board in the Guides Office).

The 1.5-hour cave tour will begin at 11.30am. Tickets: $37 adults, $27 concession/children and $90 families.

Following their evening inspection of the cave, the royal couple sat down to a sumptuous 15-course banquet in the grand dining room at Caves House. A momento of their visit, a signed copy of the menu hangs in the room today.

Relive that time at 1pm by sitting down in the timeless elegance of the House to a sumptuous traditional high tea with musical entertainment by the fabulous New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Dance Orchestra. The orchestra will play in the authentic tradition of the hot dance orchestras which sprang to prominence after World War I with tunes such as the Black and White Rag and Yes Sir that’s My Baby. Unlike some councils in the 1920s which tried to ban the Charleston because it was “danced by scallywags”, no such discouragement will be made to any dancers on the day in 2014.

Tickets: $50pp.

Then at 3pm, take a behind-the-scenes tour of heritage listed Caves House, built between 1898 and 1923. Designed by the Government Architect Walter Liberty Vernon, it is one of the finest examples of his work. The one-hour tour will be free with your traditional high tea.

To book the cave tour and traditional high tea phone 1300 076 3311 or (02) 6359 3911 then follow the prompts for “cave tours” or ; phone Ticketmaster on 136100 or go to www.ticketmaster.com.au to book the traditional high tea only.

The New Empire Ballroom Ragtime Dance Orchestra will perform at Ragtime and Royalty at Jenolan Caves on February 16.

Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge sets new world record

The 2014 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge smashed its own Guinness World Record. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge on Saturday, February 1, smashed it own Guinness World Record for the largest Charleston dance on the planet.

More than 300 dancers clad in 1920s era garb gathered in Leura Mall in the Blue Mountains to perform the Charleston, a dance deemed a little bit naughty in the age of flappers and gangsters.

Last year the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge set a new Guinness World Record with 276 dancers.

This year, the target was 300.

More than 300 people took part in the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Under glorious blue skies, an overwhelming 319 people registered to take part in the official record attempt to high kick last year’s record including Blue Mountains State MP Roza Sage, Macquarie Federal MP Louise Markus, festival patron and TV presenter Claudia Chan Shaw and festival ambassador Charlotte Smith (owner of the Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture).

Festival producer Sandy Luxford said: “I’m thrilled, of course. While we would have retained the world record title regardless, it is extremely satisfying to have set a new record – and we like being told we are `officially amazing’ by Guinness World Records.

“What has made the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge such a success is that it is fun, costs virtually nothing and really is for the whole community.

“You don’t have to be a professional dancer or wear expensive vintage clothes to be part of the challenge. You just need to have a go for five minutes.

“We have people here of all shapes and sizes, young and old, male and female and of all demographics.

“It has been a fantastically fun equaliser.’’

While the record attempt must now be verified by Guinness World Records in England, Ms Luxford said she was “quietly confident’’ it would be confirmed.

“In any case, we still hold the title from last year.’’

BMLOT chairman Randall Walker congratulated all involved in the challenge including Leura Village Association and welcomed the addition of the Long Lunch in Leura Mall as a major festival event.

“The 1920s era is all about living for the moment and having fun and that is what we hope you take away from this.

Leura Mall was awash with costumed dancers. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

“But the festival has only just begun, and is a great opportunity to treat yourself to a short break and fully immerse yourself in the Roaring 20s Festival and its many activities and events.’’

Welcoming the crowd, Blue Mountains Mayor Mark Greenhill thanked the many visitors to the Blue Mountains for “giving us the tonic we need’’ after recent hardship and injecting financial and emotional energy into the local economy, especially the tourism industry.

He urged locals and visitors to become ambassadors for the area, share their positive experiences with family and friends and encourage others to visit the Blue Mountains.

The annual public dance challenge officially kicked off the Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) popular Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz!, at various venues throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region until February 23.

Money raised on the day will be donated to the Rural Fire Service.

The festival celebrates the golden era of opulence, architecture and jazz music with events throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region throughout February including the Highlands, Steam & Vintage Fair at Oberon; Glamour & Gowns Ball at Lithgow; Grand Afternoon Tea at The Paragon; and 1920s Ragtime and Radio Plays at the Mountain Heritage Hotel.

Go to www.roaring20s.com.au to book events or details about accommodation packages during the festival.

Everyday people took part in the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Steam, trains, cars, ukes and sports at Roaring 20s Festival

The Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair at Oberon will showcase 1920s transport. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The 1920s was a time when tourism and travel was a popular craze, and it was to the Blue Mountains the throngs came in droves.

Experience that halcyon age of opulence and elegance through these 1920s-style activities and more during the Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz! from February 1 to 23 at various venues throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region.

The annual  festival celebrates the era when Australia’s first tourist destination kicked up its heels for a decade-long party.

Hiss and steam of vintage transport. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Highlands Steam & Vintage Fair, Oberon (10am, February 8): Experience the grunt, hiss and clank of industrial steam power. Highlights will include a grand rally of heritage vehicles and road steam engines through the main street; a heritage tractor pull; timber working displays and market stalls; a steam organ; and vehicle and machinery displays. Cost: Cost: adults $10, $5 concession/children, $25 family.

Trains, trams and model T’s at Valley Heights.

Trains, Trams & Model T’s in the 20s, Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum, Tusculum Rd (10am-4pm, February 1-2): Experience transport in the 1920s at Valley Heights Locomotive Depot Heritage Museum which opened in 1913, 100 years after the first European explorers crossed the Blue Mountains. Visitors will be able to ride on the steam tram, amble around displays of historic cars and enjoy morning or afternoon tea. Cost + booking fee: $14 adult, $12 concession $12, $10 school student, children under-4 free, $45 family (2 adults + 2 children) includes museum entry and unlimited train rides.

Mallet sports will feature during the Roaring 20s Festival. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival, Carrington Hotel, Katoomba St, Katoomba (February 8): The Blue Mountains Ukulele Group presents one of the most fun and unique events of the year. On February 8 there will be performances and workshops from acts from across Australia. Workshops are for all levels from beginners to advanced including an introduction to songwriting. Cost: free.

 

Mallet Sports & Croquet on the lawn, Prince George and Clanwilliam streets, Blackheath (1pm-4pm, February 9 and 15): Blue Mountains Croquet Club will hold quintessential 1920s-style sports for the whole family. Dress in your finest period garb and try mallet sports on February 9 and croquet on February 15, along with gateball and g-ball for kids. Cost: $5, afternoon tea available for a gold coin donation.

Gear up for Roaring 20s Festival

Roaring 20s Festival patron Claudia Chan Shaw wears 1920s garments with chutzpah. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

It’s the day of the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge in Leura Mall, but what do Sophie, Mabel and Dolly, George, Bertie and Henry wear? For that matter, what do they don to schmooze with society’s elite at the Great Art Deco Ball at THE place to be seen, The Carrington Hotel?

Charlotte Smith will showcase 1920s clothing from her extensive Darnell Collection. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Enter Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz! ambassador Charlotte Smith, Leura fashion historian and curator and owner of The Darnell Collection of International Vintage Couture, the largest private collection of international couture clothing from the 19^th and 20th centuries.

“The easiest thing for women is to get a dress with no waist (it could even be a pretty silky nightgown or a slinky slip),’’ she said.

“Take a belt or a cord, lower it down and tie it so it’s down around the hips rather than around the waist so you get that lovely shapeless blousy sack shape they always had.’’

The effect could be completed with a long string of beads around your neck and a ribbon or headband around your forehead set with a jewel or some other bauble.

“A pair of gloves – that would be cute; a boa would be nice too,’’ Charlotte said. “And shoes need to be those Mary Jane type with lower heels and a strap over the instep of the foot or even around the ankle.’’

Men should wear an unfitted suit – “tailored but not snug’’. Alternatively, golfing plus fours or linen trousers would be acceptable.

“They could wear a cravat or a scarf tucked inside their open shirt. Braces are always good and a white silk shirt.’’

Hats should be a homburg, fedora or a golfing cap.

The Roaring 20s Festival offers a dizzying round of events at which to wear 1920s costume. Here are just a few:

Roaring into a 20s costume drama, Grand Ballroom, Carrington Hotel, Katoomba (2pm-4pm on Sunday, February 2): Join Charlotte Smith and Underbelly TV series costume designer Louise Wakefield as Louise reminisces about her behind-the-scenes adventures dressing the cast for murder and mayhem in Australia’s underworld in the 1920s. Sumptuous outfits from the Darnell Collection will be paraded by models for an up close look at fashion in the “roaring 20s’’. A lavish high tea will follow. Cost: $57 high tea & talk/fashion parade + $2.50 booking fee, $27 talk/fashion parade only + Booking fee.

The Art Deco Ball is one of the glitziest events of the Roaring 20s Festival. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

The Great Art Deco Ball, Grand Dining Room, Carrington Hotel, Katoomba (7pm-11pm, February 1): Includes a three-course dinner, three-hour beverage package and entertainment from Greg Poppleton and his Bakelite Broadcasters. Kick up your heels and party in your 1920s finery to be in the running for a swag of Best Dressed prizes. Cost: $100pp + booking fee.

Roaring 20s Glamour & Gowns Ball, Civic Ballroom, Tony Lucetti Sportsground, Lithgow (6.30pm, February 15): NSW Governor Her Excellency Professor Marie Bashir and Sir Nicholas Shehadie will be guests of honour at this night of excitement, glamour, gorgeous gowns and debonair suits. The evening will begin with champagne and canapés followed by a two-course dinner before guests dance the night away to live music. Cost: $80 pp + booking fee.

Retro 2014 Cocktails & Canapes, Everglades Historic House & Gardens, Everglades Ave, Leura (5.30pm, February 15): Enjoy cocktails and canapés in the romantic setting of the Everglades garden. Don your 1920s attire and be in the running for prizes for Best Dressed Woman and Best Dressed Man. Cost: $35 per person, $30 National Trust members.

Roaring 20s Festival patron Claudia Chan Shaw shows how to dress in `20s style. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Gatsby Soiree at Nineteen23, Silvermere, 1 Lake St, Wentworth Falls (6pm, February 15): Celebrate the 1920s in Gatsby style in the genuine 1920s country house by dressing in your most terribly swish period attire. There will be a jazz band, champagne fountain and other pre-dinner drinks on the terrace overlooking the Blue Mountains National Park and Sydney plain. Enjoy a three-course meal prepared by chef Will Cowan-Lunn (recently head chef at Rockpool Bar & Grill Melbourne). Cost: $115 per person + booking fee, bootleg extra with dinner.

Murder Mystery Events at Sisters Blue Restaurant, Hotel Blue, Lurline St, Katoomba (at 6.30pm on February 1 and 2pm on February 8): Savour a sumptuous three-course dinner on February 1 or a high tea on February 8 while your host sets the scene of murder, introduces the various characters in the game and drops tantalising hints to gradually guide you to identity of the murderer. Dress in 1920s costume as a rich heiress, debonair gangster or a saucy flapper girl. Each person will be assigned a character to play and everyone’s a suspect. Cost: $85 + booking fee (dinner), $75 + booking fee (high tea).

Go to www.roaring20s.com.au for further details and bookings to all Roaring 20s Festival events.

Roaring 20s Festival: Regional produce on Long Lunch in Leura menu

The Long Lunch in Leura will be a unique dining indulgence on February 1. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Indulge in a unique dining experience as part of the Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz! on Saturday, February 1 – the inaugural Long Lunch in Leura.

When the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge Guinness World Record attempt dancers have finished flapping, retire to a marquee on the road in Leura Mall, which will be closed to traffic.

Rain, hail or shine, this event will go ahead.

Dressed in your 1920s finest, treat yourself to a generous picnic hamper of delicious locally made and sourced fare including antipasto with locally grown vegetables from Leura’s Princess Pantry, cold cuts of slow roasted meats from the ovens of Vesta at Blackheath, fresh tossed salads from Wentworth Falls’ restaurant Nineteen23, cheese and fruit from The Carrington Cellars & Deli and a wickedly indulgent Josophan’s chocolate dessert.

Matching local wines and beverages will be for sale at Leura Cellars in the mall on the day.

Options range from a gourmet hamper for two ($160, includes $25 gift voucher for Leura Cellars and two seats in the marquee) to one seat in the marquee ($30, BYO hamper). Bookings essential.

Hampers are for sale independently of the marquee seats so, if you dare chance the weather, you may prefer to picnic on the grass in the mall.

Be sure to also don your best 1920s garb for a chance at prizes for best dressed lady, man, couple and hat as well as best dressed table, so also bring your finest picnic tableware and decorations.

The day will also feature vintage cars and plentiful live music (including Cookin with Gas 1920s band and the Blue Mountains Ukelele Group).

Go to www.roaring20s.com.au/events for details and bookings and accommodation packages.

Blue Mountains: Cheeky Charleston to break own world record

Dance your way into history at the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

By Ellen Hill – Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Not content with setting a new world record, organisers of this year’s Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge aim to smash their own Guinness World Record for the largest Charleston dance on the planet.

To be held in Leura Mall on Saturday, February 1, the annual public dance challenge officially kicks off the Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism (BMLOT) popular Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz!, at various venues throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region from February 1 to 23.

The 2013 Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge set a new Guinness World Record with 276 official participants. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

Festival producer Sandy Luxford said: “Last year we set a new Guinness World Record with 276 dancers.

“Not only was the day fabulous fun, it was very exciting to receive an official letter from Guinness World Records in England in July confirming our achievement.

“We could rest on our laurels, satisfied in having achieved a world record, but we like being told we are `officially amazing’, so we want to high kick our own record in 2014 with 300 participants.

“If everyone who took part last year returned with a friend then that figure would be easy to reach.

“You don’t have to be a professional dancer to take part – just dressed in 1920s costume and able to dance for five minutes.

Claudia Chan Shaw is the Roaring 20s Festival patron for 2014. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

“We are very lucky this year to have Claudia Chan Shaw as our festival patron. Not only is she exquisitely beautiful, Claudia is the epitome of 1920s glamour and elegance and it’s an era she is knowledgeable about and loves.’’

As well as practice sessions before the attempt and dance leaders along the mall during the event, participants can download the dance sequence from the www.roaring20s.com.au website and start practicing now.

Trains from Sydney’s Central will arrive at Leura station at 10.16am on the day, just in time to register (from 9am to 11am) and practice before the countdown begins to the 11.30am challenge. Cost: gold coin donation to the Rural Fire Service.

Stay on after the challenge for entertainment, vintage cars and the inaugural Long Lunch in Leura.

Featuring picnic-style fare and tables or picnic spots on the grass, there will be lots of options from BYO to pre-ordering an indulgent local picnic hamper box crammed with regional produce.

Hamper boxes will include antipasto with locally grown vegetables from Leura’s Princess pantry; cold cuts of slow roasted meats from the ovens of Vesta at Blackheath; fresh tossed salads from Wentworth Falls’ restaurant Nineteen23; cheese and fruit from The Carrington Cellars & Deli; and a wickedly indulgent dessert from Josophan’s Fine Chocolates in Leura. Matching local wines will be available for purchase from Leura cellars. Matching local wines and beverages will be for sale at Leura Cellars in the mall on the day.

Options range from a gourmet hamper for two ($160, includes $25 gift voucher for Leura Cellars and two seats in the marquee) to one seat in the marquee ($30, BYO hamper). Bookings essential.

Be sure to also don your best 1920s garb for a chance at prizes for best dressed table, lady, man, couple and hat.

Afterwards, indulge in boutique shopping, go for a gentle bushwalk or explore the region before poshing up for the glamorous Art Deco Ball at The Carrington Hotel, Katoomba.

The Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz! celebrates the golden era of opulence, architecture and jazz music with events throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region throughout February.

BMLOT chairman Randall Walker said: “The Roaring 20s Festival is a perfect fit for the heritage ambience of the Blue Mountains region. There are so many events that visitors should stay at least one night to immerse themselves in the festival.’’

Go to www.roaring20s.com.au to register for the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge, book events or details about accommodation packages during the festival.

The famous Leura Mall will be the location of the Blue Mountains Charleston Challenge. Photo: David Hill, Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism

World’s biggest uke festival in Blue Mountains

Be part of the fun vibe at the world’s largest ukulele festival at Katoomba on February 7-9.

By Blue Mountains Ukulele Group

The fifth annual Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival will be held at the historic Carrington Hotel, Katoomba, during the February 7-9 weekend.

The largest ukulele festival in the world will include more than 80 acts across five stages and thousands of visitors taking in the ukulele fun.

Festival director Steve Roberts said: “This is the place to hear the enormous variety of directions the ukulele is being taken.”

“The Festival includes pop, jazz, classical, latin, music hall and, of course, the pub rock onslaught of local favourites, The Blue MUGs.

“This year the festival includes a special treat, Carsten Knudsen from Denmark, who is a great entertainer as well as a great ukulele player.”

Part of the annual Roaring 20s Festival and all that Jazz! held throughout the Blue Mountains, Lithgow and Oberon region from February 1 to 23 (Details: www.roaring20s.com.au), the Blue Mountains Ukulele Festival is a free event run entirely by volunteers and is known for its upbeat and fun vibe.

It has won awards at the Blue Mountains Lithgow & Oberon Tourism Awards of Excellence two years running and has become an icon of the Blue Mountains.

The festival will kick off with a dinner and show on the Friday night. Saturday will be filled with performers and workshops across five stages. Sunday will be a day for kicking back with your ukulele and playing along with all the new friends you have made during the weekend.

All are welcome. Non-players will have a smorgasbord of free entertainment and might even find themselves learning their first song on ukulele. Beginners will learn so much and experienced players will be enthused and inspired.

For further information contact Steve (Hurricane) Roberts on 0412 228 326 or email festival@bluemugs.com.au.

* Blue Mountains Explorer Bus will give away a free Blue Mugs CD to everyone who buys two tickets or more on the Blue Mountains Explorer Bus during the festival.