At Home

Talented local musicians are taking part in Local Emerging Artists Program [LEAP] gigs in the run up to Inland Sea of Sound. The Victoria will host a session on February 21 from 3.30pm to 6.30pm. Piccolo's will host LEAP on February 19 [4pm-6pm], the Bathurst Rail Museum on February 20 [10am-12pm] and The Hub on February 21 [1.30pm-2.30pm]. For more information, visit www.bmec.com.au.

With a line-up that includes C.W Stoneking, Kate Ceberano, Mo'Ju, Hussy Hicks, Smith and Jones, Andy Nelson, The Mirandas and The Safety of LIfe At Sea this year's festival is one to put in the diary. Sub Tribe - an electronic roots/dub fusion Kiwi band - will be the first cab off the rank. February 24-28, Bathurst Memorial Entertainment Centre, 105 William St. Book at tickets.inlandseaofsound.com.au.

V8 supercars will roar to life in the 500km three-dayer Mount Panorama 500 from February 26. There's bound to be plenty of action on the track and a great atmosphere off. It will be the inaugural event of the 12-round championship, which will return to Bathurst on October 7 for the Bathurst 1000. Tickets for event and camping sites from premier.ticketek.com.au. If you're a motorsports fan, then also put the Bathurst 6 hour in the diary for Easter (April 2-4). Grab your tickets at ticketmaster.com.au.

Arms Fair

Plan Ahead

Looking to start, or add, to your collection? You'll find everything from antique long-arms and pistols, to knives, bayonets to modern sporting and target rifles alongside militaria collectables at the Arms Fair. The history behind some of the pieces, alone, will be fascinating. Bathurst Showground, Lot 1 Kendall Avenue, March 6-7, 9am-4.30pm

Ever thought of putting pen to papers and charting the course of your life? Kerry Chater can help you. She will run five memoir writing workshops from February to June at the Bathurst Library covering getting started through to editing and finishing. A great way to learn a new skill. $10 a workshop, bookings on 6333 6281, 70-78 Keppel St.

Are you looking for your next biking challenge? Been getting the kilometres under your legs in 2020 (wasn't it a great way to spend some time)? This is one could be for you. Entries are now open for the Bathurst Cycling Classic, from March 12-14 next year. There is a cap of 500 riders and a new Bathurst Tour has been introduced for 2021. Entries are now open and close on March 6, with fees ranging from $295 to $40, depending on the event. Check out bathurstcyclingclassic.com.au for more details on the event and how to enter.

As the weather heats, think about a day out for a picnic and dip. Try Flat Rock (near O'Connell, off Mutton Falls Road at the Fish River) or Clarence Dam (or Dam Cliffs) - a free swimming hole that is both deep and cool (Chifley Road, east of Lithgow). Grove Creek, a hour's drive south of Bathurst, is worth the drive after recent rain, but make sure you swim away from Grove Creek Falls. Wallaby Rocks on the Turon River west of the village of Sofala is lovely, but doesn't have facilities so you'll need to pack for that. Lake Canobolas, at Orange, has plenty to entertain (including flking foxes for the kids) as well as water to muck around in. Pack a bike and try out the 3km circuit around the lake or the mountain bike trails nearby.

Looking to start, or add, to your collection? You'll find everything from antique long-arms and pistols, to knives, bayonets to modern sporting and target rifles alongside militaria collectables at the Arms Fair. The history behind some of the pieces, alone, will be fascinating. Bathurst Showground, Lot 1 Kendall Avenue, March 6-7, 9am-4.30pm

Orange F.O.O.D

Orange's F.O.O.D (Food of Orange District) week will celebrate its 30th anniversary this year (COVID willing). Australia's longest running regional food festival is a 10-day community event celebrating Orange's food and wine - from farmers to chefs and restaurants. Among this year's signature events are Shining the Light on Local Producers, the Sampson Street Lunch, a 30th anniversary dinner, Taste Local on the Lawn and a Sunday producers market and brunch. A decision on whether Forage will be held will be made on January 31, pending COVID conditions. Orange F.O.O.D, April 9-18. Various venues. Tickets available at orangefoodweek.com.au.

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