The festival, which will run from May 7 to 9 and will be centred on the War Memorial Carillon in Kings Parade, will begin with a Last Post ceremony and will feature musical performances from carillonists from all over Australia.

Convenor Stuart Pearson said he is expecting an audience of more than 2000 people, a third of them coming from greater Sydney, and more than 200 performers (including carillonists) from schools, orchestras and bands.

READ ALSO:

He said there will be more than 50 volunteers for the festival, mainly from major partner Rotary but also from Bathurst District Historical Society, Bathurst Family History Group and the National Trust.

The festival has been designed as a finale to Heritage Week in Bathurst and part of the region's Autumn Colours program.

Mr Pearson said those wondering how to mark Mother's Day on Sunday, May 9 should bring the special figure in their life to the Carillon "to be entertained by music selected especially to celebrate mothers".

He said the repertoire for this concert will include music from the Romantic period complemented by the Canobolas Pipe Band, Eclectica Choir and more, playing "moving World War Two songs evoking the spirit of Dame Vera Lynn".

The close of the festival will involve the pealing of church bells in the centre of Bathurst, climaxing with the 47 bells of the Carillon in a finale not heard since victory was declared in the Pacific to end World War Two, Mr Pearson said.

"To enjoy the music, obtain your free ticket for a seat facing the festival stage on Russell Street from www.bathurstregion.com.au/festival-of-bells/," he said.

"Access is by tickets only to the area enclosed by fencing as the Festival of Bells COVID-safe managed designated area with a limit of 500 persons per session."

There will be five Festival of Bells sessions to choose from over May 7 to 9, he said.