Lightning Ridge is preparing to welcome thousands of visitors as the town’s annual Opal and Gem Festival returns from Wednesday, July 29, through to Saturday, August 1.
The four-day festival will bring together miners, dealers, collectors, jewellers and gemstone enthusiasts from across Australia, with organisers reporting another strong response from exhibitors and stallholders.
Chief organiser Louise Kelly told Outback Mornings with Rod Corfe that 58 exhibitors would be housed inside the festival marquee, while around 130 stallholders were expected across the outdoor areas.
Visitors will find opals sourced from active mining regions around the country, including Lightning Ridge, Coober Pedy and Queensland’s boulder opal fields.
The displays will extend well beyond opal, with Australian sapphires, gemstones, crystals, fossils and lapidary equipment also among the attractions.
There will also be clothing, footwear and other lifestyle products available throughout the festival.
Ms Kelly said the range made the event particularly appealing to collectors and “rock hounds”, while also offering plenty for people who may simply be curious about Australia’s gemstones.
Lapidary equipment and demonstrations relate to the craft of cutting, shaping and polishing stones. This includes the rounded cabochon style commonly used for opal, as well as the faceted cutting seen in stones such as sapphires, diamonds and emeralds.
The festival is one of the biggest events on the Lightning Ridge calendar and provides a major boost for local businesses during one of the busiest weeks of the year.
“The whole town is buzzing,” Ms Kelly said.
“Everyone’s excited with all the tourists starting to come in. It’s a huge weekend and the town just loves it.”
Visitors planning to stay longer are also being encouraged to explore the broader Lightning Ridge area.
Local attractions include underground tours and carvings at the Chambers of the Black Hand, along with opal shops, mining experiences and tours to surrounding communities and opal fields, including the Grawin area.
Ms Kelly said the cooler winter conditions made festival week an ideal time to explore the region, with fine weather forecast after rain affected parts of the event during the previous two years.
Accommodation in Lightning Ridge is understood to be largely booked out, but visitors are being encouraged to continue checking with local providers in case of cancellations.
Accommodation may also be available in surrounding communities, including Hebel.
Opal Queen Ball to close festival celebrations
The festival will conclude on Saturday night with the annual Opal Queen Ball.
Eight local contestants are taking part this year, with the event celebrating the women of Lightning Ridge and their contribution to the community.
Awards will be presented to the first, second and third-placed contestants, along with a People’s Choice award.
Ms Kelly said the ball provided an opportunity for the community, organisers, exhibitors and visitors to celebrate after a busy festival week.
Tickets are available online through the Lightning Ridge Opal Festival website and its Facebook page.
Tickets cost $50 and include an entry drink. Dinner is not included but can be purchased separately at the club before or during the event.
Ms Kelly encouraged anyone interested in opal, gemstones or the history and culture of Lightning Ridge to visit and discover why the festival attracts such strong interest each year.
“There are heaps of people coming and heaps of amazing things to look at,” she said.
“If you want to check it out and see what all the fuss is about, definitely come and have a look.”
Listen to the full interview below: