Cobar to host Grey Mardi Gras festival to celebrate decades gone by

Celebrating all things baby boomer, the Cobar Grey Mardi Gras festival will bring the 1950s, 60s and 70s to the far west town from April 12 to 15.

Cobar Shire Council General Manager Peter Vlatko explained the festival came about as a way to give tourism operators an early boost to the Easter period and attract the tourism dollar of Grey Nomads and their caravans to the community.

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"School holidays will have kicked off in all states, people are on the move, the grey nomads are starting to head north or visit family for Easter," Me Vlatko said.

"We want to provide an excuse for people to explore Cobar and the outback, with the objective of this becoming an annual, premier event on the regional festival calendar."

So far the bumper program includes rockabilly dance classes followed by a dance night, a street parade, exhibitions and sport days as well as art and craft workshops.

There’s even rumours of retro markets, a show and shine and a special Gig on the Grass event.

"Given the drought in the region this year, it’s a chance for the community to let their hair down, relax, come together, catch up with friends and take some time away from the challenges they are facing on the land," Mr Vlatko said. 

"It’s a chance for the rest of the country to come and support our community and to see what a magical part of the world we live in, even in times as harsh as these."

Among the crowd will be Nyngan's very own Royden Donohue who will feature at the festivals opening Friday night Stomp, Jive and Bump buffet dinner dance, and again at Saturday's Gig on the Grass. 

Along with live entertainment there will be fashion prizes up for grabs and golden era trivia.

For more information visit Cobar's Grey Mardi Gras on Facebook.