The Grenfell Henry Lawson Festival of Arts began over 60 years ago back in 1958 as a community-initiated event that was set to commemorate the birth of Henry Lawson on the Grenfell goldfields, and it has been held every year since.

The Henry Lawson Festival has become the showpiece event for the Weddin Shire calendar, and has earned a reputation throughout the region for entertainment, amusement and appreciation of the arts. It provides something for everyone no matter what age and what interests that you may have.

Festival President, Alan Griffiths, and his hard-working committee have put together a Festival which should be attractive and memorable, and the Weddin Shire Council is very happy to be the main sponsor, offering support in cash and kind.

On behalf of the Weddin Shire Council, I would like to offer my congratulations to Alan and his committee, and also to all the businesses, community groups and volunteers who do so much to ensure the success of the weekend.

This is the one time of the year which does so much for Grenfell and district, and everybody benefits from the flow-on effects.

I am also pleased to be able to offer a warm welcome to all our visitors, and I expect you will find the town is full of friendly people to make you welcome. Please enjoy yourselves and come back next year.