Sky Iron Festival of Blacksmithing
The Sky Iron* Festival of Blacksmithing gave visitors experiences of traditional crafts.
Ipswich boasts a rich heritage - from the culture of its first nations people to that of settlers from all over the world, as only to be expected of one of the oldest colonial cities in Australia. Underpinning recent history were the tradespeople who built the city’s prime infrastructure together with mine machinery and railways from the Blacksmiths' forges.
For hundreds of years, all metal objects were made by Blacksmiths.
Over time automation has taken over and this traditional practice has waned. However, there is currently a renewed interest in Blacksmithing.
During the Sky Iron Festival of Blacksmithing there were lots of opportunities to see first-hand many Blacksmithing and associated demonstrations. There were ‘Have a Go’ tasters for those who wanted the real experience for the first time, together with master classes, collaborative workshops and challenges. We also enjoyed demonstrations by a Farrier and a Cooper.
This event was assisted by the Ipswich City Council’s Community Event Funding Program