Allora Heritage Weekend Covid-safe

The Allora Heritage Weekend is set to go ahead 23 and 24 January.

By Jess Baker

Despite months of Covid-19 uncertainty, Allora will celebrate its 25th annual Heritage Weekend at the showgrounds on 23 and 24 January as part of the town’s Australia Day celebrations.

Warwick Veteran and Vintage Vehicle Club president Graeme McMillan said this year’s event will include everyone’s favourite displays and attractions – from vintage and veteran cars and trucks to Massey tractors, English bikes and Southern Cross engines.

“You name it, it’s there,” he said.

Graeme said the club expects thousands of attendees will descend on Allora next Friday for a 6.00am start Saturday morning.

“We expect over 4000 guests, but a lot of our spectators are from New South Wales, Victoria and even South Australia… so we’ll have to see what happens,” said Graeme.

Ever-changing Covid-19 regulations have made planning for the event quite difficult, said Graeme, as organisers could only commit to hosting the event in November last year.

“The event usually takes about 12 months to plan… we’ve had two,” said Graeme.

“But, we’re making sure things will be as normal as they can be.”

Graeme said organisers have gone to great lengths to ensure the event is Covid-safe. Guests will be required to sign in upon entrance, either electronically or manually, and must use the EFTPOS facilities available at the gates.

“We need to get away from handling money as much as possible,” said Graeme.

Attendees will be allowed to camp from Thursday 21 January, but Graeme said spots are limited and certain Covid-19 regulations must be adhered to.

Current guidelines also mean the annual dinner – to be held on the Saturday – will have to be moved from the Allora Showgrounds to the Allora Sports Club.

“There are about 130 tickets available for the dinner that guests can book on the day, and admission will be $30 per person,” said Graeme.

General admission tickets can be purchased at the gate at $10 per adult and free for children.

For many, the Allora Heritage Weekend signifies a return to normalcy – albeit with social distancing procedures in place – and is a welcome respite from the stress caused by Covid-19.

“We’re still finalising things, but it’ll be a great day for everyone,” said Graeme.

For further information, contact Graeme on 0428 717 623.