Gilgandra Cooee Festival

Held every year on October Long Weekend.

The Cooee Festival commemorates the 1915 Cooee March that was initiated in Gilgandra. Thirty-five men from Gilgandra marched to Sydney calling Coo-ee at each town they passed, encouraging other men to march with them to Sydney to enlist.

By the time they reached Sydney they had 263 men ready and willing to join the forces. The Cooee Festival began in 1989 following the extremely successful and emotive Cooee March Re-enactment in 1987, which traced the steps of the original marchers.

Today the diverse Cooee Festival program includes a large street parade incorporating light horsemen, WWI Living History Group, the Re-enactment Marchers, an Army band, floats and displays.

The NSW Cooee Calling Championships, rodeo in the main street, market day, large country music talent quest, speedway, live bands and novelty events all form part of the festivities.
Contact the Gilgandra Visitor Information Centre for further details.