Local Kings and Queens urged to enter
The town bells are set to ring across Grenfell as the much-loved King and Queen competition makes its royal return for the 2026 Henry Lawson Festival of the Arts.
Held annually over the June long weekend, the festival celebrates the life and legacy of legendary Australian writer Henry Lawson and the arts. In 2026, the festival will run from Thursday 4 to Monday 8 June.
Local residents are encouraged to submit entries for the King and Queen competition by Sunday 22 March. The competition offers participants a unique opportunity to act as ambassadors for the festival while raising funds for a local charity, club or sporting group of their choice.
Designed to build confidence, connections and community spirit, the title of King or Queen is awarded to the entrant who raises the most funds by 31 May 2026. The crowned representatives will officially promote the festival and the Weddin Shire from June 2026 until handing over the crown to their successors in May 2027.
Celebrating 69 years of local culture
Now in its 69th year, the Henry Lawson Festival is one of the longest-running country festivals in NSW. The festival is renowned for introducing Lawson’s work to generations while promoting local arts, heritage and tourism.
The event brings the community together for a vibrant program of entertainment and creative competition. Popular competitions in art, photography, short story, verse and busking attract entrants from afar with prize money of up to $1,000 on offer.
New photography focus for locals
A dedicated locals-only photography section has been added to the 2026 program to spotlight talent from within the shire. Titled “Within the Weddin Shire”, the section is open to residents of all ages currently living in the area.
Entries must be original photographs taken by the entrant within the Weddin Shire during the past three years. Subjects may include landscapes, wildlife, portraits, macro, streetscapes, sport or everyday local life, offering a chance to capture the true spirit of the region.
2026 theme: Larrikins & Legends
Inspired by the enduring characters found in Lawson’s writing, the 2026 festival theme is Larrikins & Legends. The theme will shape the Short Story and Verse competitions, inviting writers to explore the figures we admire, the cheeky rule-breakers who challenge us, and the everyday legends who endure.
Lawson’s work is rich with quiet heroes, mischievous troublemakers, battlers and bush philosophers – characters who meet hardship with humour, resilience and sharp insight. Larrikins & Legends celebrates these figures on the page, and the people who continue to carry their spirit today.
More information…
Enter competitions via the festival web page at – https://henrylawsonfestival.com.au/events-entertainment/competitions/
A full festival itinerary will be available as the festival organisation finalises. Food and market stallholder applications are also available on the website for those wanting to be part of this iconic festival – www.henrylawsonfestival.com.au
