A special picnic on the bridge, fireworks and live music are just some of the things planned for the Morpeth bicentenary celebration weekend.
The Morpeth bridge will be decked out with picnic tables, astroturf and planter boxes, giving picnickers a unique vantage point of the river and the town.
People are invited to pack their own lunch or grab some picnic goodies from one of Morpeth’s popular eateries, which will be selling grazing platters, slider boxes, and sandwich boxes.
The bridge will also serve as the backdrop for a fireworks display as part of the celebrations.
“This event has been a long time in the making, and what better way to pay tribute to this special part of the world than by dedicating a whole weekend to its history and its heritage,” Maitland Mayor, Philip Penfold said.
“Morpeth is such a popular spot with Maitland locals and visitors to the Hunter.”
First settled by Europeans in 1821, the popular tourist town is famous for its storied streets and historical houses.
During the weekend of bicentenary celebrations, avid historians will have the chance to peek inside some of Morpeth’s most storied sites including Closebourne House, the heritage-listed residence of Edward Charles Close.
The Morpeth Museum will run heritage walking tours along Swan Street and there will be a showcase of vintage vehicles dating back as far as the early 1900s.
There will also be the opportunity to take a horse and carriage ride, watch some penny farthing demonstrations along Swan Street and participate in dragon boat races.
The Morpeth bicentenary celebrations will kick off on Saturday 19 November with an official ceremony commemorating the town’s milestone at 10.00 am and run through until 20 November. Fireworks are scheduled for Saturday night with the Morpeth bridge closing to traffic for picnickers on Sunday. For more information visit morpeth200.com.au
