To celebrate 150 years since the railway arrived in Bathurst, the Bathurst Rail Museum is inviting the community to dance the night away with the Mitchell Conservatorium’s CONnections Big Band at the All Fools’ Ball.
Mayor Cr Robert Taylor said the All Fools’ Ball was a popular event in town, making it a terrific tribute event celebrating 150 years of rail connection in Bathurst.
“Dress up in your best swing dance outfit, put on your dancing shoes and party like it’s 1946, the All Fools’ Ball is coming back to town!
“The All Fools’ Ball was a popular event in Bathurst and was traditionally held around April Fool’s Day in various locations over the years. For the Bathurst railway community, it was a great opportunity to socialise and makes it an apt event to commence celebrations of 150 years since the railway arrived in Bathurst.
“The All Fools’ Ball will be returning next month on 11 April and tickets are on sale now. The venue for the evening – the Railway Institute, now home to the Bathurst Rail Museum – was once used for learning the trades of the railway, but it was also a community hub for dances, sports and other social activities. I can’t wait to see it transform with dancers and music from the Mitchell Conservatorium’s CONnection’s Big Band, looking just like it did 80 years ago,” said Mayor Taylor.
“The Railway Institute certainly knows how to put some kick into its social events, as was exemplified at their All Fools’ Ball…” – National Advocate, 10 October 1936.
Details of the event are as follows:
Date: Saturday 11 April 2026, 6pm-9pm
Venue: Bathurst Rail Museum, 126 Havannah Street, Bathurst
Tickets: $30 general admission / $25 museum members plus booking fee
Link to book: https://events.humanitix.com/all-fools-ball or purchase in person at the Bathurst Rail Museum
Cocktail refreshments and a bar will be available on the night.
