BACK TO BUCKINBAH FESTIVAL

Celebrating where we've been. Embracing where we are. Creating where we're going.

2025 Festival Highlights

When the past & present collided, and memories were made

The 2025 Back to Buckinbah Festival kicked off on Friday afternoon with open schools at Yeoval Central and Yeoval Preschool, followed by a good old-fashioned Bush Dance at the hall, hosted by the ever-energetic Joe McClure.

Saturday dawned early with stallholders arriving before sunrise, warming themselves by the fire as anticipation for the day built. At 9am, the gates opened to our very first spectators. Despite the winter chill and cloud cover, the weather held strong. Thanks to our generous sponsors, each child received a free showbag and custom helium balloon on entry. Once inside, all activities and entertainment were completely free—from Cobb & Co carriage rides through town, three epic jumping castles, a mechanical bull, face painting, and rock painting, to boomerang throwing and didgeridoo performances by Lewis Burns and blacksmithing demonstrations from Kilmarnock Forge.

Over 60 market and food stalls lined the oval, offering everything from handmade preserves and leather goods to knives, soap, and metalworks. The camp oven cook-off was a highlight, with duck taking first place. Our eating comps and the hilarious Greasy Pig Catch and Small Paws Sprint brought cash, prizes, and belly laughs, especially when the kids vs mums race broke out!

As the sun set, we gathered at the Yeoval Bowling Club for the final celebration. Our Mega Raffle, with over 3,000 tickets sold, gave away three holidays, a BBQ, artworks, and so much more. The custom Back to Buckinbah 2025 fire pit was won by a very excited attendee, and Justin Landers performed into the night.

Sunday brought a slower pace—lawn bowls, golf, and heartfelt goodbyes as visitors travelled home.

When the dust settled, we were blown away to learn that over 1,000 people had attended our inaugural event—a staggering show of support for a first-time festival in a village of just 300.

With full hearts, we’re proud to give back:
💚 $500 to Yeoval Preschool
💦 $250 to Yeoval Swimming Pool
🙏 $250 to Yeoval Baptist Church

Back to Buckinbah is more than a festival—it’s a promise. By honouring Yeoval’s past and embracing the present, we’re securing our town’s future—together.

2025 Sponsors

The Back to Buckinbah Festival simply couldn’t have happened without the incredible generosity of our sponsors. In supporting a brand-new event, they took a leap of faith—backing our vision before we had any proof it would succeed. With no past data or guarantee of turnout, they believed in the heart of what we were trying to create: a family-focused celebration of community, history, and fun. Their support allowed us to offer an entire day of free activities and entertainment for families, creating joy, laughter, and unforgettable memories in Yeoval. From carriage rides to jumping castles, showbags to live performances, it was all made possible by businesses and individuals who saw potential in the unknown and chose to champion our small town. We’re beyond grateful for their trust, their heart, and their contribution. Thanks to them, the festival wasn’t just possible—it was a roaring success.