At the official opening of the five-day muster on Friday, October 30, a lone piper will lead a parade held to commemorate the ill-fated landing of the Anzacs at Gallipoli a century ago.

The march, starting at 1pm, will involve members of the valley’s Light Horse ceremonial mounted cavalry, a historic horse-drawn cart bearing a hospital matron in period costume, a horse and carriage containing local dignitaries, a team of Clydesdales, RSL sub-branch members and Australian Outback Spectacular star Glenn Jones astride his mount, leading the charge.

The Anzac parade will move down the boulevard leading to the entertainment, food and display areas.

It will be bordered by 200 metres of local post-and-rail fencing, 60 trees signifying the number of Clarence Valley Diggers who didn’t return from The Great War, a row of horse shoes with soldiers’ names etched into them, and an avenue of poppies.

Wendy Gordon, who runs the event on her property at Calliope, north-east of Grafton, said it was fitting that the 2015 muster would honour our Diggers from World War I.

“Their efforts must never be forgotten,” Wendy said.

“We lost men from this very area, so I for one will feel very proud to recognise their bravery in horrific battles for freedom.”

Wendy has also launched a contest with an Anzac theme for established and aspiring poets. The winning poet will receive a $500 cash prize.

The 2015 muster is steeped in heritage, with event attractions to include a selection of historic Ulmarra and district photos from the outstanding collection of custodian Kevin Watkins, blacksmiths forging their wares and an enthralling gallery of work by acclaimed equine and landscape artist Peter J Hill.

Wendy is on the lookout for any memorabilia locals might like to add to the display.

More than 500 caravans/RVs are expected at the 2015 muster, which will run from October 26 to November 1.

Fans will be entertained by Terry Gordon, Tyson Colman, Clelia Adams, Errol Gray, Pete Smith, the Kross Kut Showband, Dianne Coombes, Dale Duncan, Lindsay Waddington, Suburban Country, Peter Coad & the Coad Sisters, Peter Capp, Bec Hance, Glenn Jones, Ray Essery, Pixie Jenkins, Patti Morgan and Runaway Dixie.

Sharing compering duties at the muster will be Terry Gordon and Barry Williams.

This festival is not just for professional performers and fans – the best walk-up artist, who could well be a fan, will win a $2000 recording package from Kross Kut Records.

To re-book your spot from last year, book a new site, get details on the Anzac poetry competition or any further muster details, contact Wendy on (02) 6644 8012, 0432 741 947, email wgordon@cvcmuster.com.au or jump on the website at www.cvcmuster.com.au

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IT’S a girls’ night out at The Pub tonight, but these country gals aren’t precious – the boys are invited along, too.

Reigning CMAA Golden Guitar female artist and CMC female Oz artist of the year, Amber Lawrence leads a sachet of songbirds to the Gunnedah Rd hotel for the evening.

Aleyce Simmonds and Christie Lamb join Amber for The Girls of Country tour for a two-hour show.

Tickets at $25 from The Pub bottleshop will treat you to an evening of hot hits from three country girls at the top of their game – individually and in delightful three-part harmonies.

To mix it up a little bit, each artist will perform their own take of each other’s hit songs.

Three different styles of music combine on stage from 7pm, so don’t miss this gig.

I’ll be getting my beauty sleep before I leave on a jet plane in the morning, so you’ll have to have some extra fun for me.

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HATS Off to Country will be here before we know it, or at least it will be before I know it, as I get back from America a week out from the Tamworth midyear event.

With the beautiful Beccy Cole as the headline act, what more reason do you need to make tracks to Blazes at Wests for the main event on Saturday, July 4?

It’s already got the makings of being a cracker of a night, and with Bec and the delightful Libby O’Donovan on main stage, it’s sure to go off like fireworks.

The South Tamworth Bowlo Hats Off agenda is packed full of country goodness, with Alby Pool, Anthony Taylor, Marie Hodson, Darren Carr and more, including the CMAA’s tribute to Anne Kirkpatrick, which should be a beaut gig.

There’s lots to look forward to at our winter festival – cuddles and open fires notwithstanding – it’s a great chance to get out and about when it’s chilly out, toasty in and the music and good times flow non-stop.

The full program can be viewed online at www.hatsofftocountry.com