Volunteers have been busy this week hanging more than 55 quilts which will be on display as part of the 17th Strictly Quilts exhibition being held at the Uniting Church hall in Rowan Street this weekend.

The combined quilting groups of the Rural City of Wangaratta are once again presenting their annual quilting and patchwork exhibition, where visitors will be able to feast their eyes on spectacular, colourful quilts created by local crafters in a wide variety of styles and designs.

All participating quilters are either residents of the rural city, or members of quilting groups located in the Wangaratta region, who share a passion for the textile artform.

This year there's another outstanding collection of quilts in both traditional and contemporary designs, plus beautiful handmade items to purchase including placemats, tea cosies, oven mitts and more.

Many of the quilts on display are quite complex and challenging in their design showcasing the expertise of the maker, so there is plenty to inspire both the novice and more experienced sewer.

Each quilt also has a card alongside it which explains the quilter's inspiration and where the pattern can be found.

An added feature this year is the display of the Strictly Quilts challenge entitled "Circles" featuring small scale quilts responding to the theme.

The exhibition will be opened on Friday night by talented quilter and textile artist, Donna Hughes, and visitors to the event over the weekend will have the chance to buy a ticket in a raffle to win twin quilts made and donated by Donna, or a hamper laden with local produce.

Funds raised from the handicrafts stall will go towards the Breast Care Nurse Service.

Strictly Quilts will be held at the Uniting Church Hall in Rowan Street from Friday, 31 October to Monday, 3 November, open from 10am to 4pm each day, and entry is $5.

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Jazz festival exhibition at Wangaratta Museum

The Wangaratta Historical Society and Museum is hosting an exhibition to complement the Wangaratta Festival of Jazz and Blues, featuring jazz festival memorabilia and celebrating the music scene in Wangaratta and its surrounds from the 1960s, 1970s and 1980s.

The museum located at 29 Ford Street (the Old Fire Station) will be open daily until Tuesday, 4 November, from 10am to 1pm.

There will also be a one-hour historic guided walk of Wangaratta on Saturday, 1 November leaving from Marmungun Rock in Apex Park at 10am, covering approximately three kilometres, and ending at the museum, with registrations essential by visiting the museum's Facebook page and scanning the QR code.

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Oxley Bush Market on Saturday

The 44th Annual Oxley Bush Market to be held on Saturday, 1 November from 9am to 2.30pm.

There will be 160 stalls to browse showcasing a range of home-made, home-produced, home-grown, upcycled and new items, with a particular focus on supporting local producers and makers.

There will also be gourmet food trucks and stalls, entertainment by local musicians and buskers, and a monster raffle, with entry free and all welcome.

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King Valley Art Show this weekend

The 2025 King Valley Art Show will be held at King River Brewing from November 1 to 3, with about 300 artworks on display.

The grand opening will be held on Friday, 31 October at 7pm, where award winners will be announced by this year's judge, Melbourne-based artist, Ben Winspear.

More than 115 artists will be represented at the exhibition with artworks in a variety of mediums including oil, acrylic, pastel, works on paper, printmaking, watercolour and more.

Tickets for the opening are available via Humanitix or visit kingvalleyarts.com.au, with the exhibition open Saturday and Sunday from 10am to 5pm and on Monday from 10am to 3pm and entry $3.

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Wangaratta Artists Society 2025 exhibition

The Wangaratta Artists Society's 2025 annual exhibition has opened at The Studio in Bachelor's Green.

This highly anticipated annual showcase will feature works from society members and participating artists, offering visitors the opportunity to view and purchase original artworks across a variety of mediums and styles.

The exhibition runs from October 29 to November 4, open daily from 10am to 4pm and entry is free, but a gold coin donation would be appreciated.

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Cheshunt Flower Show on Sunday

The Cheshunt Hall and Recreation Reserve committee will present the annual Flower Show at the Cheshunt Hall on Sunday, 2 November from 9am to 3pm.

Enter your own exhibits or just come and enjoy the beautiful displays and delicious afternoon tea, with entry by gold coin donation.

For enquiries about entries and stall sites (no fee) contact Kayleen on 0417 522 059.

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Jazz riverside market on Sunday

The Milawa Oxley Rotary Club will hold its annual Jazz Riverside Market in Apex Park on Sunday, 2 November from 9am to 2pm.

Browse more than 60 market stalls showcasing local wares including arts and crafts, home and giftwares, along with local produce and much more.

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