Tamworth Powerstation Museum steaming ahead with free family fun day

Thursday 29 October, 2020

It’s been 132 years since Tamworth became the First City of Light, and preparations are well underway at the Tamworth Powerstation Museum to commemorate the anniversary with an electric and totally free Family Fun Day on Sunday 8 November.

Designed to thrill the whole family, the event is the first to go ahead at the Museum under COVID-19 restrictions, and will be run across three sessions between 10am and 4pm. Registration to attend is essential, with limited spots available to ensure COVID Safe venue requirements are met.

“The whole Tamworth Powerstation Museum team is thrilled that we’re able to go ahead with our annual anniversary celebrations in a responsible way, and we can’t wait to welcome the Tamworth region community and other visitors to show off our fascinating history,” said Naomi Blakey, Cultural Collections Officer at Tamworth Regional Council.

The Family Fun Day will include museum tours and the running of the popular John Fowler steam driven engines, plus giveaways from Museum partner Essential Energy.

A Schools Open Day will also host bespoke experiences on Monday 9 November to continue the celebrations.

The anniversary celebrates Mayoress Elizabeth Piper switching on 13.5 miles (21.5km) of electric street lighting in Tamworth on 9 November, 1888, after the system was first suggested in 1881.

The Tamworth Powerstation Museum was established in 1988, and celebrates Tamworth becoming the first city in Australia to be lit by municipal electric street lighting in 1888, and the important role that electricity plays in our everyday lives.

To register for the First City of Light Anniversary Family Fun Day, visit https://tamworthpowerstationmuseum.com.au/familyfunday.