Maitland City mayor Philip Penfold calls the historic township of Morpeth one of the region’s “hidden gems”.
And, it is hard to argue with him.
Once a bustling port in colonial times, it’s now comfortable in its own skin as a quaint tourist outpost, bathed in its rich heritage.
Elegant old homes, uneven cobble stone paths and unique walkways through the town centre add to its bygone charm, too, along with many other elements.
“Sometimes we don’t appreciate things that are right under our noses, like Morpeth,” Cr Penfold said.
“However, people hop on buses from Sydney to come here for the day.
“And, it’s right in our backyard.
“It doesn’t hurt the town either to have a beautiful river running through it.
“The main block, from Northumberland Street to Tank Street, and here in Swan Street, there are so many stunning buildings, boutique shops… it’s certainly got its niche market.
“At the end of the day, it’s just a great place to visit, have a coffee, some lunch or enjoy an afternoon out.
“People will be reminded of that this weekend.”
That’s when Morpeth prepares to host thousands of locals and visitors alike as it proudly stages its bicentenary celebrations on Saturday and Sunday 19 and 20 November.
“It’s been a long time coming, we’re actually 12 months late… COVID got in the way,” Cr Penfold said.
“But, here we are, 201 years later celebrating the 200th anniversary of Edward Charles Close’s arrival, and establishment, of the township of Morpeth as we know it – and how its developed in the way that it has.
“It is an important part of Maitland and something people will love to commemorate.
“I must admit, there’s a bit of relief it’s all finally coming together.
“It’s a credit to deputy mayor Mitchell Griffin, himself being someone with long historic Morpeth ties, going back generations in his family.
“He pushed this forward.
“Unfortunately, the previous council declined to participate in the celebration of the bicentenary of Maitland in 2018.
“So, I’m very glad to see it happening here.
“It’s terrific council supported the milestone.
“However, this event and all that it symbolises wouldn’t have been possible without the involvement and investment of the Morpeth community, from businesses to residents.
“Everyone’s embraced it.”
Classic car displays, penny-farthing races, horse and carriage rides, an Arnott’s Biscuit trail and much more will keep the public entertained along Swan Street.
The Slow Food Earth Market is also scheduled to take place from 10am until 4pm on Green Street.
Saturday starts with an official ceremony to acknowledge the bicentenary at 10am on the main stage, at the corner of Swan and Berkley streets.
As well, exclusive to that day, are dragon boat racing from Queens Wharf and a resident’s fair at Closebourne House.
The night’s program promises to go off with a bang, as an evening of entertainment and food trucks culminates with a laser show and fireworks display at 9pm.
The centrepiece of the event, however, is the Morpeth Bridge open day on Sunday, which will see the iconic 1898 timber crossing closed to traffic and decked out in picnic tables and planter boxes.
Eventgoers can pack a picnic or purchase a grazing platter from one of the many Morpeth enterprises offering special bicentenary menu items before finding a spot on the bridge and enjoying a unique vantage point of the river.
“It’s not only a great opportunity for businesses on the day and the weekend,” Cr Penfold told the Newcastle Weekly.
“This will reconnect Morpeth to people who haven’t visited here in years… or, for that matter, longer.
“There’ll be those who’ll treat this weekend as a reunion.
“People whose families have roots in Morpeth from decades ago will return on an historic occasion like this.
“So, it won’t only provide that economic benefit to businesses, it’ll remind them it’s an important place and a great location to spend time in the future.
“I believe people, who have moved onto other parts of the country – to Sydney or elsewhere in the Hunter Valley, will come back more regularly after this weekend.”
For further details on the Morpeth Bicentenary program, including timings for all heritage walks, performances and more, head to www.morpeth200.com.au.
For more community stories:
- Morpeth bicentenary celebrations 200 years in the making
- Hunter residents urged to be ‘hands on’ this McHappy Day
- Hunter health worker tackling 1,000km challenge
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