Festivities were ramped up this year to mark the town’s 11^th annual event, showcasing what Warialda has to offer.

Held at the recreational grounds, the honey festival was a great success all around, according to tourist information officer Nikki Adams.

“Country of Burnett CWA held a lovely high tea as their major fundraiser.

“Everyone loved the delicious treats available and the CWA ladies were happy with the fundraising result,” she said.

Parents were able to relax knowing their children were safe to explore everything on offer at the rec grounds.

An array of market stalls provided special goodies and bargains for every shopper, and live entertainment from local boy Benny Nelson was a hit.

“Benny just released his latest EP so he performed a few new songs,” she said.

As his biggest supporters, Warialda residents were very excited to hear the home-town hero would be performing at the festival.

The ‘Honey, I’ve got Talent’ concert was hotly contested, showcasing Warialda’s musical talents.

“It was great to see so many talented, local kids on stage. We’re know for being a sporty town but we’ve got just as many gifted singers and musicians,” Nikki said.

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall was this year’s guest judge for the talent competition.

Mr Marshall said the talent quest was superb, as was the food, stalls and activities for young and old.

Festival-goers enjoyed fun eating competitions, a wife carry, which later became a friend carry, and a gumboot throwing competition.

The gumboot throwing turned into a competitive event, everyone wanting to take home bragging rights.

“It was a tight competition, and it was so great to see engagement from the crowd,” she said. 

An array of vintage cars were on display for people to view.

Second-generation bee keeper Casey Cooper, of Tingha, spoke to the crowd about the ins and outs of his profession.

Mr Cooper runs 1000 hives on the New England Tablelands, extending west to the Pilliga in spring where protein rich acacias build up bee health ahead of summer.

From there, they are trucked to eucaluypt honey-flow on the eastern fall.

Nikki felt there was a lot more interest in this year’s festival, hoping to make 2019 even bigger.

People from Moree, Inverell Bingara and even as far as Narrabri enjoyed their day in Warialda.

“We are a small town so to have the support of the wider region is just spectacular.”