Gemfest – ‘Festival of Gems’ is the annual four day festival that celebrates and showcases sapphires and where they come from, the Gemfields. Held the second Thursday to Sunday in August each year, 2008 marks Gemfest’s 21st Anniversary and promises to be bigger than ever featuring an amazing combination of activities, exhibitions, entertainment, prizes and demonstrations to keep you busy. While local sapphires are undoubtedly the gem of choice at the festival, you will also find diamonds, pearls, zircons, opals and other gemstones amongst the sparkling array.

Gemfest headquarters is the Anakie School of Arts Hall and the Allen King Memorial Park, just past the Anakie Hotel. One of the key attractions is undoubtedly the ‘Jewels of the Outback Exhibition’ which features rare and exceptional sapphires, many that can only ever be seen at Gemfest. The Gemfest stage keeps the crowds entertained with acclaimed country singers, belly dancers and wizard shows for the children on the schedule. Traditionally held as a token of appreciation to the community, the Gemfest Spectacular is held on the Saturday night at the Rubyvale Miner’s Reserve and features free entertainment and fireworks.

Something that showcases local jewellers’ talents during the festival is the Gemfest Art Union. Usually valued in excess of $12,000 the Art Union gives everyone the opportunity to be able to wear exclusive sapphire jewellery made here on the Gemfields. The jewellery features natural Australian sapphires and diamonds and is always unique. The ‘Stake-a-Claim’ game is another popular feature of Gemfest where participants have the chance to claim all sorts of prizes from holidays to sapphires. All you have to do is pick a winning claim!

So whether you’re looking for a rare gem to give the person you love or you just want to join an outback party, Gemfest’s the time and place where you can have both.