Thursday 11th - Sunday 14th August, 2011 4 Days of Fun, Entertainment & Gemstones Gemfest – ‘Festival of Gems’ is the annual four day festival that celebrates and showcases sapphires and where they come from, the Gemfields. Held 12th to the 15th August 2010 this year was bigger than ever featuring an amazing combination of activities, exhibitions, entertainment, prizes jewellery workshops 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. Encompassing the whole of the Gemfields, including Anakie, Sapphire, Rubyvale, and Willows, this is truly an event not to miss. Learn how to go Fossicking and find your own Sapphires, then stake your own claim on the Gemfields for a lifetime of fun. Mine tours are available to show just how the miners of old (and today), dig deep into the ground in search of gemstones. If you don't fancy digging your own Sapphires, then there is plenty of opportunity to grab a bargain at one of the many local jewellery stores on the Gemfields. 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.     This event is supported by:

Regional Arts Development Fund is a Queensland Government and Central Highlands Regional Council partnership to support local arts and culture.