sky iron festival of blacksmithing

It’s everything Blacksmithing!

The smells and senses that present themselves when steel is heated and brought to the anvil at 1000 degrees Celsius During the Sky Iron – Festival of Blacksmithing, there will be lots of opportunities to see this firsthand through many Blacksmithing demonstrations. Sky Iron – Festival of Blacksmithing will bring an experience of a lifetime.

Ipswich boasts a rich heritage, from the culture of its first nation people and as one of the oldest colonial cities in Australia. Underpinning this recent history, were the tradespeople who built the city’s prime infrastructure, mining, and railway from the forge of the Blacksmiths.

One hundred years ago, all metal objects were made by Blacksmiths. Over the years automation has taken over and this traditional practice has waned. However, there currently is renewed interest in Blacksmithing.

During the Sky Iron, Festival of Blacksmithing, there will be lots of opportunities to see firsthand many Blacksmithing demonstrations like ‘have a go’ taster and master classes, collaborative workshops, challenges, a tour of the Railway Workshops, historical Ipswich Blacksmiths, Farrier, Wheelwright and Cooper. The event will be offering old-time fayre and activities.

‘Have a Go’ Blacksmithing Workshops

Get in quickly, this event fills quickly so don’t miss out. The workshop is in Shed One.

This is an invitation to anyone over 16yrs who has had the desire to Blacksmith (supervised) and has never had a chance, forging time is two hours. Session one is from 9 am to 11 am and Session two is from 1 pm to 3 pm on both Saturday and Sunday. The project is a piece of 10mm square bar 200 mm long and you will be assisted with drawing (stretching) it out at both ends by heating and hammering and then creating an “S” hook. A twist or your initials can be centered on your piece and then coated in beeswax for preservation.

A safety induction will be delivered prior to each session. Long pants and long sleeve shirt must be worn (no polyester). Covered footwear essential (no runners). Safety classes available

Please note, participants will be required to agree to the terms of the workshop when booking including being 16 years of age and older and being capable of working in an active workshop environment – As Blacksmithing is a physical activity, all participants must be mindful of their ability to hold and use a hammer, hold their workpiece, and freely move about in an active working environment. Participants must be able to follow instructions uninhibited and follow all safety directions given.