9 reasons to visit Jumpers and Jazz in July

Looking for a fun-filled winter getaway in Queensland? Head to the Queensland city of Warwick for Jumpers and Jazz in July.

The 10-day festival celebrates winter with all the exuberant colours of nature and delicious flavours of local foods.

Warwick’s streets come alive with fantastic tree sculptures, yarn bombing exhibitions and a huge car display; there’s a church tower covered by knitwear as well.

And to top it off­­—you get jazz music performed by some amazing musicians who’ve come from near or far just for this occasion too.

Jumpers and Jazz in July began in 2004 when the Warwick Art Gallery wrapped trees in textile art to brighten up the cold winter streets.

The exhibition has since grown into a much-anticipated community event, with locals competing to create the most impressive and creative designs.

Whether you’re into jazz music or just want to take in the festive atmosphere, there’s something for everyone.

For the latest information on festival dates, visit Jumpers and Jazz in July.

Warwick Art Gallery wraps trees in textile art to brighten up the cold winter streets for Jumpers and Jazz in July. Photo: Warwick Art Gallery

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1.     Technicolour dreamland made of yarns

If you’ve ever been to Jumpers and Jazz in July, you’ll know that the streets of Warwick are transformed into a technicolour dreamland for the duration of the festival.

That’s all thanks to the Yarntopians yarnbombing team of crafters who combine their skills to produce stunning art installations that attract thousands of festival visitors each year.

Their large-scale installations take months to complete and can involve up to 100 contributors.

Knitters and crocheters send them pieces from all over Australia, and their smaller local team gets together regularly to assemble and install everything.

A chief organiser of one festival project in 2022 was my late mother-in-law, Georgie Watts, a long-time parishioner at St Mark’s Anglican Church. Georgie was heavily involved in St Mark’s display of knitted and crocheted flowers that adorned the historic church’s tower throughout the 2022 festival. Sadly, Georgie didn’t to see the colourful flowers draped over the church tower. She passed away a month before the event.

St Mark’s Anglican Church, Warwick, Queensland.

2.     Art at St Mark’s Anglican Church

St Mark’s Anglican Church is a beautiful heritage-listed church in the heart of Warwick and hosts the annual Art@StMark’s display and sale of high-quality artworks during Jumpers and Jazz in July.

During the 10-day festival, visitors can view and buy art and crafts, and get a bite to eat at their Art Café in the church hall on Grafton Street.

There’s also a Meet the Artists and Official Opening event. For details visit www.warwickanglican.org.au or phone Sharon 0428 614 708.

To book, email artatstmarksno2@gmail.com

 PHOTO GALLERY

3.     Tree Jumper Exhibition

Jumpers and Jazz in July is a great time to check out the Tree Jumper exhibition in Warwick. Up and down the footpath, you’ll find trees wrapped in charming textile artwork.

These yarn-bombed masterpieces are a visual treat for all ages, and they’ll be on display 24 hours a day throughout the festival.

Jumpers and Jazz in July is all about creativity and community participation in the arts, and every year the events and activities continue to grow.

So be sure to check out the program for each day of the winter festival.

4.     Grand Automobile Display

If you love cars and music, then you’ll love Jumpers and Jazz in July. This annual winter festival takes place in the charming town of Warwick, Queensland.

The main street of the CBD is closed to traffic, so visitors can admire a static display of veteran, vintage and classic vehicles.

There’s also a selection of classic motorcycles on display, building on Warwick’s growing reputation as the Horsepower Capital of Australia!

During the festival, you can enjoy live jazz performances in various venues around town.

Or if you prefer, you can simply take a leisurely stroll and soak up the atmosphere.

And don’t forget to keep an eye out for the trees dressed in woolly jumpers—it’s all part of the fun!

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5.     Celebration of local flavours

Jumpers and Jazz in July is a great opportunity to check out some of the best food and drinks Warwick has to offer.

Stroll & Swing on Palmerin features the Celebration of Local Flavours—an opportunity for the region’s primary producers and boutique or cottage industry vendors to showcase their direct-market goods.

Visitors can enjoy a firsthand experience of local produce at the alfresco dining spaces on the street.

Jumpers and Jazz is a great opportunity to support local businesses. Make sure you don’t miss out!

6.     Women in Motorsport Track Day Invitation

The Warwick District Sporting Car Club is inviting everyone to spend a day at the Morgan Park Raceway for the Women in Motorsport Track Day.

Anyone interested in getting into motorsports can experience the thrill of motorsport and see how it all works.

The club will provide instructions on general maintenance and give you the opportunity to drive your own day-drive car or be a passenger with an experienced driver in a race car.

This is a great opportunity to jumpstart your interest in car racing and build your confidence in-car operations and functions.

For more details or to register your interest, contact the club secretary at secretary@wdscc.com.au.

7.     Markets

Jumpers and Jazz in July has a range of markets where you can find unique, handmade products to help you get into the spirit of the event.

Artisans from all over come to sell their wares and you’re sure to find something that catches your eye.

Whether you’re looking for a new jumper to keep you warm during the cooler nights of the festival or a piece of art to take home with you, head on down and support local artists while getting into the festival spirit.

• RETRO ROCKING AT THE GALLERY is a small boutique market coordinated by Warwick Art Gallery. Featuring excellent artisans who present amazing bespoke wares of flair and colour, you’ll be able to find some great gifts for friends and family, or maybe even something special for yourself.
• SHOWCASING OUR ATELIERS
  If you’re ever feeling creative, or need some inspiration, head to Showcasing our Ateliers. You can meet the artisans and immerse yourself in workshops and demonstrations. It’s a great way to get inspired, and maybe even learn a new skill.
• SUITCASE RUMMAGE MARKET
  Looking for something a little different at Jumpers and Jazz in July? Check out the Suitcase Rummage Market. This unique market features many pre-loved and vintage items, from clothes and jewellery to books and records. And because they sell all of the goods out of suitcases, you never know what you might find. So head on down and rummage through some bargains.
• WARWICK POTTERS CRAFT MARKET
  Jumpers and Jazz in July culminates in a large craft market on Palmerin Street, with over 200 stalls selling handmade arts and crafts, food and drink. There is also plenty of entertainment on offer, with live music and a wine bar.

8. St Mary’s Community Contemplative Tree

St Mary’s Catholic Church is a beautiful and unique church located at 163 Palmerin Street, Warwick.

The church was built in 1926 and the museum (1865) is also a must-see.

During Jumpers and Jazz in July, people are invited to participate in the Community Contemplative Tree, while enjoying the vista of yarn-bombed palm trees and church pillars.

Hand-knitted and crochet scarves and beanies can be taken home.

The event is also a great opportunity to learn about the history of the church and the Warwick community.

There are also tours of the church and museum available.

St Mary’s Parish is an involved community of the Warwick township and the historical and architectural value are enormous.

The church and museum are a must-see for anyone visiting Warwick.

9. Warwick Art Gallery Exhibitions

The Warwick Art Gallery is a great place to check out some amazing art.

In 2022, the Paper Quilt project is the culmination of their general call out for works on paper that respond to the word “abundance”. It’s on display in the Orange Wall Gallery.

Another exhibition is the Australia Wide 8 Art Quilt Exhibition. This is the latest biennial travelling exhibition in the Australia Wide series, organized by Ozquilt Network Inc.

The exhibition showcases the work of Ozquilt Network members in Australia and overseas. It demonstrates the variety of the ‘stitched and layered textile’.

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Want more festival information?

There’s so much more happening than my overview here, so be sure to visit the official website (link below) for this year’s dates, the full program and a list of entertainers.

https://www.jumpersandjazz.com.au/

Where is Warwick?

Warwick is a town in southeast Queensland, Australia, located 130 kilometres southwest of Brisbane, and 83.5 km south of Toowoomba.

With a population of 15,380 (as of June 2018), Warwick is the administrative centre of the Southern Downs Region local government area.

The surrounding Darling Downs has fostered a strong agricultural industry for which Warwick, together with the larger city of Toowoomba, serves as convenient service centres.

Warwick is accessible via the Warwick train station on the Warwick line or by car from any number of Warwick’s multiple exits off the Warrego Highway.

Once in Warwick, visitors can explore a variety of historical landmarks such as:

• Glengallan Homestead & Heritage Centre
• Warwick Historical Society Museum
• Warwick City Heritage Trails

For those looking for a more modern activity, there are also a number of shopping and dining options available in the Warwick CBD.

Whatever your interests, Warwick has something to offer everyone.

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So, what are you waiting for?

Mark the date in your calendar and get ready for a great time in Warwick.

And, when you’re admiring one of the festival’s many intricate designs, remember—it’s all made of yarn by contributors from throughout Australia.

Jazz musicians in concert. Photo: Commons.Wikimedia

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