Every June, the Boonah region erupts into a celebration of its Clydesdale history – which can be traced all the way back to the 1800s. The Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular pays homage to the 130-year local history of these gentle giants through a celebration of its local community and beyond.

This year, the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular has reigned in an exciting line-up of equine events, which everyone from avid fans to country-curious folk will love. The festival is led by the annual Queensland and interstate showcase, where the best of the breed perform in the hope of being crowned The Thistle of the season. With the largest prize purse in the Southern Hemisphere, rest assured that the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular attracts only the best of the band.

Beyond plenty of the country’s finest Clydesdales, the festival celebrates endangered country trades, art and craftsmanship with the likes of live blacksmithing and wheelwright demonstrations. At the Woodchop Competition, you’ll get to see the very best axemen and axewomen battle it out on the bark. The Queensland Whip Cracking Championship is also held at the Clydesdale Spectacular, so you can catch whip crackers of all ages flog to victory. American lumberjack and timber sports specialist Scott Hyde will be in attendance this year, competing in the very first Australia versus USA speed climbing, axe throwing and log-rolling competitions. Plus, there are a bunch more events and demonstrations you won’t want to miss like harness making, whip plaiting, bush poetry and classes with the horseman Guy McLean.

Internationally acclaimed Scottish sculptor Andy Scott – who has gained a reputation for his spectacular equine sculptures and landmarks – is set to join the spectacular this year. Meet Andy at an intimate evening event on Wednesday June 12 and find him at the festival throughout the weekend. Local Scotsmen will also be performing a stirring mass of pipes and drums with their clans and decked in their clan kilts.

Beyond its farmlands, Scenic Rim is famously home to a bustling epicurean culture of artisan chefs, farmers and creators. On Saturday June 15, The Clydesdale Spectacular teams up with Scenic Rim Eat Local Month for a shindig at Olive View Estate of winter fare and bush dancing. The menu will be stacked with chef Pepe Garcia’s signature Spanish paella, mouth-watering local roast pork and sumptuous Scottish desserts – all of which will be enjoyed amidst the grove’s 700 olive trees. For finer-things fans, you’ll also find the CLYDIE Bar set up at the festival, serving up a selection of ten different Scottish whiskies, plus exclusive gum blends and locally distilled gin.

To find out more and secure your tickets, head to the Scenic Rim Clydesdale Spectacular’s website.