🍂 Ancient fires, road trip nostalgia and autumn adventures in the Hills

Good morning, Hills lovers!

This week, we’re diving into ancient traditions, classic road trips, and a bit of local treasure hunting.

From the wild, firelit revelry of the English Ale in Mylor, where towering giants and masked dancers bring folklore to life, to the polished chrome and dusty trail legends at the National Motor Museum in Birdwood, it’s a week to dive into stories of the past and celebrate the rituals that keep our communities connected.

We’ve also got a car boot sale for the treasure hunters, a whole weekend of events across five Battunga towns, and a special shoutout for those looking to share their own community news.

Let’s get stuck in.

FESTIVAL IN MYLOR
The English Ale

When the autumn leaves fall and the hills turn gold, an ancient spirit awakens in Mylor.

The English Ale is no ordinary festival. It is a living story, a gathering of music, myth, and memory. Rooted in the old village traditions of Great Britain, this enchanting celebration honours the turning of the seasons with Morris dancing, towering giants, hobby horses, guisers, and a great bonfire to chase away the dark.

Here, you do not just watch the spectacle. You become part of it.
Don a mask, paint your face, and step into the procession. Channel the spirit of a Greenman, a fae, a warrior, or a creature of your own making.

As drums echo through the trees and firelight flickers across masked faces, you will feel time slip away. For a night, you will belong to a world where ancient customs and wild celebration are alive once more.

Join the revelry. The old ways are calling. Get your tickets here.

HISTORY FESTIVAL
The National Motor Museum

There’s no better time than the History Festival to celebrate one of South Australia's most surprising treasures: The National Motor Museum in Birdwood. Tucked inside a historic former flour mill and surrounded by winding Adelaide Hills roads, it’s not just a haven for revheads. It’s a nostalgia trip, a design time capsule, and a celebration of Aussie road culture.

Right now, two incredible stories are centre stage. First, the 1956 Land Rover Series 1 used by the Leyland Brothers in their epic 1966 west-to-east crossing of Australia, the first of its kind. It’s a dusty, dented symbol of true outback grit and starred in the brothers’ documentary Wheels Across a Wilderness, long before their TV show brought adventure into lounge rooms across the country.

Then there’s the Holden Hurricane, a 1969 concept car that looks like it drove out of a sci-fi flick. With canopy doors, rear-view cameras and digital navigation before anyone had heard of Google Maps, it’s a glimpse of the future that nearly was.

Into design, history, great stories or just a fun day out with the kids? With over 300 vehicles on show, this is a time-travelling adventure right on our doorstep. Find out more here.

COMMUNITY NOTICE BOARD
Let’s spread the word…

Got a community update or special shoutout to share? Reach out and say hi!

Spark Initiatives – Ignite Connection
Looking to spark more connections in your life? Whether you’re craving new friendships, seeking a sense of belonging, or love meeting people, then Spark is for you. Our community-driven initiatives are designed to bring people together, creating meaningful connections and combating loneliness. Co-designed with the community and guided by research, Spark is currently being piloted in the beautiful Adelaide Hills. Find out more about Spark here.

South Australia’s History Festival – Decisions Through the Decades
May is History Festival month in South Australia, and this year’s theme, Decisions, dives into the moments that have shaped our state’s story. From bold choices made around bustling dinner tables to pivotal conversations in the back rooms of pubs, every decision has a ripple effect. This year’s program celebrates those turning points. With over 500 events to explore, from guided tours and exhibitions to special performances and hands-on experiences, there’s something for every history lover. Explore the full 2025 program here.

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Carboot Sale! Together with the Longwood Institute, the Scott Creek, Longwood & Bradbury community is having a Car Boot Sale and market on the 18th May. Everyone is welcome to come along and find a treasure to make your own.

The Battunga Country Tourism Association is hosting a fun weekend showcasing five Battunga towns in the Adelaide Hills: Meadows, Macclesfield, Echunga, Prospect Hill, and Flaxley. There will be over 30 events and activities across these towns throughout the weekend. Download the full Battunga Weekend brochure here to view events in all 5 towns!

WHAT’S ON

🍀 Paddy’s Irish Bush Dance 2025
 | COMMUNITY DANCE | Macclesfield
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 6:00 - 9:00 PM
Lace up your dancing shoes for a lively night of Irish tunes, bush dancing, and community cheer at this spirited Macclesfield tradition. INFO

🍇 Casa Freschi Vertical Tastings
| WINE EXPERIENCE | Ashton
 📅 Fridays to Sundays in May 2025 | 12:00pm–1:00pm
Join Owner/Vigneron David Freschi at the stunning Altezza vineyard for a guided tasting of Casa Freschi Chardonnays dating back to 2007, followed by a delicious grazing plate of local treats and estate-grown chestnuts. INFO

Showjumping with Nigel Treloar
| EQUESTRIAN EVENT | Echunga
📅 Sunday, May 11 | 7:30 AM
Sharpen your skills with a showjumping rally led by Level 2 coach Nigel Treloar, with sessions tailored to rider and horse technique. INFO

🎖️ Macclesfield Public Performance and Camp
| HISTORICAL REENACTMENT | Macclesfield
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 8:30 AM – 1:30 PM
Step back in time with live historical displays, demos, and cannon-firing as part of Battunga Weekend’s free community event. INFO

⛑️ Porvide First Aid, Half Day Course – St John
| TRAINING | Balhannah
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 9:30 AM – 2:30 PM
Gain your Provide First Aid qualification through St John's immersive, fast-tracked experience that blends modern technology with essential life-saving skills. Perfect for those short on time, this half-day course equips you to confidently handle emergency situations. INFO

🎤 Social Singing at Gumeracha
| MUSIC & COMMUNITY | Gumeracha
📅 Monday, May 12 | 2:00 PM – 3:30 PM
Lift your spirits with a fun and friendly sing-along session where every voice is welcome. No pressure, just good tunes and great company. INFO

🍾 Fizzology @ Sinclair’s Gully
| WINE EXPERIENCE | Norton Summit
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 9:30 – 11:30 AM
Join winemaker Sean Delaney for an intimate, hands-on sparkling wine session where you’ll craft your bottle and explore the art of traditional winemaking. INFO

👜 Clutch & Earrings Painting Workshop
| WORKSHOP | Gumeracha
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 10:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Get creative painting your own lined clutch and acrylic earrings in this stylish hands-on workshop led by Carina from The Brush Bar. INFO

🍇 Chardonnay May Food & Wine Tasting – Howard Vineyard
| WINE & DINE | Nairne
 📅 May 1–31, 2025 | ⏰ 11:00am–4:00pm
Indulge in a delicious lineup of sweet and savory snacks perfectly paired with five distinctive Chardonnay wines during this exclusive tasting experience at Howard Vineyard. INFO

🧶 Which-Craft at Gumeracha
| ARTS & CRAFTS | Gumeracha
📅 Monday, May 12 | 12:30 PM – 2:30 PM
Bring your project and enjoy a relaxed afternoon of creativity and connection with fellow crafters of all kinds. INFO

🧀 Battunga Weekend @ The Cheese Factory
| COMMUNITY | Kondoparinga Rd, Meadows
 📅 May 10–11, 2025
Celebrate Battunga Weekend at the Cheese Factory Studio Gallery with live music, sweet and savory treats, art, and wine across both Saturday and Sunday. INFO

📚 Pop-up Book Nook at the Cheese Factory Studio and Gallery
| BOOKS | Kondoparinga Rd, Meadows
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 11:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Browse local reads and meet Moonglow Publishing at this cozy pop-up nook during the Battunga Weekend Festival. INFO

🍷 Hesketh Wines @ Grunthal Brew – Chardonnay & Croquettes
| WINE & DINE | Verdun
 📅 May 1–31, 2025 | ⏰ 12:00pm–3:00pm
Treat yourself to a decadent pairing of Hesketh Small Batch Chardonnay 2024 and crispy Lobster Mac & Cheese Croquettes at Grunthal Brew, a little bit fancy and a whole lot of fun. INFO

🍇 Bird In Hand Chardonnay Experience
| WINE TASTING | Woodside
 📅 1–31 May 2025 | ⏰ Daily 11:00am–5:00pm
Savor a curated flight of special museum and pre-release Chardonnay wines at Bird in Hand's Barrel Hall Cellar Door all throughout May. INFO

🧺 The Pantry Picnic at Barristers Block
| WINE & FOOD | Woodside
📅 4–18 May 2025 | ⏰ 11:00am–4:00pm
Indulge in a luxurious picnic packed with scones, oysters, charcuterie, and a bottle of wine, all set in the stunning Barristers Block vineyard setting. INFO

🎉 Family Fun Day at Flaxley
| COMMUNITY | Flaxley Memorial Hall, Flaxley
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 8:30 AM
Enjoy a wholesome day of indoor play, farm animals, face painting, and delicious country fare as part of the Battunga Country Weekend. INFO

🎯 Spark Mateship
| SOCIAL | Mount Barker Rd, Bridgewater
📅 Thursday, May 15 | 4:00 PM – 6:00 PM
Connect over pool, darts, and a sausage sizzle in a relaxed, welcoming space where all men are invited to hang out and enjoy real conversations. INFO

ON LATER, BOOK NOW

🥾 Pioneer Women’s Trail Walk 2025
| OUTDOOR | Hahndorf to Beaumont House
📅 Sunday, 18 May | From 7:30 AM
Step into history on this annual Hills walk honouring the pioneering women of Hahndorf. Choose your distance and enjoy autumn views, historic trails, and a festive finish with live music and food at Beaumont House. INFO

🎨 Life Drawing with Julia Wakefield
| ART WORKSHOP | Norton Summit
📅 Thursday, May 15 | 9:45 AM – 12:15 PM
Join artist Julia Wakefield for a relaxed and welcoming life drawing session suitable for both beginners and experienced artists. Bring your easel and materials and enjoy expert guidance and a live model. INFO

🧀 Pairings of Provenance | Sidewood x Kris Lloyd
| WINE & CHEESE MASTERCLASS | Hahndorf
📅 Saturday, May 17 – Saturday, May 24 | Times vary
Savour six Sidewood Chardonnays paired with artisanal cheeses in an intimate masterclass led by winemaker Dylan Lee and cheesemaker Kris Lloyd. INFO

🐄 Birdwood Farm Day
| FAMILY EVENT | Birdwood
📅 Sunday, May 18 | From 10:00 AM
Enjoy a hands-on day of country fun with animal encounters, farm demos, blacksmithing, food, and more at this much-loved community event. Entry includes access to the National Motor Museum, making it a perfect family day out. INFO

🎻 ACO Weekend
| MUSIC | UKARIA Cultural Centre, Mount Barker Summit
📅 Saturday, May 31 – Sunday, June 1
The Australian Chamber Orchestra returns to UKARIA for a thrilling weekend of performances led by Artistic Director Richard Tognetti.  INFO

🎆 Mylor Bonfire Works 2025
| COMMUNITY | Strathalbyn Rd, Mylor
📅 Saturday, June 14 | Time TBA
Get ready for a night of fiery fun and dazzling fireworks as Mylor’s beloved BonFireworks event returns to light up the village once again. INFO

🎻 Kristian Winther, Timo-Veikko Valve and Aura Go
| MUSIC | UKARIA Cultural Centre, Mount Barker Summit
📅 Sunday, July 6 | 2:30 PM
Enjoy a rare musical collaboration as three acclaimed soloists unite for an intimate piano trio performance. INFO

MARKETS

🛒 Oakbank Market | Oakbank
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 9:00 AM – 2:00 PM
Support the Oakbank Soldiers' Memorial Hall while browsing local stalls, enjoying live music, face painting, and delicious food and coffee.

🧺 Adelaide Hills Farmers Market
📅 Saturday, May 10 | 8:30 AM – 12:30 PM
Shop fresh, seasonal produce and artisan goods straight from local growers and makers at this lively weekly outdoor market.

🥕 Mount Pleasant Farmers Market
📅 Saturdays | 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
Browse a diverse selection of fresh, seasonal produce and artisanal goods from local growers and producers in a vibrant community atmosphere.

_{Thanks for reading Adelaide Hills Pantry. I hope it added a moment of enjoyment to your day.}