WITH only 12 weeks until the 40th annual Scone Horse Festival kicks off, details are starting to leak for what will be a superb sequence of events.
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This week, the committee announced that Aussie icon Shannon Noll and legendary band Dragon will perform at White Park arena on Thursday, May 7, to officially open the popular equine extravaganza.
Tourism and Events Officer at Upper Hunter Shire Council Shay Hancock said the committee decided to "go big this time around" to celebrate the fact they have reached the four decade mark.
"It's really just to kick the whole festival off with a bang," she said.
"We want to make it a party and a celebration and bring people up into the area.
"Not just the locals but people further afield from Maitland, Newcastle, Tamworth and try to pump some money into the area after the drought and the bush fires.
"We're reminding people that we're still here."
Dragon will be the first to perform from 6pm sharp, followed by Shannon Noll from 7.30pm to 8.30pm.
"That's still a decent time for families to come out but we're really also targeting to the fact that there is the races and the rodeo but besides that, what is there for the 18 to 25 and 30 year old single couples?" Shay added.
"Dragon has a cover of the song 'Celebration' which they should end up playing to tie it into the theme."
The award-winning White Park arena floor will turn into a mosh pit for those that want to get close to the action.
Bar and food will be available with a designated alcohol free zone.
Those that wish to sit around the concrete edge of the arena can bring cushions and blankets to sit on however no camp chairs are allowed.
Gates will open at 5.30pm.
Tickets can be booked online here but can also be purchased at the Scone Visitor Information and Horse Centre in person.
General admission tickets are $60 for a family, $30 for an adult and $10 for children under the age of 18.
Children under the age of 12 must be accompanied by a responsible adult at all times.
VIP tickets can also be purchased.