March, 2026
Feeling lucky, punk?
Welcome to The Bright Raclette, a monthly community newsletter where we will be sharing upcoming local events, horoscopes, initiatives and unsolicited banjo solos to brighten your day and help you plan your month.
If you keep finding out about fun stuff after it’s already happened… well, that’s exactly why we’re here.
If you’ve been wondering whether March will finally be your lucky month, statistically speaking, probably not, but there's a lot of folk music to see.
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Calling for contributions
The Bright Raclette is open to submissions. We’ll consider pretty much anything at this point, but to give you a bit of a steer please share: upcoming community events, gigs that deserve a crowd, workshops that will teach us something useful (or useless), food specials that are worth the drive, and any personal superstitions that have genuinely kept you alive this long.
We can’t promise we’ll include your theory about why you turn the volume down in your car before reversing, but we promise we’ll consider it.
**If that button isn’t working, email us at bright.raclette@gmail.com
THIS MONTH
With Lunar New Year just passed and St Patrick’s Day on its way, we’re feeling lucky this month. Even so, it’s a chaotic world out there, so to help you navigate the forces of fortune this March, we’ve compiled a few key luck-based principles from various folklore:
A black cat equals bad luck.
A black cat walking under a ladder equals double bad luck.
A black cat eating a rabbit’s foot while walking under a ladder cancels out (except for the rabbit, who is net negative).
Horseshoes must be hung U-up so the luck doesn’t drain out onto the floor.
An itchy left palm means money coming in. An itchy right palm means money going out. Bitcoin bros have had chronically itchy left palms since the crash, which checks out.
Placing bread upside down on a table invites hardship to move in, according to Romanian folklore. So maybe just... don’t.
Opening an umbrella indoors is bad luck, unless your roof has a very specific and catastrophic leak.
Carrying an acorn protects you from lightning.
Four-leaf clovers are rare (1 in 5,000), which makes them lucky by scarcity alone.
Last month, we asked readers who should be Bright’s equivalent of Punxsutawney Phil (predicting when the heat will break and autumn will arrive). Anne wrote in with a strong nomination: Eli the E.Coli, who pops up every summer in the Ovens River. Unlike a groundhog, Eli doesn’t want nuts or berries, just a warm environment and a lack of UV filtration.
We’ve been seeing a lot of you lately, Eli. Our obvious next step is to put out the call for sketches or photos of sightings of Eli.
Meanwhile, armed with this knowledge, you’re now prepared to face St Patrick’s Day and whatever else the universe throws at you this month. Good luck. You’ll need it.
Please send all sketches of Eli the E.Coli to bright.raclette@gmail.com. Photos encouraged.
👉 Jump to stuff from us: SEE | DO | WATCH | READ | FYI
👉 Jump to stuff from you: Marj finally answers the question: who said romance was dead?
SEE
—one-offs—
Mar 1 | Catch blues and soul man Shaun Kirk at the Star in a one-man show with vintage guitar tones and raw grooves. Star Hotel, Yackandandah, 3-6pm.
Mar 5 | Take up your chance to be the music, not just see the music. Join the inaugural session of the Beechworth pub choir at Tanswell’s Hotel in Beechworth. Good singing skills not a pre-requisite. 7.30pm. $10.
Mar 7 | Spring Ditch returns to Stanley with a lineup so eclectic it defies categorisation: legendary Japanese Buddhist rock sensation Buddhadatta, mariachi powerhouse Queen of Hearts, 1960s ska revivalists The Skabhangers, and DJ Jane Doe. More Buddhist rock and skanking alongside your three-legged races and egg-and-spoon than the average country sports day. Stanley Sports Ground.
Mar 14 | Don’t miss Mimi Gilbert (USA) and Ruby Gill (Australia/South Africa) bringing award-winning alt-folk and poetry to Old Stone Hall. Mimi will launch her new record ‘Undrowning’ while Ruby will perform poetry celebrating her new book ‘I’m not exaggerating when I say’. Doors open 7pm, show starts 7.30pm sharp. Old Stone Hall, Beechworth.
Mar 15 | Luke O'Shea and JC & the Tree bring storytelling and heartfelt country songs to the Bright Courthouse Theatre. Licensed venue. 3-6pm.
Mar 20-22 | Want to increase your chances of accidentally learning a sea shanty? Head to the Yackandandah Folk Festival for three days where the whole town becomes a folk music fever dream. Over 60 acts across six walkable venues, from Scottish guitar virtuoso Tony McManus to Ella Hooper to Irish powerhouse Ranagri. Yackandandah.
Mar 28 | Thank god The High Country Hop is no longer clashing with Yack Folk Festival, so you can balance your love of fiddle playing with your love of fresh hop ales and indie bangers. Bridge Road Brewers celebrates the Victorian hop harvest with the freshest beers of the year, local winemakers, distillers, and a musical lineup featuring Drifting Clouds, Floodlights, Public Figures, Way Dynamic, and DJ Joey Lightbulb (who, in his words not ours, will spin everything from Bowie remixes to 90s/00s indie bangers from when Triple J was still good). Eight hours of music, craft beer, and the smug knowledge that you’re drinking ales made with hops harvested approximately 30km away. Beechworth Historic Precinct Reserve, 11.30am-9pm.
—sneak peak—
OK it’s not strictly this month, but you probably need to book it soon, so we’ve included it:
Apr 17-18 | Ready yourself for the Wandiligong Nut Festival, the biggest weekend in the littlest valley, celebrating local growers and the abundance of nuts. Friday night (1-9pm) kicks off with an Opening Night Party, while Saturday (9am-9pm) brings salami-judging, shell-crushing, pony-riding (maybe), and dancing. If you’ve ever wanted to witness competitive nut evaluation or explain the nuances of almond terroir to a confused neighbour, this is your moment. Alpine Park, Wandiligong.
Apr 25 | Liv Cartledge returns to Beechworth fresh from touring with The Waifs (YES, THE WAIFS!!!) to launch debut album ‘How’s The View’ at Old Stone Hall. She’s from Beechy, so this will be special. Doors 6.45pm, show 7.30pm sharp. Old Stone Hall, Beechworth.
Jun 11 | Dylan Wright brings his Songs & Stories Tour to Old Stone Hall for an acoustic session over two 40-minute sets. Book now because though you’re still sweating through March, Stone Halls sells out, even by June when you’ll need a jacket and the warm vibes to match. Doors open 6.30pm, show starts 7pm sharp. Old Stone Hall, Beechworth.
Jun 19 | Vika & Linda bring their ninth studio album Where Do You Come From? to Wangaratta. After nearly 40 years singing other people’s stories, the sisters are telling their own. They’ll be worth the drive to Wang. Wangaratta Performing Arts & Convention Centre, 7.30pm. Tickets $89.
—weekend regs—
FRIDAYS
The Star | Trivia and Joker Poker. Good vibes from 6pm.
SATURDAYS
Don Mungo’s | Mungo Disco every Saturday from 10pm with DJs from near and far.
SUNDAYS
Bright Brewery | Join Sunday sessions with No F chords (Mar 1), In the Pines (Mar 8), Borderline (Mar 15), Dom La Ferlita (Mar 22) and Torpedos (Mar 29). 2-5pm.
Wandi Pub | Ride out for a lazy Sunday afternoon in the beer garden with music most weekends. From 12.30pm.
👇 Did we miss any gigs? Message us below or at bright.raclette@gmail.com for upcoming gigs or venues we should contact for March/April/May.
DO
Mar 2 | Ever wished there was a book club but for podcasts? Join the Alpine Multi-Skill Group’s Imperfects Club to discuss life over dinner. In March they’ll explore food, mood and gut health with Professor Felice Jacka. Really low-key, although limited to 10 people, so don’t be low key about booking. Alpine Hotel, Bright, 7pm.
Mar 5 | Like books? Like beers? Even if you don’t, you might like Tough Guy Book Club at Bright Brewery. This month’s book is Zorba the Greek by Nikos Kazantzakis (1949), where a buttoned-up intellectual meets a wild-hearted Greek man who teaches him how to actually live. No one seems to mind if you haven’t read it, but bring your copy if you have one. Bright Brewery, 7pm.
Mar 5 | Raise a glass to International Women’s Day and the launch of Fred’s Trail Blazer Aperol Spritz Gose, brewed by the women of Bright Brewery. Bright Brewery, 12-3pm. $55 adults, $30 under 18s.
Mar 6-8 | Take a trip to Funkytown with Pseudo Echo, and ponder the profound philosophical experience of seeing Daryl Braithwaite sing ‘Horses’ at the Brighter Days Festival this year. Pioneer Park.
Mar 8 | Ride 235km over Tawonga Gap, Mount Hotham, and Falls Creek for Peaks Challenge. Starts and finishes at Falls Creek.
Mar 11 | Learn the basics of bikepacking at a beginner-friendly workshop covering gear, packing, and route planning. Use the bike and camping gear you already own. 6-7.30pm, 14 Churchill Ave. Free for AMSG members, $10 for non-members.
Mar 13-15 | Take in the three days of The Mystic Yak, a mountain bike stage race showcasing the flowing singletrack and challenging climbs of Bright, Beechworth and Yackandandah. Named after a creature that is both mystical and famously terrible at descending steep terrain, which feels about right for a three-day endurance race.
Mar 14 | Browse locally grown food, handmade items and quality secondhand treasures at the Porepunkah People’s Market. Support local makers, score a vintage find, and stock up on vegetables that actually taste like vegetables. Porepunkah Community Hall, 9am-1pm (second Saturday of every month).
Mar 14 | Rummage for treasures, or give your wardrobe a second life at Reclaim Closet. Bright Brewery Paddock. 12-5pm. Stalls $20.
Mar 14 | Join local creatives at Mimi Gilbert’s Songwriting Workshop. Mimi will guide you through writing activities to help you pen the next protest anthem (and let’s face it, we could use a few) or just tell your story. Instruments welcome but not required. Old Stone Hall, Beechworth, 9.30-11.30am.
Mar 14 | Hop behind the scenes at Bright Brewery’s Community Open Day where the doors to Fred’s Shed are open and the tours are short and sweet (30 minutes). Free tastings, BBQ, and brewers who’ll explain why your home brew tastes like that. Bright Brewery, 11am-3pm.
Mar 18 | Learn about RED-S (Relative Energy Deficiency in Sport). Covering fuelling strategies, injury prevention, and the protective role of resistance training, this talk is for anyone who trains, moves, and wants to stay strong for the long haul. Bright Motor Inn. 6-7.15pm.
Mar 21-22 | Learn cool, contemporary weaving techniques from fibre artist Maryanne Moodie at The Pumphouse in Albury. She’s internationally celebrated, has books published, and her work hangs in the US Embassy in Chad (which feels like a very specific flex). All materials provided, no experience necessary. The Pumphouse, 10am-4pm both days. From $270.
Mar 21 | Browse fresh produce, handmade goods, local art, and cheese (we always promote The Cheese) at Bright Markets. Howitt Park, Bright, 9am-1pm.
Mar 21 | The Alpine Junior MTB Series wraps up with Race 7, the final showdown for young riders. Mystic MTB Park, Bright.
Mar 21-22 | Test your setup on a guided overnight bikepacking adventure through the Buckland Valley. It’s beginner-friendly, fully supported, and designed for those who want to try bikepacking without the anxiety of going solo. 25km each way, minimal climbing, maximum confidence-building. Bookings essential. Free for AMSG members, $30 for non-members.
Mar 25 | Attend M Factor 2, a documentary exploring perimenopause and the gaps in women’s healthcare, followed by a live panel with local doctors and health professionals. Bright Community Centre, 6.30-8pm. Bookings essential.
Mar 27-29 | Lace up for the Buffalo Stampede, where over 3,000 trail runners tackle everything from the iconic 100km to one fiftieth of that (the 2km junior trail run). Last year we told you about the 42km SkyMarathon (Mt Buffalo to Bright, allegedly net downhill), the gnarly 20km SkyRun loop, and the 10km Twilight run up Emily’s Spur. We stand by all of it, especially the bit about being tired just typing it. If you’re feeling truly ambitious, there’s still the 152km Ultra Slam across three days. Pioneer Park, Bright.
👇 In the know about an upcoming event? Message us below or at bright.raclette@gmail.com
WATCH
Cinema | Choose from Bright’s Sun Cinema March releases:
Wuthering Heights (Emerald Fennell's - remember that Saltburn dance scene? - has sweaty take on Brontë with Charli XCX soundtrack), Fackham Hall (a pickpocket lands job at an English manor house, falls for lady, gets framed for murder in Downton Abbey meets Monty Python), The Bride! (Frankenstein in 1930s Chicago gets weird), How to Make a Killing (answers question on how far Glen Powell will go for his inheritance), Reminders of Him (Colleen Hoover adaptation, bring tissues), Project Hail Mary (Ryan Gosling must save Earth from space amnesia), The Magic Faraway Tree (whimsical old-fashioned fun with Enid Blyton).
Watch this preview “From the studio that watched the first two seasons of Downton Abbey”.
Star-watch | On March 18th 1930, Clyde Tombaugh discovered Pluto using a “blink comparator”, basically staring at two photos until his eyes hurt enough to spot something moving. Ninety-six years later, we're blessed with easier viewing: a total lunar eclipse on Tuesday 3rd from 8:50pm. The moon will turn red for almost an hour as it passes through Earth's shadow. Grab a clear view to the east and enjoy the show.
Weather-watch | Australia's largest inland lake is having a moment. Kati Thanda-Lake Eyre could fill to the brim for just the fourth time in 160 years.
👇 Saw something you liked? Or didn’t? Submit your own review below or at bright.raclette@gmail.com
READ
The bit you really came for: contributions from locals about life and times in the valley.
Myrtleford Marjorie’s Monthly Musings
— Marj finally answers the question: who said romance was dead?
This month, everyone’s favourite Raclette Reviewer, Marjorie Beavis-Warren, sets an historic new Valentine’s Day benchmark by taking the long-suffering Mr B‑W on a surprise day out to Beechworth… for a romantic, self-guided historic graves tour at Beechworth Historic Cemetery.
Another month, another Marj. Welcome back to my monthly Raclette column, where I force myself (and others) to do things around the Alpine Shire that I have never done before, and then write about them for largely my own entertainment.
As residents will no doubt be aware, February has been swelteringly hot, but my life love Mr B‑W is built for a Scandinavian / Viking-based environment. As a result, he struggles at this time of year in the same way a husky struggles in a sauna. Seeing his exhausted little face got me thinking he deserved a treat. A nice little break. A chance to relax. Maybe even a spot of romance on Valentine’s Day.
So, as the deeply thoughtful partner that I am, I asked myself: what better way to celebrate the month of love than by whisking him off to Beechworth Historic Cemetery for their self-guided historic graves tour? Because nothing says I adore you like locking eyes over a 200-year-old headstone. Also consider that graveyards are not traditionally a Valentine’s Day destination and so you are all but guaranteed solitude.
And thus, me and my valentine found ourselves strolling through the cemetery gates at lunchtime on a disgustingly hot 35-degree day. #romancelives
After picking up an iced coffee at Café en la Loma (highly recommend), we jumped back in the car to drive round to the cemetery. At this point Mr B‑W still didn’t know where we were headed but as he watched the road slope upwards his confusion began to increase until he finally said:
‘The only thing up here is the cemetery…?’
To which I looked at him like a grinning crazy person (to cover up my rising concern that maybe I’d been wrong to think that a graveyard tour was a solid choice for a date day out) and replied, ‘Correct!’
Now, one thing I know about Mr B-W the man loves a map. He also loves finding things that are located on the map. So as we parked, and it dawned on him that his romantic surprise was a graveyard in the middle of a heatwave, I whipped out the guided map of the historic graves and quickly handed it over, and like a greyhound spotting a rabbit, he was off.
My rising panic that this was perhaps not the awesome idea I had thought it would be started to subside as we started learning about the residents.
The tour itself is genuinely lovely. You can print the map and brochure from the website and wander at your own pace, reading the stories of the people who shaped Beechworth. The town was heavily shaped by the gold rush, so the cemetery includes a large number of Chinese graves, multiple American Civil War veterans who settled here, and even a Battle of Waterloo veteran.
And then the tour ends at the grave of Dame Jean Macnamara, whose story and life sent this reviewer spiralling into full-blown fan-girl mode.
Dame Jean graduated university in 1922 with degrees in Medicine and Surgery (almost unheard of for a woman at the time), and became one of the first female residents at the Royal Children’s Hospital (after being told they couldn’t possibly employ women because there were no ‘toilets for female doctors’… obviously). She later helped advance polio research by identifying that there was more than one strain, work that supported the push toward targeted vaccine development. Oh, and in her spare time she also championed the release of myxomatosis to tackle Australia’s invasive rabbit problem, helping devastated ecosystems and farmland recover. The electorate of Macnamara bears her name, along with a scattering of parks, buildings and other landmarks because of the massive impact she had for healthcare and agriculture in Australia.
What a woman, what a life.
The tour is a beautiful way to learn about local history and the characters who shaped the region - and a surprisingly peaceful way to spend an hour, even if your Valentine’s date involves the dead.
Give yourself an hour and a half to walk around and take it all in - you’ll likely have the place to yourself. I’d recommend you print the brochure/map before you go if you can, and I strongly recommend not doing this at midday on a 35-degree day unless you enjoy feeling like you’re being slow-roasted.
Next month: Whatever I end up doing I’m 99.9% sure it won’t have a lasting effect for humanity’s physical health or the environment, so if trivial mediocrity is what you’re after then I’ll catch you next month for more Myrtleford Majorie’s Monthly Musings.
FYI
Do you know a student (high school or uni) curious about how decisions get made? DTF's Mentoring Women Program pairs young people with economists working on real policy, from housing to climate. Applications close 22 March.
Have your say on Alpine Shire Council’s draft Access and Inclusion Plan until 25 March.
Join a European wasp queen trapping working bee at Mount Buffalo on Sunday 15 March at 10am to protect future picnics from uninvited guests. Upper Ovens Valley Land Care.
👇 Do you know something we don’t? Drop us a line below or at bright.raclette@gmail.com