Dardanup Bull and Barrel Festival set for a bang ending as sculpture ready to burn

Dardanup’s giant bull is almost ready to come to life to send off Saturday’s LiveLighter Bull and Barrel Festival with a bang. Thousands are expected to flock to the town to celebrate the annual event, which showcases the beauty and attractions of the Ferguson Valley. Last year’s event fell victim to COVID-19, but festival organiser Jill Cross said the event was back better than ever for its 18th year. The day attracts more than 15,000 people from across WA to the townsite and this year’s theme will focus on “Water: The source of life”. The Westpine fire sculpture marks the fiery end of the festival as it is set alight to get the crowd roaring. Sculptor Russell Sheridan said this year’s festival centrepiece followed the water trend and featured a unique Ferguson Valley personality having a shower. Saturday’s bull is soaring to new heights, with the artwork’s final form set to stand tall at about 13m. The festival will feature more than 150 market stalls, children’s activities and local food vendors.