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Flagstaff Hill’s popular Fire Night event on Saturday August 16 will start with a bang – literally!
The rarely used swivel gun, known fittingly as “Thunderchild”, will be fired at dusk in the wharf precinct.
Swivel guns are small cannons (Thunderchild is just 64cm long) that were usually mounted on a swivelling stand to allow for a wide arc of movement.
Thunderchild was manufactured in Torquay, Victoria, with Flagstaff Hill Garrison Member Stephen Ivey saying that not a lot was known about the history of the gun prior to its arrival at Flagstaff Hill.
“This one is unusual because it was made in the late 19th century,” he said.
“By that stage these things were pretty much obsolete (as weapons). It’s possibly more of a signalling gun or used for whaling.”
Thunderchild had been out of action for years, but Mr Ivey recently worked with Flagstaff Hill colleague Andrew Barrie in the village smithy to build a new stand for the swivel gun. The upgrade makes it much easier to operate in future.
The portability of the gun makes it perfect for events like Fire Night, where the crowd will be assembled on the wharf.
“For years we used to fire it off the wharf, mounted on one of the bollards,” Mr Ivey said.
“The last time this would have been used (prior to the new stand) would have been as a starting gun for the whaleboat races, which haven’t been done for some time.”
Now in its third year, Fire Night encourages everyone to rug up and embrace the positives of the cooler months, including earlier sunsets, comfort food and warm fires.
The event is on Saturday August 16 from 5pm-9.30pm with an array of food trucks, live music, and firepits perfect for toasting marshmallows.
Mr Barrie said that he and the rest of the Flagstaff Hill crew were looking forward to the event.
“It’s going to be a cracker of a weekend. I’d argue the colder the better, because the fires will keep you warm,” he said.
All tickets to Fire Night are $5. There are no free Local Ambassador tickets.
August 16-17 also sees International Lighthouse Weekend celebrated at Flagstaff Hill.
There will be a range of special activities planned, including the Warrnambool Men’s Shed Radio Group’s live broadcast from the Lady Bay Upper Lighthouse, joining over 400 lighthouse-based stations across the globe.
Entry to International Lighthouse Weekend is free for Local Ambassadors.
Full details are at www.flagstaffhill.com/whatson