Byrnesy scarfs up for Jumpers and Jazz
THE countdown to Jumpers and Jazz in July is on, with the statue of TJ Byrnes yesterday "dressed" in colourful knitted wear by the Warwick Art Gallery team.
Every year the Warwick Spinners and Weavers create new winter finery for Mr Byrnes where he perches at the junction of Palmerin and Grafton Sts.
"One woman knits his attire for the festival," said Destination Southern Downs interim general manager, Tracy Vellacott.
"She's a member of the Warwick Spinners and Weavers and she really loves doing it as her contribution to the festival."
Warwick Art Gallery director Karina Devine was pleased to continue the tradition.
"It's something we start thinking about in January so we can pick up the wool and have something made to match the theme," she said.
Ms Devine and Mrs Vellacott said they were anxiously awaiting the start of Jumpers and Jazz just one week away, with plenty of yarnbombing still planned ahead of the festival.
"I just hope it's not too cold on the day the artists start to decorate as it traditionally is almost sleet-like," Ms Devine said.
"It would settle me to hear that our big winter dinner is booked out and there's plenty of participation in the Swing Dance sessions," Mrs Vellacott said.
