Family Event: Nutcote annual fair returns to Neutral Bay on November 17.

By ANNA USHER

The lower north shore’s famous Gumnut Fair is on again at Nutcote in Neutral Bay.

The fete, held in the grounds of May Gibbs’ magical home on the shores of Sydney Harbour, will welcome families on Sunday, 17 November from 11am.

Visitors will be able to purchase home-made arts and crafts and delightful treats, including Nutcote’s renowned tea and scones, fresh cakes, jams and savouries.

Built in 1925 and now approaching its centenary, Nutcote stands as a tribute to Gibbs’ contributions to Australian literature and culture, with her most notable work, The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, celebrated as an iconic part of Australian childhood.

The family fair will also offer a range of activities, including a May Gibbs raffle and prize wheel, storytelling sessions, children’s craft, face painting, and guided tours of Gibbs’ historic home.

Megan Sadler, Nutcote’s Manager, emphasised the significance of the fair: “Every year, the Gumnut Fair brings together our community to celebrate the whimsical world of May Gibbs. We invite everyone to join us for a day of fun, creativity, and support for our mission to keep May’s spirit alive.”

“My favourite part of the fair is seeing the garden full of fans of May’s work and children dressed up as their favourite May Gibbs characters,” she said.

“Fundraising has been a large part of saving Nutcote, and the fair is a way to celebrate saving the historic property, while opening the home for visitors to enjoy.”

Cecilia May Gibbs (1877-1969) is best known for her iconic children’s story, The Complete Adventures of Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, featuring two gumnut babies and their escape from the big bad Banksia men.

“May’s famous characters, Snugglepot and Cuddlepie, are gumnut babies, so the Fair is named after these magical fairy creatures inspired by the native bush of Australia,” Ms Sadler said.

“The open day is not just a fantastic experience as a not-for-profit community run museum it’s also our biggest fundraiser of the year.”

If you can’t make it to the fair, or don’t live in Sydney, you can still support the cause by donating to Nutcote.

As a bonus all donations over $25 received between now and the Fair will go in the draw to win a prize pack of items from our shop valued at $150. You earn one ticket for every $5 donated.

Tickets for the fundraiser can be purchased online HERE.

Nutcote is located at:

5 Wallaringa Avenue, Kurraba Point,
Neutral Bay NSW 2089
Wednesday-Sunday 11am – 3pm
Last entry to the Museum is at 2:30pm