South Australian artist, Sir Hans Heysen (1877-1968) will be honoured at a new festival called Celebrate the Cedars at The Cedars, Hahndorf on the anniversary of his birthday, Saturday 8 October.
Tori Dixon-Whittle, CEO of The Cedars said she created this new festival to celebrate the stunning home, studios, gardens, and acreage of the Heysen family, along with the spectacular artwork from both Hans Heysen and his daughter Nora Heysen, who was the first female artist to win the Archibald Prize.

“The Cedars holds a special place in so many people’s hearts and I wanted to create an annual festival – a day when everyone who has a passion for art, music, culture, gardens, and history, can come together and soak up the magic unique to this beautiful property,” she said.
Attendees will enjoy an all-day line-up of classical and contemporary live music; entry to Hans and Nora Heysen’s studios; art workshops; talks on art, history, and nature; artisan and maker markets; local food and drink stalls; outdoor games and a baby animal farm for children, and so much more.





“Now is the perfect time, post COVID, to bring people together for a fabulous day of festivities at one of the most beautiful and culturally significant properties in South Australia,” said Tori.
The event will also feature on the Nature Festival program.
“Our gardens and property are renowned with nature lovers and this event will enable attendees to spend the day amongst the spring roses and under the towering gums whilst enjoying the festivities,” said Tori.
The day will also mark the launch of the new Cedars Membership program, which offers members exclusive benefits and more ways to connect with this iconic Adelaide Hills estate now under the custodianship of the not-for-profit Hans Heysen Foundation.
“The Cedars is entering an exciting new chapter in its evolution. Extensive renovations of our historic precinct are almost complete, a new Tea Shop will open soon, and plans for boutique eco accommodation are well underway.


“With construction starting on our new Heysen Art Gallery and restaurant later this year, The Cedars is rightfully on its way to becoming an international cultural destination – a must-visit tourism attraction for local, interstate, and global travellers alike.
“Our membership program will ensure that supporters can join us on this exciting journey,” Tori said.
The first 100 people to sign up as a founding member, will receive a free ticket to the Celebrate the Cedars festival and as a celebratory complimentary gift, their choice of one of four events on the day: botanic drawing class; print-making class; For the Love of Trees guided Bushland Walk; or the Champagne Curators’ Tour of the Heysen home.
An annual membership, priced at $70 provides more than $200 of value.
“We have designed this day to be a perfect celebration of art, history, and nature on the birthday of one of South Australia’s most treasured artists. We are so fortunate to have this legacy on our doorstep in the Adelaide Hills and everyone is welcome to come and delight in the remarkable environment that inspired a lifetime of art,” Tori said.
This event has been made possible by the Australian Government’s Regional Arts Fund which supports the arts in regional and remote Australia.
Tickets and The Cedars Membership go on sale today and can be purchased at www.hansheysen.com.au or at the door.
When:
Saturday, 8 October 2022 between 10am to 4.30pm (gates open at 9.30am)
Where:
The Cedars, 68 Heysen Rd, Hahndorf SA 5245
Price:
Adult: $25 (or FREE if you purchase a Cedars’ membership)
Concession: $22 (or FREE if you purchase a Cedars’ membership)
Kids: $10 (Under 5 free)
Family: $65 (or FREE if you purchase a Cedars’ membership)
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