Banjo Paterson Poetry Festival kicks off with Molong Brawl this Saturday

The program of events which has been held in the city since 2014 is to celebrate the birth and life of Australia's most famous bush poet, Andrew Barton "Banjo" Paterson, who was born in Orange on February 17, 1864.

While most events are free, many will require attendees to pre-book through Booking.com.

The first event in the week-long proceedings on February 13 will the Molong Poetry Brawl at the Freemason's Hotel from 7pm where performers will compete by reciting a one-minute-long original poem in front of an audience. The poem (or lyric or limerick) can be rapped, sung or recited.

There will be three different categories to the competition and all will offer prize money: Under 18 ($100), Open ($150) and People's Choice ($150).

While the event is free for audience members, bookings are still required through trybooking.com.

On Wednesday, February 17, a bronze sculpture of the bush bard will be unveiled at 10.30am at 43 Forbes Street in Yeoval, where he lived as a young a boy. Morning tea will be provided.

Later that night, the Orange and District Historical Society will celebrate Banjo's birthday with music, poetry and stories at Banjo Paterson Park on Ophir Road from 6pm.

The next event on the Festival calendar is the Wrath of Grapes - a poetry open-mic at Heifer Station Winery on Thursday, February 18. Bring along poetry, pun or prose to recite from 6pm.

Adults are $30 and bookings are essential through heiferstation.com or by calling 6365 2275. Entry includes a glass of wine or beer.

Start your Friday, February 19, at the festival with a BBQ breakfast and entertainment from local youth poets at the Orange Civic Centre Southcourt from 7.30 until 9.30am.

On Saturday, February 20, from 9.30am - 12.30pm, witness the individual performance of original poetry by school students at the Orange Ex Services Club - 231 Anson Street. Entry is $5.

The Rotary Club of Orange will cap off the festival on Sunday, February 21, with its community market from 9am until 2pm at the Orange Showgrounds on Leeds Parade.

The craft and produce market will also include entertainment and open mic for poets. Stallholders can book through rotarycluboforange.org.au. Entry is a gold coin donation.

The full festival program is available on the Orange360 website.