Morpeth the merrier for bicentenary celebrations

The historic town was a buzzing hive of activity, and it seemed like all roads led to Morpeth, with crowds flocking to join in on the bicentenary celebrations.

From tiny piglets to horse and cart rides, penny farthing bicycle demonstrations to immaculate vintage and veteran cars from home and abroad on display, there was something for young and old.

According to Maitland Councillor Mitchell Griffin, tens of thousands of people were expected to attend the two-day event.

Cr Griffin, who grew up in Morpeth, said he felt immensely proud to see the the bicentenary come to life.

"My family arrived in Morpeth in 1839, so to be able to see it today, still as a booming town, really is an acknowledgement of all of the hard work the community has put in," he said.

East Maitland Lion's Club got on board to help out with the 200-year celebrations and ran the famous Arnott's blind biscuit tasting, which was a hit for all.

Ironically, the stall was set up in front of the original Historic Arnott Bakehouse located in Swan Street, Morpeth, which was first built in early 1850 and soon became of historical significance to the colony of NSW.

President of the East Maitland Lion's Club, Barry Palmer said, we all grew up with Arnott's.

"People have loved the blind tasting and we've had people coming and going all day tasting the Arnott's," he said.

Morpeth Museum led two heritage walks around the town, and museum volunteer Alan Todd, said, the heritage walks charted 'the good, the bad and the holy' characters that transformed Morpeth from a key trading post for early pioneers into the cherished destination it is today," he said.

Saturday night's entertainment switched to the Hunter River at Queen's Wharf, where a range of food trucks and live entertainment allowed the celebrations to kick on before the fireworks and laser show at 8.50pm.

On the Sunday, Morpeth Bridge transformed into a picturesque location overlooking the Hunter River, where event-goers could enjoy a picnic on the heritage-listed bridge for the first time ever.

Cr Griffin said, the idea came from celebrations on the Sydney Harbour bridge many years ago.

"People could come and take ownership of the Morpeth bridge for a day and be able to look at the magnificent view while enjoying a picnic," he said.

The official ceremonies on Saturday morning paid tribute to the amazing effort by local groups including the Morpeth Public School, Morpeth Business Council and Maitland City Council in organising the celebrations.

Fittingly the traditional custodians the Wonnarua people were recognised on the land they knew as Illalung which became known to Europeans as Morpeth after a community was founded by Lieutenant Edward Close in 1821.