An exciting program of events are being scheduled throughout October and November leading up to the event.

The programs are encompassed by a larger concept called Environmental Science Community Arts People Entertainment and is designed to give the New England community the opportunity to venture out from the winter and embrace the spring.

A driving force behind the organising, David Carr said ESCAPE was a program of events presented by a network of some of the organisations that make Armidale, and surrounding areas, a vibrant place.

“It sums up the huge program of events and activity that will take place in the lead up to the Black Gully Music Festival,” he said.

“EcoArts Australis secured Festivals Australia funding for the Ephemera project which involves four artists in residency creating work with the community in and around Black Gully.

“At the same time, the New England North West Regional Science Hub was funded by inspiring New South Wales to present its Woodlands Week program offering a range of science-based community activities in and around Armidale.

“The festival itself has grown and evolved each year and has become a prominent feature on the local calendar.”

The annual festival is designed to recognise and celebrate the local environment and the organisations and people who dedicate much of their time in caring for it.

An impressive line up of talented local artists will take the stage providing soulful tunes throughout the afternoon.

Further up the creek, around 30 stalls will be setting up for a Makers Market, to boast some of the finest art and cultural items celebrating the diversity of arts, music, environment and people that make Armidale a unique community.

For festival-goers working up an appetite, the NERAM Studio 52 cafe will be open for business for breakfast and lunch.

The festival will kick-off on Saturday November 12 at Black Gully, behind the New England Regional Arts Museum.