WORLD GOLD PANNING CHAMPIONSHIP
2026 PROGRAM

9AM - EVENT REGISTRATION OPENS
Located at the main office building at Cromwell Racecourse.

CAMPERS ARRIVE (tents site and motorhomes)
$15 per site per night non powered. $20/site/night powered.

PM MEET & GREET : Join your fellow visitors at the bar in the marquee (racecourse venue)

Opening parade and speeches at Alexandra Blossom Festival.
Meeting in Alexandra pre parade meeting point 11am. parade start 12pm

Post Parade speeches and welcoming ceremony. Pioneer Park. 3pm

Opening night party. Food trucks, bar, band in marquee at racecourse.

8am Registration Opens - main office building at Racecourse.

9am Locals and fun day competitions start

Market day, including Rush live song perfomances

Food trucks, bar, music in marquee at racecourse.

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet.
OUTDOOR MOVIE NIGHT!

Large outdoor screen. Food trucks and bar.

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

Aotearoa Night - Hangi, Kapa Haka, Māori Entertainment. (Ticketed Event)

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

Pizza Night at Panners Gold Mining Center (Ticketed Event)

"THEATER PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’- The Fine Thyme Theatre Company performance of the Musical ‘Rush’. This powerful musical tells the moving story of immigrant gold-diggers and their quest for instant fortune. Click here for more background about the show.
https://www.guidetomusicaltheatre.com/shows_r/rush.html
Tickets for sale soon!

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

Finland Presentation and dinner

"THEATER PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’-

10am Competitions start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

Wine and Dine Cyde Party night!

"THEATER PERFORMANCE ‘RUSH’-

10am Finals day start - refer WGPC 2026 Events categories spreadsheet

4pm Prize giving and Closing ceremony.

8pm Hoedown - Live music!!