MOUNT Helena’s bi-annual Whim Festival is back, bigger and better for its 9th year on Sunday, October 29 and promises to be a day packed with entertainment, music, local businesses, community groups, and a chance to rediscover the town’s rich heritage.

Pioneer Park will be transformed from 9am to 4pm into a bustling hub of activity, with the festival featuring multiple stages showcasing a diverse range of local musical talent, including the Eastern Hills SHS concert bands, blues, jazz, and rock performances.

One of the festival’s highlights is the variety of stalls offering quality local products, and small businesses from the Perth Hills region will be on hand to showcase and sell their unique goods and services.

Community groups will also be present, eager to introduce their activities and explain how to get involved.

The festival provides opportunities for community members to connect or to volunteer.

Those interested in history and heritage, the history zone is a must and former and long-standing residents can reconnect with old friends, while delving into Mount Helena’s past.

It’s a chance to learn, reminisce, and celebrate the town’s heritage. At 10 am on the main stage, the town will celebrate the launch of ‘Over a Century of Education – The Built and Social History of Mount Helena’s Schools.’

This book delves into the educational history of Mount Helena since 1890, and will be for sale following the launch for $40.

Activities for the kids include a scavenger hunt and colouring in competitions, and a raffle will also be held.

The festival will be complete with delicious food and drinks from burgers to a sausage sizzle, ice creams and coffee.