Swiss Heritage Day | 2 August. 2026

Willow Bank Heritage Village is celebrating Swiss National Day with a special open day full of heritage, culture, food, fun and interactive experiences.

As a Swiss Kiwi family, this day is especially close to our hearts. Swiss National Day is usually celebrated on 1 August and marks the founding of the Swiss Confederation in 1291. It is a day of national pride, community, tradition and celebration. At Willow Bank, we’ll be bringing a little Swiss spirit into the village, with more Swiss themed details to come.

Come and enjoy an affordable, fun and interactive living museum just 1km south of Wakefield. With 20+ shop displays to explore, food and drink, dress-ups, actors, volunteers and hands-on activities, Willow Bank is a place to embrace the fun, step back in time and immerse yourself in days gone by.

NEW: Print Shop:
Our historic print shop will be open. Come and print on our original 1875 Albion Printing Press. A hands-on chance to try something truly unique.

Victorian School Experience:
Mr Wilkinson will be running classes throughout the day. Please book outside the school house on arrival. There will be a few sessions available and it is not to be missed.

Cinema – Short Film:

This Open Day, as part of Swiss Heritage Day, we will be screening a selection of short documentaries by Swiss filmmaker Daniel Tschopp.

Although the films are in Swiss German, they are highly engaging and offer fascinating insights into Swiss rural life, making them enjoyable even for non-Swiss German speakers. English-speaking visitors will still gain a great deal from the beautiful visuals and authentic portrayal of local traditions, while Swiss visitors are likely to experience a wonderful sense of familiarity and nostalgia.

Daniel Tschopp is a Swiss amateur documentary filmmaker and local historian, best known for documenting the everyday life, crafts, and traditions of rural Basel-Landschaft. Over several decades, he has created an invaluable visual archive of village life, particularly in and around Ziefen, preserving customs and stories that might otherwise have been lost.

Dress Up and Look the Part:
Want to fully immerse yourself in the experience? We’d love you to. Pick up a map at the entrance and make your way to the dress shop. Find your character and step back in time.

Willow Bank is a stage and you are part of the play.

Victorian Café:
Enjoy an authentic Victorian-style coffee made with delicious local Sublime Coffee, brewed in our restored 100-year-old espresso machine. If you prefer tea, we have Pomeroy’s served in beautiful china, with tiny milk jugs and all the extras. Cakes, scones with homemade jam, tea sandwiches and many gluten-free options will also be available.

1950s Burger Bar:
Run by our team and offering delicious burgers and fries.

1970s Milk Bar:
Milkshakes, spiders and ice creams available here.

This is an experience you can tailor yourself. Wander the village, explore the displays, meet the characters and enjoy a day out with the whole family.

More Swiss Heritage Day details to come.

EFTPOS available
Entry:$7 per adult / $3 per child

Willow Bank Heritage Village
79 Wakefield-Kohatu Highway, Wakefield
1km south of Wakefield on the left.