Anniversary Day Norfolk Island – Bounty Day 2023

This month on 8 June was a very special occasion on Norfolk Island, it is when the community celebrate Anniversary Day also known as Bounty Day. On Saturday 3 June the Bounty Ball was held at Rawson Hall. I couldn’t attend, but I have seen fantastic photos on social media with the children all looking amazing.

On Bounty Day, Pitcairn Island descendant families enjoy dressing in period costumes as they re-enact the arrival of their ancestors, as they landed at Kingston, Norfolk Island, all those years ago, and this year it was the 167-year anniversary. I love the plaited hats, and I wear my Norfolk hat with pride.

The morning walk started at 10am leaving the Kingston Pier and everyone then walked from the Pier to the cenotaph, where wreaths were laid to pay respect to those who joined the services and went to war. Then up Quality Row past the historic buildings, which were the homes of the Pitcairn Islanders when they arrived here, making Norfolk Island their new home in 1856. It is fun watching the young ones walk the garden walls and helping the little ones as they balance along the stone fences.

The Norfolk Tours bus was the first tourist bus on Norfolk Island, was used to transport those unable to walk from the Kingston Pier to the Kingston cemetery and back to the All-Saints Church Compound. The old blue bus looked fantastic, and I am sure that everyone on board enjoyed the ride as Charles Christian-Bailey drove them to the cenotaph and then up Quality Row to the Cemetery.

The cemetery is always special with prayers and hymns. Everyone was invited to refreshments at Government house after they crossed the Kingston golf course. The children love rolling down the grassy hill sides, an age-old tradition.

Refreshments were ready when the Pitcairn families arrived at All-Saints Church. All of the families gathered together at the church ground for the judging of the best family, the Engeldow Trophy is always closely contested, and this year’s 2023 silver plate winner was the Evan’s Family. An incredibly special prestigious Norfolk Island Award was also presented, this year “2023 Norf'k Ailen Award” to Mrs Gordie Douran, and her grandson Kai Evans accepted this award on behalf of Gordie. Also judged was the Bounty Beard Champion, the 2023 winner was Dylan Nobbs, Mrs Carlton judged him as the best in the line-up of beards.

Everyone then headed over to the “Old Convict Gaol” grassy compound and picnic food was unloaded from cars and we all enjoyed a fantastic picnic lunch, starting with singing Grace and ended with the Baunti Beauty dancing and wonderful

traditional music with the ukuleles, was a wonderful way to finish this most special day.

I have enjoyed Bounty Day, every year since I arrived here in 2011. I have a busy day taking

photographs, and every year it is interesting looking at the images and seeing Norfolk Island families enjoy this special day together. The lunch time feast that follows the procession march is incredible, with traditional foods from many of the families. There is always enough food to feed the community for a few days.

I love photographing the children walking the walls as well as the crowds walking the Kingston roadways which are lined with old convict walls and Norfolk pine trees. There were so many people, the visitors were excited to be able to attend the special Norfolk Island anniversary. I took many photographs, and I have posted many on my Facebook page, Norfolk Island photos. Here are a few of my favourite Bounty Day Photographs for you to enjoy.

The food, music, and dancing, the Bounty Ball, are all amazing events. Thank you to everyone for letting me share these treasured memories of Norfolk Island Bounty Day. Thank you everyone for attending and to the Norfolk Island Council of Elders, the busy organisers and helpers who made this another lovely Anniversary Day. Happy Bounty Day everyone, I hope yorlie enjoyed this wonderful Norfolk Island celebration.

Betty Matthews

June 2023