SPYfest 2016 - the epicentre of espionage held in Goulburn, Australia. Attended by George Lazenby.

By: Stuart Kortekaas

Published:
2016-09-28

The second annual SPYfest festival was held between 16-18 September 2016 in Goulburn, NSW, Australia, the hometown of former 007 George Lazenby, who attended as the Patron of the event.

The first SPYfest festival, held in September 2015, far exceeded expectations, with thousands attending to watch the return of George Lazenby, the second actor to ever play James Bond, to his hometown. So much so that it was awarded Goulburns' 2015 Event of the Year, and the decision was made to hold it annually, with a new program of events added for 2016.

Inspired by George's life story, the festival celebrates everything spy related, from music to cars and the latest technology. First attending in 2015 as a special guest, he returned again in 2016 as Patron of SPYfest.

Shortly after the first SPYfest the twenty-fourth James Bond film was released, and the spectre of this could be seen in this years' festival, with various performers painted in Dia de los Muertos Day of the Dead style artwork, taking inspiration from the now famous pre-credit sequence that was filmed in the heart of Mexico City.

Also returning for a second year in a row was the same Aston Martin DBS George drove on Guincho Beach in Portugal at the start of 1969's On Her Majesty's Secret Service. Since filming ended on the movie he has only been reunited with the car a handful of times, the first being during an event in Melbourne back in 2012, at the time of the 50th anniversary of the 007 series, during which he autographed the inside of the glove box for owner Sigi Zidziunas.

One of the highlights of SPYfest 2016 was the street parade, which was appropriately led by (00)7 Aston Martins, with George Lazenby riding in the passenger seat of a gold DB9 convertible, followed by five classic 1960's DB models. FSWL contributor Stuart Kortekaas directly took part in the parade, driving the seventh Aston Martin, a more modern V8 Vantage, pictured below with model Sophie Welch, who walked alongside it during the parade. The car's owner, Melbourne-based Aston Martin enthusiast Sigi Zidziunas, drove his classic 1969 James Bond Aston Martin DBS in the parade.

Over the years the James Bond films have become synoymous with the world's most beautiful women, and reflecting this a number of lovely models took part in SPYfest 2016. In addition to walking alongside the classic cars during the parade, they were also present at the Gala Dinner on the Saturday night, adding a glamorous touch to the evening, by escorting dinner guests to their table in style. Shown below are some of the beautiful ladies that were present at SPYfest 2016: (From left to right: India Tysoe, Serena Greaves, Monique Dheurle, Emily Walda, Sophie Welch)

The Gala Dinner was billed as being a first class evening of glamour, elegance, fine food, premium local wines and world class entertainment. Guests were treated to a three course meal, with each dish given a suitably bond-esque name, including Cheeks Royale (slow braised beef cheeks in a red wine & port jus) and Miss Honey Penny Supreme (Supreme of chicken with a merlot, honey & rosemary glaze). As people arrived at the venue, Veolia Arena, they had the option of picking up a martini - pictured below is model Serena Greaves shouting George one!

Throughout the evening entertainment was provided by various performers, including MC Chris De Havilland (shown below with George Lazenby), singers Miss Moneypenny and Cincinatti Cool, and the beautiful award-winning Di Heaton Dancers.

For the first time ever, a SPYfest Motor Show was held on the Sunday, with cartoonist & television presenter Warren Brown awarding prizes to various best in show categories. There was a wide variety of cars on show, including the James Bond Aston Martin DBS and various muscle cars & sports cars.

Just like the James Bond movies themselves, SPYfest will return!

To stay informed on future events, please visit spyfestgoulburn.com.au

Photos © 2016 Stuart Kortekaas, All rights reserved.

By Stuart Kortekaas © 2016 From Sweden with Love

Editor's note:
FSWL contributor Stuart Kortekaas is an Australian industrial designer & photographer. A life-long James Bond fan, his passion for design was inspired by watching 'Goldfinger' as a child. Since completing a masters degree in Sweden he has travelled the world, photographing glamorous locations, exotic wildlife, and some of the world's most beautiful models.

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SPYfest 2016 - the epicentre of espionage held in Goulburn, Australia. Attended by George Lazenby.

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