News
6 October, 2025
Babe’s 30th Birthday — Robertson Hogs the Spotlight
When Babe premiered in 1995, few could have imagined the global success that would follow — or how the quiet village of Robertson would forever be tied to a talking pig. Thirty years later, the legend lives on.
When Babe premiered in 1995, few could have imagined the global success that would follow — or how the quiet village of Robertson would forever be tied to a talking pig. Thirty years later, the legend lives on.
The Southern Highlands was picture perfect as the two-day Horizontal Festival wrapped up. Meanwhile, in Robertson, thousands of locals and visitors packed the streets for a festival celebrating 30 years of Babe – and the little pig stole the spotlight.
The Horizontal Festival, backed by the NSW Government and ‘proudly supported’ by Wingecarribee Shire Council, promised ‘unforgettable experiences’, ‘big festival vibes’ and ‘intimate corners.’ Tickets started at more than $50.
In contrast, the Babe Festival in Robertson was a free community event that drew bumper crowds. Side streets overflowed with cars, the Illawarra Highway became an unofficial car park, and by 1pm, the pork rolls were sold out.
Organisers estimated 'at least’ seven thousand people attended the Robertson event, while attendance in Bowral for the Horizontal Festival was significantly less.
A source told The Southern Wire the Horizontal Festival was ‘well organised’ and ‘looked good’ but ‘did not have huge numbers.’ Another source with close links to the organiser told The Southern Wire, ‘Why on earth was it on the same weekend as that pig in Robo?’
It remains unclear how much Wingecarribee Shire Council contributed to the Horizontal Festival. By contrast, a source linked to the Babe Festival confirmed they did not receive ‘a cent’ from council. The Robertson Business Chamber ran the event, covering all costs, with The Burrow Op Shop funding the free courtesy bus.
Last week council declared the Horizontal Festival would place the Southern Highlands ‘in the company of state significant events.’ Robertson, however, did not need council’s help — it had something stronger: community spirit. Three decades on, the little pig still wins. Oink Oink!
Read More: Robertson, Bowral, Southern Highlands