Just two of the masqueraders who attended last year's ball which had a carnivale theme

The preliminary program for the Country Energy Casino Beef Week has been released.

CLICK HERE to download the preliminary program.

Beef Week President, Stuart George said the Beef Week board had decided to release a preliminary program to help locals and visitors plan ahead.

"Some changes could be made to this program," Mr George said. "But this will give people a chance to start planning their Beef Week activities and visits."

Mr George said the biggest change to the program is that the official opening ball will be held at the beginning of the week which this year will see the festival start a few days earlier on Saturday 22nd May.

"The ball marks the official opening and the crowning of Miss Beef Week, so we thought it was fitting to have it as the first event. And holding the ball on a Saturday night will make it easier for more people to attend."

This year's ball will build on the success of last year's masquerade ball in keeping with the carnivale theme of the 2009 festival. This year the theme for Beef Week and the ball is 'Wild, Wild, West'. So get planning your mask for this exciting event.

CLICK HERE to download the preliminary program.

Richmond Valley Mayor, Col Sullivan presents Beef Week president Stuart George with the Community Event of the Year award

Beef Week President, Stuart George, said he was honoured to accept the award.

"Beef Week prides itself on being a festival for the community," he said. "Winning the award is recognition that the community enjoys Beef Week."

Mr. George said the award is also a reward to the community members who make Beef Week possible.

"Without our volunteers and event organisers, Beef Week wouldn't be possible. It is also reward to the sponsors who support us."

Beef Week is gearing up for the 2010 festival, to be held from May 22 to June 1, 2010. The theme this year is "Wild, Wild West.