Brigades invited to participate in 2026 torchlight procession
The 2026 VFBV CFA State Firefighter Championships torchlight procession is returning to western Victoria, with the event coming back to Stawell for the first time in 20 years.
The procession will march through Stawell’s main street before finishing in the vicinity of the iconic Stawell Gift precinct.
Torchlight processions are an important part of CFA’s history and culture. The first torchlight parade was held in 1873 during the earliest public demonstration of Victoria’s fire services, and they have remained a defining feature of the Championships ever since.
With the combining of the Urban and Rural State Championships, the torchlight procession continues to hold a central place in the Championships program, bringing together brigades from across Victoria and connecting past and present generations of CFA members.
CFA encourages all brigades to take part in the torchlight procession, with local brigades in particular invited to join this special return to Stawell and help showcase CFA to the community.
Brigades do not need to be competing at the Championships to participate in the procession. CFA plaques will be awarded to the first three placegetters.
To assist with planning, brigades intending to march are asked to register their interest as early as possible, and no later than 12 March.
Any brigade not competing at the Championships that would like to march in the procession should contact Peter Davis AFSM (peter.davis@cfa.vic.gov.au or 0458 933 797).