IT was the day Ned Kelly was captured, his three mates killed and the Kelly Gang’s reign of terror was over.
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And for the first time, at the 10th Ned Kelly Weekend at Beechworth, this story came to life.
About 200 people huddled together in the Police Paddocks on Saturday night and watched as a siege between police and the Kelly gang unfurled before their eyes.
As the story goes, police arrived at Ann Jones’ Glenrowan Inn to find the gang holed up inside with a number of hostages, including owner Mrs Jones and her children.
Shots were exchanged, the weatherboard inn was set ablaze and Joe Byrne, Dan Kelly and Steve Hart breathed their last breath.
On Saturday, the siege ended with Kelly’s arrest as the inn was burnt to the ground, or, in this case, appeared to have been destroyed with fire lighting up behind the facade.
Shouts came from the crowd each time the bushrangers appeared during the re-enactment, proving that even 133 years after his demise Kelly still has supporters.
“It worked exceptionally well,” organiser Ian Sinclair said.
“The fire brigade was there just in case, but they had nothing to do except enjoy the show.”
