As the countdown to Easter begins, the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair's exciting program is now available online.
Fosterville Gold Mine has come on board as the premium sponsor for the fair's anniversary milestone which will take place over the Easter long weekend from Friday April 15 to Monday April 18.
Cr Rod Fyffe, who is the Bendigo Easter Festival Reference Group Chair, said it was fitting that celebrations for the 150th Bendigo Easter had been extended to four days to mark the special occasion with over 80 exciting events.
"To celebrate the anniversary, there are some important changes to the days and times of some of the favourite events so the new program will help people plan ahead," Cr Fyffe said.
"The Awakening of the Dragon will be on Sunday April 17 at Dai Gum San at 2pm where you can enjoy a traditional celebration of lion and dragon dances presented by the Bendigo Chinese Association.
"The Sherridon Homes Torchlight Procession will be held on Easter Sunday at 7pm followed by fireworks.
"The Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade will take place on Easter Monday April 18 at 12.30pm when the world's longest Imperial Dragon Dai Gum Loong will embark on his first solo parade weaving through the city centre."
The 2022 program is packed with family fun, kicking off with the Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt on Good Friday with 85,000 eggs hidden in Rosalind Park. The Bendigo TAFE Carnival Central is on from Friday to Monday at Mundy Street with rides to thrill and a variety of side show attractions. The Rotary Market will be held on Easter Friday and Easter Monday.
Hands on activities will also be available including Bendigo Bricks, Connected Circus, CFA Kids' Carnival, Farmer Darryl's Animal Farm, panning for gold, Walk the Walls Parkour workshop and much more. Appearances from Bananas in Pyjamas, Trolls and dirtgirlworld are sure to be popular with the younger festival goers.
The Bendigo Easter Fair Society is presenting some new highlights to mark the 150th anniversary, including a stunning light and sound projection on the outside of the Conservatory, a Teddy Bear's Picnic in Rosalind Park and the return of The Way of the Cross performed on the steps of The Capital.
"Bendigo is absolutely the place to be this Easter with a fantastic line up of events made possible by the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, the sponsors, City of Greater Bendigo staff, community groups and volunteers and I thank them for their dedication and commitment in planning this special event. I encourage everyone to make the most of the 150th Bendigo Easter Fair, which will be a truly memorable experience for our community."
The event will be run under current COVIDSafe event guidelines.
The program is available online at https://www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au/
