Excitement is building ahead of the 72nd annual Ballarat Begonia Festival, which is set to draw thousands of people to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens across the Labour Day long weekend (9-11 March).
The full program of activities, entertainment, food, flowers and fun has been unveiled and there is something to suit everyone!
Headlining the action-packed program is the world premiere of a new show by performing artists SWAY called 'These Things.' Festival-goers can immerse themselves in a sensory experience where music, dance and circus acts transport viewers to a world where the boundaries between reality and fantasy are blurred.
The company's new production will see the performers swing, spin and bend atop tall poles adorned with begonias, mesmerising audiences on the main lawn.
The Ballarat Begonia Festival's full program is now available online at ballaratbegoniafestival.com.
City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said the festival is a Ballarat institution that just seems to get better and better each year.
"Since it was first launched in 1953, the Ballarat Begonia Festival has become one of Australia's oldest and most treasured garden events," he said.
"Begonias have been synonymous with Ballarat since the late 1800s, and to this day we celebrate our signature flower each March with the Ballarat Begonia Festival.
"The bright floral arrangement is the result of 10 months of work by our talented gardeners and it remains the centrepiece of this iconic festival, but with that said, there are so many highlights in 2024 that the whole family will find something on this program to interest them!
Highlights include:
The Fernery
This year's theme - Fern Fever - pays tribute to the newly constructed Ballarat Fernery which has been restored to replicate its 1880s glory. The Fernery will re-open in time for the Festival following stage 2 of works. The 'Fern Fever' theme will continue with spiral designs and embedded shapes of fern fronds inspiring the famous begonia display. Visitors are invited to explore the rich history of The Fernery, which showcases 400 ferns inside and 400 exotic plants in the grounds - a testament to the city's botanical heritage.
Begonia Display
Visit the 150-year-old gardens and take in the spectacular display of rare begonias in the Robert Clark Conservatory. The 2024 display will showcase more than 500 begonia plants.
The display will include a never-before-seen begonia cultivar, named after the Ballarat Botanical Gardens' inaugural curator - Begonia 'George Longley'.
Main Stage Entertainment
The festival weekend will feature a line-up of interactive workshops, cooking demonstrations and talks by:
- Paul West: The River Cottage personality will run horticulture and nature-based presentations as well as cooking demonstrations (skirt tacos and grilled chilli corn).
- Hannah Moloney: The ABC Gardening Australia host will present some sustainability and gardening workshops on 'how to grow from scratch' and 'how to build a wicking bed.'
- Courtney Roulston: The MasterChef Australia alumni will demonstrate how to cook Vietnamese prawn fritters and a barbecue vegetable salad with coconut rice.
- Jerry Coleby-Williams: The Festival's resident begonia expert will share his knowledge on how to grow begonias as well as how he has managed to live sustainably for 20 years.
Roving Entertainment
Bright and beautiful stilt-walking bees, bugs and butterflies will rove throughout the Ballarat Botanical Gardens, bringing a sense of magic.
Live Music
Enjoy performances from well-known and emerging local artists including Sweet Mona's Choir, The Hardies Hillbillies, The Milla Williams Duo, Los Locos, Geoffrey Williams, Whizbang and The Darling Family Trust.
Family Entertainment
Bring the kids for a day full of fun with Integra Tiny Town (mini cubbies to explore), face painting and art and crafts from the Art Gallery of Ballarat. Plus, take a journey through the Begonia Maze.
Sports Zone
The Western Bulldogs return to the Ballarat Begonia Festival with a fun and engaging footy clinic in the dedicated Sports Zone. Then, challenge your strength, agility and speed at the Perfit Obstacle Course.
Begonia Market
Wander and explore more than 20 market stalls offering a range of flowers, plants and garden gifts. From local nurseries to horticultural societies, the Begonia Market is a vibrant hub for plant enthusiasts looking to take home a piece of the festival.
Food and Beverage Vendors
Indulge in scrumptious offerings from more than 20 food and beverage vendors spread across two locations or relax and unwind at the Begonia Bar featuring locally crafted beverages from some of Ballarat's favourite brewers and distillers.
Begonia Letters
Admire the artistic 'Begonia' letters display on Sturt Street, designed by Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and artist Billy O'Toole. Each letter symbolises a unique aspect of Wadawurrung Country.
Begonia Parade
Don't miss the grand finale of the festival: the PowerFM Begonia Parade on Monday 11 March. This year's parade features 30 community groups, schools and businesses, promising a vibrant and celebratory procession through the heart of the city.
