Spectacular parades, traditional cultural experiences, family-friendly entertainment and community events are among the many program highlights in the 2025 Bendigo Easter Festival, taking place from Good Friday April 18 to Easter Monday April 21.
Mayor Cr Andrea Metcalf said she was immensely proud of Bendigo's homegrown festival, one of the longest running community events in Australia.
"The Bendigo Easter Festival delivers an outstanding program where visitors and residents can experience living history, parades and wonderful cultural performances showcasing Bendigo's Chinese heritage complemented with fun attractions and activities to suit people of all ages," Cr Metcalf said.
"For this festival, we will pay tribute to Cr Rod Fyffe OAM who passed away in 2024 with a special name for the popular Easter Saturday night torchlight parade. This year it will be called the La Trobe University Torchlight Procession - Commemorating the service of Rod Fyffe OAM.
"For many years Rod served on the Bendigo Tertiary Education Anniversary Foundation, which awarded La Trobe University scholarships. He was also a much-loved Councillor in Bendigo for 38 years and longtime Chair of the Bendigo Easter Festival Reference Group. Thank you to the Fyffe family for allowing the festival to remember Rod in this way. Fireworks at Rosalind Park will be a fitting finale to round off the special evening.
"Traditional events continue with the popular Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt and the Way of the Cross on the main stage in Rosalind Park on Good Friday. On Easter Saturday an extended format for the Awakening of the Dragon will bring together a traditional celebration of lion and dragon dance, including contemporary elements presented by the Bendigo Chinese Association and visiting lion teams. The noise of 100,000 firecrackers will wake up Dai Gum Loong from his slumber in readiness for his only public appearance at the Sherridon Homes Gala Parade on Easter Sunday alongside an array of stunning street floats for all to enjoy.
"It takes a community to build a successful festival like ours, and I would like to take this opportunity to thank the festival's premium sponsor Agnico Eagle Fosterville Gold Mine, the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, a dedicated team of City of Greater Bendigo staff, volunteers and community groups. We are still seeking more festival volunteers who have four hours to spare so put your hand up and be part of a unique experience if you're over 15 years of age."
