An abundant program of family-friendly events is arriving on Friday 8 and Saturday 9 November 2024 for the highly anticipated return of the International Rose Garden Festival Morwell.
This annual festival showcases the internationally recognised, award-winning rose garden, located in the heart of Morwell, while it's in full bloom. The garden is maintained throughout the year by the Friends of the Rose Garden Volunteers who ensure it looks its best for this special occasion.
The main acts this year include global television stars Dirtgirl, Scrapboy and Costa the Garden Gnome, who will perform their grubby bucket show live. There will also be a nature themed Trivia Night hosted by the Dirtgirl World trio and the return of popular events such as the Cut Rose Competition and the AGL Loy Yang Night Light Installation.
The Festival will feature workshops, live music, market stalls, food trucks, roving performers, children's activities, the famous Country Women's Association scones, and more. The Festival commences with a light show at 6.30pm on Friday night, followed by an 11am start on Saturday where locals and visitors alike can explore the rose gardens and stalls, or participate in free activities.
Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Darren Howe, reflected that as the Festival continues to evolve each year, it represents community strength and transition.
"The International Rose Garden Festival Morwell is a pivotal event in Latrobe City. It not only showcases the beauty of the Rose Garden, which is tended to carefully by hard-working volunteers, but also significantly boosts tourism, stimulates local businesses, and brings our community together in celebration. Year after year, the Festival grows and improves, symbolising our region's transition to a vibrant and promising future," said the Mayor.
Deputy Mayor of Latrobe City Council, Councillor Tracie Lund, acknowledged that the Festival is a testament to the outstanding contributions made by sponsors, local businesses, volunteers, community members, and Council staff, and that this collective effort highlights the strong community-focused culture that exists in Latrobe City.
"I'd like to extend my gratitude to the dedicated volunteers whose hard work ensures the Rose Garden remains immaculate and continues to enchant visitors from near and far. We are very proud of all volunteers in our region, who donate their time and in return, are rewarded with positive benefits such as improving their wellbeing, finding a sense of purpose, and strengthening relationships. The contributions of volunteers make wonderful events like the Rose Garden Festival possible and establish our City as a great place to live, work, invest and visit."
Festival partner, AGL Loy Yang, is presenting the Night Light Installation during the evenings. AGL spokesperson Christo van Niekerk, General Manager AGL Loy Yang, said that the installation is an unmissable event and will transform the garden into a kaleidoscope of colour from hundreds of fairy lights, festoons and LED lights on display.
"We're excited to be supporting this wonderful community event again in 2024 and look forward to seeing the beautiful garden come to life after dark. Our ongoing commitment to this event underscores AGL Loy Yang's dedication to supporting our local partners to deliver engaging events that bring the whole community together."
"The Morwell International Rose Garden Festival has a wonderful legacy of celebrating the beauty of the Morwell Centenary Rose Garden while also educating the community on the importance of environment sustainability and is an event we are proud to support. We're very much looking forward to seeing the local community and visitors enjoying the illuminated garden and entertainment," said van Niekerk.
