Ballarat Begonia Festival preparations in full swing

Anticipation is building as the City of Ballarat's biggest event of the year draws closer.

The 73rd annual Ballarat Begonia Festival is less than four weeks away, with tens of thousands of people expected to flock to the Ballarat Botanical Gardens for the three-day festival.

Held every year over the Labour Day long weekend, the Ballarat Begonia Festival offers a diverse range of free activities, entertainment, and educational experiences for all ages.

This year there will be a renewed focus on conservation of native flora and fauna, highlighted by headline act ‘The Last Numbat’. The Last Numbat is a large-scale, interactive performance installation that uses puppetry to tell the story of the decline of the endangered Australian marsupial.

The Ballarat Begonia Festival’s full program is now available online at ballaratbegoniafestival.com and was officially launched on Wednesday.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves said the festival had cemented itself as the city’s premier event over many decades.

“The Ballarat Begonia Festival is an absolute treasure on our events calendar and every year delights our locals and visitors alike,” she said.

“The entertainment that will be on show this year is absolutely incredible and we can guarantee that it will be an event that has something for everybody.

“From the guest presenters on the main stage to the family friendly activities, from the food and drink offerings to the incredible garden displays, and of course the PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade – this is an event not to be missed.”

FESTIVAL HEADLINER

The Last Numbat: Witness the magic of Spare Parts Puppet Theatre's interactive performance installation, The Last Numbat. This large-scale puppet, controlled by up to 14 participants at a time, will enchant audiences with its message of connection, community and environmental awareness. This will be the first time The Last Numbat will be seen on Australia’s east coast.

MAIN STAGE HIGHLIGHTS

Costa Georgiadis: The beloved environmental educator, landscape architect and TV personality returns with his infectious enthusiasm, presenting talks on sustainable gardening and connecting with nature.

Millie Ross: The environmental educator will share her unconventional approach to gardening, inspiring creativity and resourcefulness.

Mindy Wood: Proud Bundjalung woman and MasterChef Australia alumna will showcase indigenous ingredients and dishes, sharing her passion for food, country and culture.

Liam Downes: One of Ballarat's most lauded chefs will demonstrate his paddock-to-plate philosophy, highlighting the region's culinary delights.

Chloe Thomson: The passionate gardener and award-winning presenter will be the Main Stage’s Master of Ceremonies across the weekend.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

Begonia Display: Immerse yourself in the romantic ambiance of the begonia display at the Robert Clark Conservatory, featuring thousands of beautiful begonias including more than 500 rare and unique varieties, complemented by fragrant lavender and lush greenery. This year, the free display will be open longer for flower lovers to really get their begonia fix!

Garden of Giggles: Enjoy a series of free puppet and comedy shows, roving entertainment and interactive workshops designed to delight families.

Gardeners Market: Discover a treasure trove of plants, flowers and garden gifts from a large line-up of market stall holders including begonia plant sales.

Family Fun: Explore a range of free activities including Integra Tiny Town, horticultural workshops, rock climbing, a sports zone, giant garden games and Trash Puppet workshops.

Snail Trail: Embark on a scavenger hunt through the gardens to find 10 unique snail sculptures crafted by Victorian artist, Tim Read.

Food and Drink: Indulge in local wines, beers and spirits at The Begonia Bar, and savour culinary delights from a variety of food trucks.

PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade: The grand finale on Monday 10 March will feature a vibrant procession of community groups, schools and businesses celebrating the spirit of the festival.