Ballarat in full bloom for Begonia Festival

Preparations are in full swing for another bumper Ballarat Begonia Festival, with just one month left until the glorious return of the iconic event. 

Ballarat Begonia Festival, to be held on 11-13 March 2023, has released its full program with the free, outdoor event bringing Ballarat's Botanical Gardens to life with spectacular flower displays, celebrity presenters, roving entertainment, live music, and more. 

The 2023 event will return to the traditional, three-day format of the Labour Day long weekend, from 10am – 5pm each day within Ballarat’s beautiful Botanical Gardens. 

In what promises to be a sensational event, City of Ballarat Mayor Cr Des Hudson encouraged as many people as possible to attend. 

“The Ballarat Begonia Festival is a key highlight of the City’s events program and attracted over 50,000 people to the city in 2022,” Cr Hudson said. 

“We look forward to welcoming visitors back to this year’s festival and encourage locals to invite their friends and family to visit for this stunning event. 

“Although the magnificent Begonias themselves are the centerpiece of the festival, there is so much more to do, as visitors explore the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. 

“The festival delivers a great mix of family activities, performances and guest speakers, with the program showcasing Ballarat as a Creative City.   

“The highlight on Monday is of course the 103.1 Power FM parade once again, which is expected to attract up to 10,000 people. 

"We extend our thanks to the local sponsors – without them, this event wouldn’t happen.” 

Central Highlands Water chair Angeleen Jenkins said the organisation was thrilled to extend its association with the Begonia Festival. 

“Central Highlands Water are proud community partners with the City of Ballarat’s 2023 Ballarat Begonia Festival,” she said. 

“Our partnership now spans more than 25 years and we are excited to once again be involved at this year’s festival. We will be located on the garden’s main lawn presentation area, hosting a range of fun and educational displays. 

“Our popular Choose Tap stainless-steel reusable drink bottles will again be available at the festival with all proceeds going to our new, local community bottle partner, which will be announced very soon. 

“We encourage everyone at the festival to keep hydrated and to fill their reusable drink bottle from Central Highlands Water’s portable drinking water stations or from the Choose Tap drinking water fountains, permanently installed at the Botanical Gardens and Lake Wendouree foreshore for all to enjoy.” 

Full event details can be found at the Ballarat Begonia Festival website.
 

BEGONIA FESTIVAL 2023 HIGHLIGHTS 

Bloom! By SWAY  

World-renowned performing arts company, SWAY, will present Bloom! A colourful and spirited aerial spectacle performed atop 15-foot sway poles.  

Bloom! features the aerial antics of four highly skilled and equally colourful performers. Drawing parallels with the world of humans while exploring themes of individuality, diversity, transformation and community. The 20 minute performances are accompanied by Ania Reynold's original soundtrack, Bloom! celebrating the natural world of the ephemeral.  

Begonia Display  

Visit the 150-year-old gardens and take in the spectacular display of rare begonias in the Robert Clark Conservatory. The 2023 display will showcase up to 1000 begonias.  

Main Stage  

A series of creative demonstrations, workshops and live talks will be presented on the garden's Main Stage. From Nature Saturday to Food Sunday and Music Monday, each day on the Main Stage brings an exciting display of knowledge and innovation to suit a variety of interests.  

Pick up expert gardening and design advice at presentations from Natasha Morgan and Jerry Coleby-WiIIiams, plus enjoy indigenous-inspired cooking demonstrations from Mark Olive and perfect toastie-making skills with Tim Bone.  

Family Activities  

The weekend will host a variety of family activities, including Integra Tiny Town. Featuring six mini cubbies for families to self-explore, Integra Tiny Town provides a play-based environment encouraging role-play, community engagement and lots of fun! 

Also running all weekend, little ones can get their face painted, take on the obstacle course or head to the sports zone hosted by the Western Bulldogs, plus more.  

Roving Entertainment  

Bright and beautiful bees, butterflies and ladybugs on stilts will be roaming the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Running throughout the whole festival, catch a photo with one of the spectacular creatures.  

Begonia Bar, Food and Drink, Market and Parade  

New to the program is the Begonia Bar by Kilderkin Distillery, featuring Larrikin Gin cocktails, local wines, beers, and cider. Located in the garden's courtyard, local DJ artists will set a scene while patrons relax under the trees. To keep the senses engaged and stomachs full, live-music and food trucks, including the famous Tim's Toasties will be readily available all weekend.   

The festival will play host to over 20 market stall holders including local nurseries and Begonia societies selling a range of flowers, plants, and garden gifts. For those keen to bring home a piece of the festival, begonia plant sales will be on offer daily but get in quick to ensure you don’t miss out.  

The Ballarat Farmers Market will also run across the Saturday and Sunday of Begonia Festival in the North Gardens. 

The popular 103.1 Power FM Begonia Festival Parade will also be making a return, set to attract 10,000 people. The exciting line-up of parade entrants will be confirmed at a closer date.