The countdown is on for Ballarat Heritage Festival

If you step outside in Ballarat in the coming days, Ballarat will be abuzz with activity as locals and visitors hit the streets for Ballarat Heritage Festival, which promises to be an event not to be missed.

The festival last year contributed more than $1 million to the Ballarat economy, with similar results expected this year.

It also won bronze at the Victorian Tourism Awards in the Festivals and Events Category.

The 10-day festival will run from 19-28 May and is expected to attract about 20,000 attendees to the various events.

More than 100 events will be delivered, with the City of Ballarat working closely with many diverse community groups from across the city.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Des Hudson said although the city’s proud heritage would be the focal point of the festival, there were activities to entertain people of all ages and interests.

“There is just so much on that I almost guarantee everybody will find something of interest,” Cr Hudson said.

“Whether you are a food lover, a history buff or maybe you are looking for something after dark, we will have an event for you.”

For full details on all of the events or to book tickets for events that are likely to sell out, visit the Ballarat Heritage Festival website.

BALLARAT HERITAGE FESTIVAL EVENTS NOT TO MISS

Ballarat Tweed Ride  

Join us for Ballarat’s iconic Tweed Ride – a unique ride through Ballarat’s historic and picturesque autumn streets in high style.  

A casual event of fashion, cycling and fun, riders dress in vintage and heritage-inspired outfits wearing tweeds, velvets, capes and kilts.  

When: Saturday 20 May, ride starts at 10:30am  

Where: Ride starts at Pipers at Lake Wendouree  

Cost: $10  

More information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/ballarat-tweed-ride

Craft Lab 23  

Now in its third year, Craft Lab is a celebration of traditional artisanal skills coupled with a contemporary flair. Over four days, 17 carefully selected practitioners from across the Ballarat region will share their knowledge and techniques, showcasing some of the best crafts and design items produced locally.  

From upholsterers to spinners, shoemakers to armoury makers, wild weavers to eco-dyers, visitors can get up close to see, touch and feel the different crafts from the practitioners themselves. There will also be opportunities for visitors to take part in talks, demonstrations and workshops where they can have a go at their own crafts with the support and guidance from experts.  

When: Saturday 20 – Sunday 21 May & Saturday 27 – Sunday 28 May, 10am-5pm  

Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange  

Cost: Free  

More information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/craft-lab-23-light-and-dark

Back to Back Wool Challenge  

The Back to Back International Wool Challenge is a timed event in which teams compete to process the wool from a sheep’s back into a jumper in the fastest possible time.  

Two teams will be pitted against one another to shear, prepare the fleece, spin and knit the wool from two sheep – both teams up against the challenge to beat the world record to turn the wool into a wearable piece of clothing as quickly as possible.  

Visitors will be able to watch the sheep being hand shorn, yarn spinning and immediate knitting of two jumpers over the course of the day.  

When: Saturday 27 May, 10am-5pm  

Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange  

Cost: Free  

More information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/back-to-back-challenge

The Great Takeaway  

The Great Takeaway is a chance for visitors to dine amongst some of the finest materials, textiles, glassware and ceramics produced in the Ballarat region – and then be able to take the handcrafted materials home with them.  

A ticketed event, the Great Takeaway is an exclusively tailored dinner for up to 60 guests who will be seated in the exhibition display of Craft Lab in the heritage venue of the Mining Exchange to enjoy a three-course meal with drinks and entertainment.  

When: Thursday 25 May, 6:30pm – 10.00pm  

Where: Ballarat Mining Exchange  

Cost: $275  

More information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/the-great-takeaway

Vintage Car Show  

Join the Ballarat Heritage Festival for a cavalcade of vintage and classic vehicles in the Ballarat CBD.  

This year the theme of the car show will be “Country of Origin” and will include cars, trucks (some from old Ballarat businesses) and motorbikes from 1910's through to the 1980's.  

The large display includes collections from the Vintage and Classic Car Club Ballarat, Early Holden Club, Volkswagen Club and the Historical Motorbike Association.  

The day falls on National Motoring Heritage Day, in which car owners of all types of vintage, veteran and classic vehicles are encouraged to display their vehicles and meet up with like-minded enthusiasts.

When: Sunday 21 May, 10am-3pm  

Where: Lydiard Street North, Ballarat  

Cost: Free  

More Information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/vintage-car-show-2

Ballaarat Antique Fair  

Over 26 quality Antique dealers will be exhibiting and selling a variety of beautiful, interesting, unique and wonderful items such as jewellery, furniture, silverware, ceramics, artwork, linen, objects d’art. This event is being held in the Ballarat Civic Hall, a classical Art Deco building in the CBD.  

When: Saturday 21 May, 10am – 5pm & Sunday 22 May, 10am – 4pm  

Where: Civic Hall  

Cost: $10  

More Information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/ballarat-antique-fair

Candlelight Concerts  

Experience some of the greatest pieces of film music of the modern era in the candlelit Ballarat Civic Hall. Thousands of candles create the atmosphere as the orchestra captivate you with scores from Hans Zimmer, John Williamson and more. Experience The Lion King, Star Wars, and many more in this amazing atmosphere.  

When: Friday 26  

Time: From 7.30pm  

Where: Ballarat Civic Hall  

Cost: $25 - $64  

More Information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/candlelight-ballarat-movie-soundtracks-featuring-joe-hisaishi-hans-zimmer-and-more

Heritage Harvest Weekend  

Experience a full foodie take-over of Sovereign Hill this autumn.  

Heritage Harvest Weekend will see producers, makers and retailers transform Sovereign Hill into a food-lovers feast with markets, masterclasses and kids activities.  

The weekend is a celebration of the autumn harvest, growing seasonal food in abundance and preserving it through age-old practices brought to Australia from around the world.  

When: Saturday 27 & Sunday 28 May  

Time: 10am – 5pm  

Where: Sovereign Hill  

Cost: Sovereign Hill entrance costs (further costs may apply)  

More Information: https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/heritage-harvest-weekend