Get your skates on, the Ballarat Winter Festival kicks off tomorrow

The Ballarat Winter Festival ice skating rink will operate at full capacity following the State Government’s announcement of the further easing of restrictions on midnight Thursday 24 June.  

The ice-rink will be open every day from Saturday 26 June to Sunday 18 July as a highlight of the Festival from 9am to 8.30pm with sessions to suit everyone.  

Child-friendly sessions recommended for parents with children up to 12 years of age will operate every Monday-Friday from 9am to 10am and sensory sensitive sessions, with no music or flashing lights, every Thursday from 9am to 10am.   

For those that prefer a late-night skate, Disco Sessions will be available Fridays and Saturdays from 9pm to 10pm. 

Patrons are encouraged to book tickets online, and in-line with government regulations, wear a mask at all times while indoors and check-in upon arrival at the ice-rink via the onsite QR code.   

With tickets selling fast, visit www.ballaratwinterfestival.com.au to book your preferred session to avoid missing out.  

City of Ballarat will be hosting an array of events for all ages throughout the Ballarat Winter Festival.   

Ballarat Libraries have a fantastic school holiday program that includes Super Science Chemistry, the Coding Hour and the Winter Reading Challenge at the Ballarat, Sebastopol and Wendouree libraries.  

The City’s Youth Service team are running a series of events at the Mining Exchange including a Fabric Forest – Recy-kool Art Installation in conjunction with local artist Diokno Pasilan.  Youth can also learn the art of basket weaving with Aunty Majorie Pickford.  

Youth Services will also host a sustainable and ethical fashion event featuring a shared wardrobe clothes swap and an upcycling workshop for people to learn how to mend and upcycle their own clothes in creative ways.  

The Eureka Centre is excited to launch their free Children’s Guide to Eureka these school holidays designed by acclaimed Ballarat artist and illustrator, Ben Sanders.  

The Eureka Centre will focus on the art of storytelling these school holidays with families invited to join  the fun during Pint-size percussion workshops and embrace ‘Songcraft’ with Ballarat musicians.  

The Art Gallery of Ballarat has several fine art exhibitions including Robyn Stacey: As still as life and many workshops for all ages throughout the holiday period.  

The Design Exchange Market will showcase the handmade and creative wares of some of the best independent designers, artists, and creators over two inspiring days at the Mining Exchange on 10-11 July. 

The easing of restrictions will see our local hospitality businesses with the ability to welcome more people into their warming venues.  

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Daniel Moloney, said the news from the State Government was timely.  

“It’s wonderful to see these restrictions easing further just before the school holiday period and providing local business the opportunity take advantage of the expected crowds over the Ballarat Winter Festival,” he said.  

“With more people able to visit family and friends in their homes, I encourage locals to bring their families and friends from Melbourne and other parts of Victoria for the festival and get out together to experience the best of Ballarat this winter.”  

We encourage all visitors and locals to view the Ballarat Winter Festival website to gain further information on what is on over the Festival period and to book tickets. Highlights include Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights, Kryal Castle’s Knights of Fire and animal encounters at the Ballarat Wildlife Park.  

For further information on Ballarat Winter Festival events and activities and to book tickets visit www.ballaratwinterfestival.com.au