Winter Fest to warm crowds with hot drinks and entertainment

BALLARAT Winter Festival is now underway until Sunday 27 July, aiming to warm and entertain individuals and families while the bitterly cold weather continues.

The popular ice-skating rink, and the new 200-person Ukiyo cabaret, circus and comedy tent have been set up right by the Town Hall at the Sturt and Armstrong street intersection.

More-than 25 hospitality venues are taking part in a Hot Choc Showdown competition to find Ballarat’s best cup of hot chocolate, and Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights and Knights of Fire at Kryal Castle are also part of the program.

 

Laughter House Entertainment director Dave Evans said 12 different shows from all over the world will feature within the Ukiyo tent, which is similar to a Spiegeltent.

“We’ve got trained artists from Circus Oz, Victorian and international touring artists, jugglers, acrobats, magicians, hula hoop artists, a bubble show… you name it, we’ve got it,” he said.

“It’s a nice, unusual venue. It’s a mini transportable theatre and the atmosphere in this tent is electric. You’re so close to what’s happening that you really feel part of the show and you’ll walk out floating from the experience.

 

“There’s six shows a day; 11am, 12pm, and 1pm, and 6pm, 7pm, and 8pm. The last two shows are for people over the age of 17. Every single show is a highlight.

“There’s something for everybody. It’s family-friendly entertainment that three generations of a family can enjoy, it’s heaps of fun, quite reasonably priced, and right in the centre of town. There’s a lot to do.”

A Hot Choc Showdown trail map is also downloadable. For tickets and more information on all that’s on offer, including an ice rink savings deal, visit ballaratwinterfestival.com.au.

“This year’s Winter Festival is one to remember, delivering outstanding entertainment for locals and visitors, while also supporting our local economy,” said City of Ballarat mayor, Cr Tracey Hargreaves.