Explosive crescendo to evening of music

THE free musical entertainment at the Ballarat Botanical Gardens this Sunday is set for a banging crescendo.

A fireworks spectacular on Sunday, 15 January will bring light, colour and sparkle to the skies above Lake Wendouree following the second Summer Sundays concert of the season, running from 4pm to 8pm on the grass beside the Robert Clark Conservatory.

The display is expected to begin at 9.30pm, and to last for 15 minutes. People across the city are encouraged to keep their pets indoors if they may be frighted by the loud banging of the fireworks.

“We know how much Ballarat residents treasure the fireworks and it is an event so many people love,” said the City of Ballarat’s Cr Samantha McIntosh.

“Ballarat has already been a hive of activity since the new year and these events promise to make it even more exciting.”

Jazz Party, Queen of Hearts Mariachi, Mon Coeur, and Chimpanzee are all on the Summer Sundays bill to get crowds excited before the fireworks take off.

The Queen of Hearts Mariachi group is a women-only band in Mexican style, covering classics and performing originals, while contemporary jazz band Jazz Party is led by soulful vocalist Loretta Miller.

Pop, folk and jazz solo artist Mon Coer is an alto vocalist, while Chimpanzee is a four-piece folk group.

Coffee, juice, dumplings, ice-cream, paella, seafood, bagels, toasties and more will be served up at regional food and drink stalls and vans at the gardens, and there will be a bar serving local wines, beers and spirits.

Grab a beanbag early to enjoy the music from or bring along a picnic rug and camp chairs. Summer Sundays and the fireworks are delivered by the City of Ballarat. There are two more free concerts on 22 and 29 January.