Fire up! Winter fest is bringing the heat

IT might be chilly, but there’s lots to be cheerful about.

The City of Ballarat announced its Winter Festival program last week, and it features fun family experiences that aim to bring some joyful warmth to freezing days.

The fest is set to run from Saturday 24 June to Sunday 16 July, and mayor Cr Des Hudson said it will be a celebration that embraces Ballarat’s reputation as a cold destination.

“Put on some warm clothes, a warm beanie, come out and be part of the many events across Ballarat,” he said.

“The ice-skating rink is back for three weeks. Every year it is extremely popular… with disco themes and Bollywood. I’ll be there if the disco is 80s themed.”

The iconic and vibrant Winter Wonderlights evenings are back at Sovereign Hill, the Knights of Fire are returning to Kryal Castle for an eighth year, and Ballarat Wildlife Park’s animals, including penguins, will be ready to meet curious visitors.

Also on the program are the Design Exchange Market, Be_Hear/Now live music, food experiences, performances, workshops, and demonstrations.

Visitors to the fortress at the foot of Mount Warrenheip can expect to get fired up.

“It’s a medieval experience, but a warm version,” Kryal Castle CEO Bart Hamilton said. “This year we’re firing up a flaming trebuchet, we’ll light the cannon ball on fire, and throw it about 50 metres.

“Our knights do a fire sword fight, they light their jousts and do a fight, and we bring out the dragons that breathe fire. It should be fun.”

Three weeks ago, Ballarat Wildlife Park welcomed a new resident, with the arrival of Akasha the Sumatran-Siberian tiger.

She is the sister of the park’s first tiger Kai, and marketing manager Darren Collinson said the Ballarat Winter Festival will be the perfect time for families to meet her.

“Akasha has settled in, and now she’s very happy to be greeting people,” he said.

“We also have two extra penguins, Bunny and Hop, which were rescues from Phillip Island. They had been rehabilitated but couldn’t be released out into the wild, so they’ve found a new home with us.

“They’ve settled beautifully into the little colony and their new environment.”

Cr Hudson said the festival is an opportunity to drive tourism, and economic growth.

“There’s lots to do,” he said. “We’re seeing people travelling and wanting to engage in family friendly activities.

“People can come and stay a while in Ballarat, especially South Australian visitors in the first week of their school holidays.

“We can showcase Ballarat and get a good economic boost for our tourism industry, and locals can enjoy the events, and stay out for dinner.”