Get groovy when the sun goes down

MUSIC, performance, and food will come together later this month as part of the Design Exchange’s Beyond Dark.

Held in Alfred Deakin Place, the family friendly event is designed to celebrate winter with a warm fire and lively dance floor.

“It encourages people to come out and embrace the cold and it’s a Winter Festival with music, firepits, whisky and mulled wine,” said Design Exchange founder Lyndelle Flintoft.

The event was held for the first-time in 2022 and declared a success, with fairy lights and roaming performers attracting families.

“Last year was the first year and it was great with 3000 or more people through,” said Ms Flintoft.

This year the event will be held in collaboration with Ballarat Winter Festival and the Art Gallery of Ballarat.

“Our music will be coming out of the Annex at the art gallery, and they’ll have their Pre-Raphaelites exhibition going,” said Ms Flintoft.

“There’s four bands playing, roaming performers, stilt walkers and all the design stalls.”

Ms Flintoft also said she hopes the event gives the community some respite from the cold winter.

“It’s just something different for Ballarat and everyone loves their food and performers,” said Ms Flintoft.

“It’s great to get outside in winter and embrace the cold rather than being stuck inside.”

Beyond Dark is on Saturday 1 July at Alfred Deakin Place from 3pm and tickets can be purchased at thedesignexchange.com.au.