Mystical creatures coming to the castle

A TASTE of magic is coming to Kryal Castle this April.

The annual Unicorn Festival is on from Friday, 7 April until Saturday, 22 April.

This will be the first year the event runs for the entire Easter school holidays, and it coincides with the opening of the Kryal Castle Big 4 caravan park.

The festival celebrates the mythical creature of the unicorn and has interactive events for all ages.

Visitors can get unicorn inspired hairstyles, meet mini unicorns, lean spell casting, and watch Australia’s best knights ride the creatures.

“It’s a 15-day celebration of everything unicorn, basically the whole of Kryal Castle is turning itself into one big unicorn celebration,” said CEO Bart Hamilton.

“Last year we had 8000 people across the long weekend, and it sold out within 24 hours with huge demand and great feedback.

“It was by far our most popular event, so it was a no brainer to bring it back and make it bigger and better.

“It’s an all ages, all gender event with fun for the whole family. It’s a chance to come out an experience a bit of fantasy and magic, it’s good for everyone I think.”

Mr Hamilton said the event has had a huge impact on tourism in the region.

“Last year in the three days we did it, our economic impact study said we drove $1.1 million worth of value towards the greater Ballarat region,” he said.

“We think the fact this is so popular is giving people a chance to come to Ballarat for something special over other regional venues.

“I think it’s going to be an absolute gamechanger for the Ballarat tourism economy.

“We’d like to make it bigger and better each year and we’re really excited to see it into the future.”

To get tickets visit kryalcastle.com.au.