Red-hot history alight this weekend

BALLARAT’S annual Heritage Weekend is back this month, 25 to 26 May.

With the theme of History Ablaze, the city will embrace the traditional relationship of fire and storytelling. The stories, cultures and histories of Aboriginal peoples will also be a big focus.

From 5.30pm on the Saturday evening, fire pits, fire displays and entertainment will draw wanderers to the CBD and bring its streets, lanes and stories to bright life.

Armstrong Street North’s off-street carpark is set to be transformed into an indigenous Australian celebration space from 5.30pm on Saturday, screening a festival of short films amongst yarning circles, more fire pits and entertainment.

Short films featured will highlight Aboriginal cultural heritage, social justice and shared history, and traditional custodian, Tammy Gilson will facilitate informative, engaging discussions.

Down at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute’s Humffray Room will be an Aboriginal Cultural Exhibition from 10am to 5pm on both days.

The interactive educational space will immerse visitors in stories of the nation’s first peoples, their histories and present day contributions in Ballarat. Bush tea will be served and unique plant flavours can be tasted courtesy of Saltbush Kitchen.

City of Ballarat Mayor, Cr Samantha McIntosh said many Heritage Weekend favourites from years gone by will return, but the later extension of offerings is new.

“This year we’re tapping into fire to tell our stories… authentic Ballarat stories revisited and told in a unique way, and let’s not forget our authentic Wadawurrung heritage.”

Heritage Weekend staple, The Charlotte Smith Fashion Collection has a new home at the Civic Hall, showcasing private vintage pieces Ms Smith inherited from her grandmother or has curated herself. The shows will run on Saturday at 2pm and Sunday at 11.30am and 3pm.

From 12pm on Saturday afternoon the Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition is back at Hop Temple, with five judging categories and over $1000 in prizes.

Head to ballaratheritageweekend.com/beard-competition to enter.

Also in the program of events, St Patricks Hall will host the Ballarat Apron Festival, Eerie Tours will check out the Town Hall, vintage steam locomotives will chug into town, and horses will pull Cobb and Co carts around the city.

But, there’s plenty more where that came from. Visit ballaratheritageweekend.com for further information.