Big crowds expected for Easter celebrations

ANOTHER bumper line-up of events, parades, exhibitions and activities gets underway today as part of the 2025 Bendigo Easter Festival, with the Bendigo Chinese Association, including its magnificent lion team, once again poised to take centre stage.

“I encourage you to check out our extensive online program which features many cultural performances celebrating Bendigo’s Chinese heritage and plenty of fun attractions and activities,” said City of Greater Bendigo Manager Economy and Experience James Myatt.

“This year will see an extended format for the Awakening of the Dragon, which will bring together a traditional celebration of lion and dragon dance. It (takes) place from 11am to 4pm (tomorrow) at Dai Gum San Precinct.

“Firecrackers will be used as part of the ceremony to wake up Dai Gum Loong from his slumber, but please note the Imperial dragon’s only public appearance will be at the Gala Parade on Easter Sunday.

“The Torchlight Procession – Commemorating the service of Rod Fyffe OAM will be on (tomorrow) evening starting at 7pm until approximately 8.30pm.

“The procession finale will be a fireworks display with the best viewing locations in Rosalind Park (near the Rotunda), the Dai Gum San precinct, View Street, Queen Elizabeth Oval and Barnard Street.”

Today the Bendigo Chinese Association also launches its Dragon Passport, featuring seven activities for primary school-aged children.

Booking is required for the hour-long sessions from 10am to 2pm at the Dai Gum San Precinct, which can be made on the Eventbrite website.

Other popular events returning this year are the Bendigo Foodshare Easter Book Fair and the Rotary Club of Bendigo Easter Art Exhibition at Bendigo Town Hall.

This will be the first Book Fair to be held at its new home, MacGillivray Hall in McCrae Street. Opening times are 9am to 5pm, today until Sunday, and 9am to 3pm on Monday.

Meanwhile, the Rotary Club Art Exhibition takes place from today until Sunday, 9am to 5pm, and Monday, 9am to 2.30pm.

The full program is at bendigoeasterfestival.org.au/program.