Geelong goes French

GEELONG will turn into a French paradise tomorrow (Saturday, October 25) and Sunday, October 26 for the fourth edition of Le Festival Français.

Inspired by all things French, the much-loved community event will celebrate food, wine, language and above all, the culture of France.

Festival goers are invited to come early and stay the whole day, with plenty of fun, activities and free entertainment for all ages.

Market stalls will be dotted along the picturesque setting of The Heights Heritage House and Garden in Newtown, while roving musicians and puppeteers will also add to the atmosphere.

A champagne and oyster bar will be delighting visitors through the main hospitality space, while masterclasses also return this year, with special sessions conducted in an intimate setting.

A dedicated Kids Zone offers loads of free activities, fun with language, a little farm, puppet and circus workshops and painting and crafts.

Saturday evening will see The Heights come alive for a special ticketed musical soiree

where the talented Langue de Chat will perform French Musette and Chansons.

Event organiser Judy Berryman-Long said excitement was high heading into the event.

“We just love it and so do our volunteers and traders who come and exhibit.

“There’s plenty to see across the weekend, free activities, masterclasses with oysters and this year we are thrilled to have fashion designer Estelle Michaelides from Saint Stella M exhibiting some of her fabulous clothing in the house.

“The festival has just been growing every year; we expect 3,000 to 4,000 people to come through the doors over this weekend.”

Ms Berryman-Long said the event would also feature two major presentations.

Paule Ignatio, the French Consul General (Melbourne) will be conducting the official opening of the festival, alongside National Trust dignitaries and City of Greater Geelong chief executive officer Ali Wastie.

Ms Ignatio will present Jeanne Mirza with a medal from La Fondation des Alliances Françaises in Paris to mark 60 Years of her dedication to teaching the French language.

Ms Mirza has taught here in Geelong for 22 years.

Last-minute ticket sales are available via trybooking.com