THE run into this year\u2019s Begonia Festival is underway, with the much-loved event getting its official launch at the Robert Clark Conservatory last week.<\/p>\n
City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney revealed that the 70th iteration of the festival would once again be spread out across Ballarat, with events planned for the CBD and what\u2019s become the traditional home in the Botanical Gardens.<\/p>\n
Since 1953, the festival has sought to deliver a program of creative culture, markets, workshops, and floral attractions, and the Cr Moloney promised this year\u2019s event will include \u201csomething for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThe City of Ballarat is excited to deliver this event for our community, immersing locals in a uniquely Ballarat experience,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
With the last couple of festivals stretched to four weeks because of COVID-19, this year\u2019s event is shorter and set to run for 10 days from Friday, 11 until Sunday, 20 March.<\/p>\n
Special guests will include garden guru Jamie Durie and former MasterChef contestant and host of Freshly Picked Simon Toohey.<\/p>\n
As a new addition to the festival, places like McKenzie Street, Hop Lane and Police Lane will bloom into the Begonia Byway with designs by artists Hattie Molloy and Esther Olsson.<\/p>\n
Also new in 2022 are a Food Truck Friday event at Alfred Deakin Place, Weed Foraging walks set for Sovereign Hill, and the return Begonia Classic Fun Run in support of the Fiona Elsey Cancer Research Institute.<\/p>\n
Classic events are back to, with The PowerFM Begonia Parade on Labour Day and the traditional display of 700 begonias are again set to bloom at at Robert Clark.<\/p>\n
One of the musicians set to perform at the gardens is Hugh McKelvey. He said his shows will spotlight collaborations between local artists and established groups.<\/p>\n
\u201cYou\u2019re going to hear some things that you haven\u2019t heard before,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n
In another milestone, Central Highlands Water will mark its 25th year as community partner with the festival, and board chair Angeleen Jenkins said they are excited to join in the dual celebration.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt this year\u2019s Begonia Festival, CHW will continue to showcase our delivery that water is safe, smart and sustainable,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
Organisers estimate the festival delivers a of $3.445 million boost to the city with an average attendance of over 60,000.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
THE run into this year\u2019s Begonia Festival is underway, with the much-loved event getting its official launch at the Robert Clark Conservatory last week. City of Ballarat mayor Cr Daniel Moloney revealed that the 70th iteration of the festival would once again be spread out across Ballarat, with events planned for the CBD and what\u2019s […]<\/p>\n