The 73rd annual Ballarat Begonia Festival, a beloved event in the city of Ballarat, Australia, is set to take place over the Labour Day long weekend, attracting tens of thousands of visitors. This year's festival will feature a renewed focus on conservation of native flora and fauna, highlighted by the interactive performance installation 'The Last Numbat'.
The Last Numbat, a large-scale puppet controlled by up to 14 participants, tells the story of the decline of the endangered Australian marsupial, emphasizing environmental awareness and community connection. This will be the first time the performance will be seen on Australia's east coast.
The festival offers a diverse range of free activities, entertainment, and educational experiences for all ages. Notable highlights include presentations by renowned environmental educators Costa Georgiadis and Millie Ross, showcasing sustainable gardening practices and inspiring creative approaches to gardening.
Mindy Wood, a MasterChef Australia alumna, will showcase indigenous ingredients and dishes, while Liam Downes, a celebrated Ballarat chef, will demonstrate his paddock-to-plate philosophy. The Begonia Display at the Robert Clark Conservatory will feature thousands of beautiful begonias, including rare and unique varieties, complemented by fragrant lavender and lush greenery.
The festival also includes a Gardeners Market, a Garden of Giggles with puppet and comedy shows, and a variety of family-friendly activities like Integra Tiny Town, horticultural workshops, and giant garden games. The grand finale on Monday, March 10th, will be the PowerFM Ballarat Begonia Parade, featuring a vibrant procession of community groups, schools, and businesses celebrating the spirit of the festival.