Bendigo Easter Festival 2012

Yar Loong

The 2012 Bendigo Easter Festival promises to be three spectacular days of fun and entertainment from Good Friday 6 to Easter Sunday 9 April 2012.

Bendigo’s CBD, in Victoria, Australia,  will come alive with activities and events within walking distance of each other and heaps of parking nearby.

The Bendigo Easter Fair Society was established in 1870 and conducted the first Bendigo Easter Fair in 1871. Since that time, the Society have, without missing a year, continued to conduct Australia's OLDEST CONSTANT Community Festival in Australia.

The two major events of the Bendigo Easter Fair are the two parades

Gansu Loong

- Fire Services Commissioner/CFA Torchlight Procession - starts Saturday 7 April, 7.30pm. The Saturday night torchlight procession will feature old and new emergency service vehicles, staff and volunteers. People both young and old love the spectacle of the flashing lights and screaming sirens of the fire, police and ambulance vehicles participating in the parade. It was a great chance for the community to show its appreciation for the great work the emergency services organisations do on a daily basis.

Gala Parade

- Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade - starts Sunday 8 April, 1pm.  The gala parade has a broad focus, featuring floats entered by local community groups, schools, emergency services and businesses and organisations and marching bands, artists and entertainers. The parade also features a large Chinese section of local teams, demonstrating lion and dragon dances. Sun Loong, the world’s longest Imperial dragon, is always the final exhibit in the gala parade. The 1.5km parade is viewed by more than 60,000 cheering locals and visitors who enthusiastically start queuing early in the morning for their favourite vantage spot.

Friday 6 April Entertainment

Hazeldene’s Family Day, Rosalind Park/Dai Gum San

Vision Australia Giant Easter Egg hunt

Children will love the opportunity to hunt for the Cadbury Easter eggs hidden amongst the straw.  Rosalind Park will provide a shady retreat for parents and siblings to watch all the excitement.  Some tickets are available on the day from 8am, however, tickets sell fast so prepaid tickets are highly recommended!Where: Rosalind Park Precinct When: 9am-3pm, Cost: $8 per child/entry. Hunt Times

Age Groups	Times
3 years and under	9am, 9.20am, 11am, 11.20am, 1pm, 2.20pm
4 and 5 years	9.40am, 10am, 11.40am, 12noon, 1.20pm, 2.40pm
6-8 years	10.20am, 12.20pm, 1.40pm, 3pm
9-12 years	10.40am, 12.40pm, 2pm

The Gondos

Fresh, funky and, quite literally, dripping with comedy goodness. The Great Gondos present a variety show like no other. Their onstage/offstage antics allow the audience a sneak peek into life beyond the rosy red curtain. Witness absurd acrobatics, mind-blowing body bending and a breathtaking tango for three, with a penchant for ridiculously good pranks. Be amazed, amused and bemused in this pocket-sized mix of circus, sideshow and new vaudeville.

Postman Pat

Postman Pat in a big muddle when his mailbag gets wet and all of the address labels on his letters and parcels get all mixed up. With the help of his good friend and all the boys and girls in the audience hopefully all the mail can be delivered to the right people on time.

Join in all the singing and dancing as Postman Pat receives clues from everyone’s favourite nursery rhymes.

African Drumming

Experience the rich music of West Africa and join in the groove yourself! Featuring a high energy drum and dance session with lots of colour, some vibrant rhythms and a great visual show. Come and learn how to drum, do body percussion, some simple African chants, and work on a fully arranged African piece. We focus on having lots of laughs and fun and getting everyone playing in unison together. Everyone will have their own drum and shakers and after 15 min, you will sound great. All our workshops are as inclusive and fun as possible for all participants (young & older) by giving them a chance to explore their creativity, feel a sense of community, and let off some energy too!

Rolling Entertainment

Shimmy Shakers

Shimmy Shakers is an interactive show with two energetic performers who sing, dance and most importantly get the kids up and moving. The Shimmy Shakers have been acclaimed for the quality of its vocal, strong visuals, colourful charismatic entertainers and great rapport with young audience members. Many different musical styles are featured in the performance including jazz/swing, rock n roll, pop and music theatre. The younger children are in awe of the colour and energy of the performances, while older children can't resist joining in the singing and dancing. This show is a true family please with kids, Mums and Dads unable to resist the excitement and contagious energy produced.

Very Perry Show

Get lost in the illusion of Very Perry. Our Katy sings live with back-up dancers and singers plus costumes that are so identical to the real Katy you’ll forget your watching a tribute act! Songs include hits like:I Kissed a Girl, Teenage Dream, Waking up in Vegas, Hot ‘n’ Cold. California Gurlz and her newest hit, The One That Got Away. Very Perry with rock your socks off with a dynamic show full of amazing dancers, skaters and crazy live vocals!

Bouncing Bunny

Get your photo taken with Our Bouncing Bunny whom will be roving the festival precincts throughout Good Friday. He adds magic and Easter joy to our event. The kids will be talking about him for weeks to come!

Movies

Enjoy an evening under the summer skies in the purpose built outdoor theatre to view the screening of a family orientated movie best suited for children up to 10 years.

6:30pm    Hop (G) Featuring voices of Russell Brand, Hugh Laurie, Hank Azaria 

Fred lazes around the house without a job, much to the chagrin of his parents.  When asked to house-sit a Beverly Hills mansion, he does runs into a talking rabbit named EB, who has left his home on Easter Island, dreaming of becoming a drummer.  EB's father is the Easter Bunny, who runs a busy factory where chocolate eggs and bunnies are manufactured before being delivered to children around the world at Easter time.  While EB is not keen to follow 4,000 years of tradition and become the Easter Bunny, head chick Carlos has delusions of grandeur and sees this as his big opportunity to take control.

After the Victorian Showmen's Guild fireworks display on Tom Flood Oval, return to the open aired theatre to enjoy the next family movie screening which will be best suited for over 10 years.

8:30pm - Mr Popper Penguins (G) Starring Jim Carrey, Carla Gugino

Tommy Popper is a successful real estate developer in Manhattan, amicably divorced from Amanda with two children he sees on alternate weekends.  All seems to be going well until a final gift from Popper's late world-travelling father, a souvenir from Antarctica, arrives in a crate; a real, live penguin.  He desperately tries to get rid of it but fails and another five penguins arrive on his doorstep.  As he gets increasingly attached to them, Popper's life quickly unravels; his swank New York apartment becomes a winter wonderland, the deal he's long been working on is derailed, and he almost lands in jail.  Meanwhile, he starts to understand the importance of family.

 

Annual Easter Book Sale

Y Service Club of Bendigo Inc invites you to the Annual Easter Book Sale where you'll find books at bargain prices. When: Friday-Sunday 9am-5pm, Monday 9am-1pm
Where: YMCA Stadium, Mundy Street, Bendigo

Saturday 7 April Entertainment

Bendigo Bank Kidzone, Rosalind Park

Chinese Spring Festival, Dai Gum San

Dora the Explorer

Dora the Explorer is a play-along animated series starting a 7 year old Latina heroine, widely praised as a positive role model for all girls. During her adventures, Dora teaches children how to observe situations and solve problems as they explore the world with her. Dora's Sing-Along Adventures is designed to actively engage preschoolers, and encourages participation in the exciting adventure through song and dance. Dora educates the audience about the different ways to help her on her journey - checking the Backpack, getting directions from Map, and warning her when they see Swiper the fox. On this journey the audience will share an intrepid experience to help Dora and Boots follow the map to get to Big Red Chicken's Birthday party! Ability to Meet and Greet with Dora and Diego after each show and get photo taken.

Fusion

Wind tunnels, stilts, circus activities, box hockey, snakes and ladders, geeta boards, balloon sculpting, children's craft, big group games, clowns, living statue, walking puppet theatre, story telling, live music.

Mr Balloon Man

Watch in amazement as Mr Balloon Man manipulates balloons into outstanding and mind-blowing creations. No one-balloon dog or simple sword is the same as the last - each are hand-crafted into works of art that will amaze and surprise you. Be entertained by Mr Balloon Man stage shows and then participate in his workshops to learn how to re-create those amazing balloon sculptures.

'Nellie in Her Own Write' - Opera Under the Stars

This program was inspired by the 150 th anniversary of Australia's first Prima Donna - Dame Nellie Melba (1861-1931). Based on Dame Nellie Melba's own writings in her autobiography Melodies and Memories, Stephen McIntyre and scholarship recipients of the Melba Opera Trust share Nellie's story through her own words and song. The production intersperses narrative with famous musical pieces Dame Nellie was known for. A night you won't forget so join us under the stars on Dai Gum San Chinese Precinct.

Chinese Spring Festival

Experience a colourful display of Chinese performing artists exhibiting traditional dances to the sound of authentic music. The Golden Dragon museum is proud to present this unique cultural event on Dai Gum San Chinese Precinct. Performances by: 

- Bendigo Chinese Association Plum Blossom Dance Team

- Bendigo Chinese Association Lion Team

- Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance Troupe

- Hung Gar Yau Shu Chinese Drummers

- Cairns and District Chinese Association Molihua Dancers

- Chinese Youth Society Dragon Team

Awakening of the Dragon

Starting in 1982, the Awakening of the Dragon is an iconic and important part of the Bendigo Easter Festival. Enjoy explosive performances of dancing, martial arts, dragon dancing, lion dancing, drumming and tens of thousands of Chinese firecrackers! A must see event. The Awakening of the Dragon ceremony in 2012 will be showcasing talent from around Australia. Daring stunts performed by Hung Gar Yar Shu (Melbourne), Chinese Youth Society (Melbourne),Cairns and District Chinese Association (Cairns), Prosperous Mountain Lion Dance (Canberra) and the Bendigo Chinese Association (Bendigo). Performances include Chinese dancing, dragon dancing, lion dancing, Chinese drummers and martial arts demonstrations.The event is a celebration of colour and sound to awaken Sun long for the following days Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade.

Timetable:

1.40pm: Clan McLeod Pipe Band

2.00pm: Lions Enter Arena

2.07pm: Formalities

2.13pm: BCA Awakening of the Lion

2.20pm: Hung Gar Yau Shu

2.40pm: Prosperous Mountain Lion Troupe

2.50pm: BCA Plum Blossom Dancing Girls

2.57pm: BCA Showcase/Donation

3.17pm: Cairns and District Chinese Association

3.32pm: Chinese Youth Society of Melbourne

3.52pm: Closing ceremony and Firecrackers

Times and performances are subject to change. For the most current information please visit festivals and events on http://www.goldendragonmuseum.org/

Annual Easter Book Sale

Y Service Club of Bendigo Inc invites you to the Annual Easter Book Sale where you'll find books at bargain prices. When: Friday-Sunday 9am-5pm, Monday 9am-1pm Where: YMCA Stadium, Mundy Street, Bendigo

Sunday 8 April Entertainment

Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade, CBD Streets

Kidzone Activities in the Park, Rosalind Park

Dragon Mile, CBD Streets

Batacuda

Batacuda are a group of percussionists creating foot-tapping, hip-swivelling rhythms and entertainment. They're high energy, cross-cultural medley of percussion, circus skills and mayhem. They will use anything as instruments: bicycles, rubbish bins, prams, trucks, coffee cups and sculptures - whatever makes a sound! The show itself is a spectacular event that includes musical gymnastics, comedy, drumming solos and physical contortion, all involving the audience en masse. You get three chances to see Batacuda:

- Be entertained near the fountain while waiting for the parade to commence from 12noon to 12:30pm

- Batacuda will be participating in the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade from 1pm

- And the final opportunity to see this amazing and wacky band on stage at the Dai Gum San Chinese Precinct entertainment stage from 3:30pm to 4pm

Annual Easter Book Sale

Y Service Club of Bendigo Inc invites you to the Annual Easter Book Sale where you'll find books at bargain prices. When: Friday-Sunday 9am-5pm, Monday 9am-1pm Where: YMCA Stadium, Mundy Street, Bendigo

 

Bendigo Easter Antique Fair

Come along and see a large collection of Antiques and collectables under one roof with dealers from far and wide. All items are for sale so you will be sure to see some one off pieces, and maybe grab a bargain or two.

Dates 7/4/2012 - 9/4/2012

Location - Kangaroo Flat Leisure Centre, Calder Highway, Kangaroo Flat, Victoria 3555 Australia