Get Swept Up in the Magic of Mary Poppins

Festival-goers are encouraged to grab their finest hats and most spectacular umbrellas and head to the festival in their best Mary Poppins attire. “Each year we see attendees getting into the spirit of the festival and creating their very own costumes inspired by the Mary Poppins novels," Mrs Peach boasted.

There is plenty for attendees of all ages to experience at this year's festival with food vendors, market stalls, arts, literature, craft, interactive activities, live music and so much more. Don't forget the all-time favourites – The Grand Parade, Nanny Races and Chimney Sweep Challenge.

The Grand Parade offers festival-goers the opportunity to showcase their costume and be crowned best dressed for the 2019 festival. With great prizes up for grabs festival organisers hope to see record numbers of participants in this crowd favourite.

Mrs Peach said the Mary Poppins Festival was growing in popularity each year, drawing visitors from throughout South East Queensland and beyond. You could not create a more perfect setting for the festival than Maryborough's riverside parks and heritage streetscapes. With just a spoonful of imagination they will transform into pages from the novels, creating a fantasy experience for both young and old.

More Mary Poppins Day in the Park highlights include:

• Enjoy a cuppa with that spoonful of sugar at the Mary's Morning Tea. 
• Witness the madcap Great Nanny Race, where participants push a traditional pram, complete with a 'baby'. 
• Take part in the hilarious Chimney Sweep Challenge – it's for the young and young at heart. Remember 'when you're with a 'sweep, you're in glad company.' 
• Pop on down to the newly opened Story Bank, an interactive and inspirational home for stories and storytellers that explores the life and works of P.L. Travers. 

Other highlights:

• July 4 - Mary Poppins Movies on the green at Town Hall Green, Maryborough 9am – 1pm. 
• July 4 - Voices in the Dark is back by popular demand in the basement of the historical Bond Store. ABC Wide Bay presents a selection of radio stories celebrating the Fraser Coast community. 
• July 5 - Mary Poppins Movies in the Park at Nielsens Park Hervey Bay 10am – 2pm. 
• July 5 - Visiting poets Megan and Jason Roweth will be hosting workshops and poetry and pizza sessions. 

 For more details please visit www.marypoppinsfestival.com.au