BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL TO MAKE A ‘FERN-TASTIC’ RETURN NEXT YEAR

The Ballarat Begonia Festival will make a flourishing return next year over the Labour Day long weekend, Saturday 9 to Monday 11 March 2024.

• The three-day event will take place in the iconic Ballarat Botanical Gardens, celebrating the city’s rich horticulture heritage and boasting a line-up of demonstrations and talks led by a roster of celebrity presenters and industry experts including:
• Paul West – River Cottage Australia host
• Hannah Moloney – sustainable gardener and Gardening Australia presenter
• Courtney Roulston – MasterChef Australia alumni
• Jerry Coleby-Williams – horticulture/begonia expert

Showcasing a signature collection of rare begonias, the Conservatory display will return, this year playing homage to the redevelopment of the Ballarat Fernery – one of Australia’s oldest ferneries – that is set to open in time for the festival. Visitors can expect to see an exciting display inspired by the spiral shapes of fern fronds.

WEEKEND ACTIVITIES

• Begonia Parade: The 2024 Power FM Begonia Parade will take place on Monday 11 March with over 30 community groups, schools and local businesses taking part in a vibrant procession along Wendouree Parade.
• Begonia letters: Situated in the Ballarat CBD, next year’s big begonia letters will feature the work of Wadawurrung Traditional Owner and artist Billy O’Toole.
• Family entertainment: For the aspiring green thumbs, there will be kids’ activities including a giant maze, live butterfly tent and bug exploration zone; arts and crafts; Integra Tiny Town (featuring mini cubbies for families to self-explore); and face painters.
• Roving entertainment: Bright and beautiful bees, butterflies and ladybugs on stilts will be roaming the Ballarat Botanical Gardens. Running throughout the whole festival, catch a photo with one of the spectacular creatures.
• Markets: Browse offerings market stall holders, featuring an assortment of plants, flowers and garden-related gifts.
• Food and drink: Discover Ballarat’s rich culinary scene with an assortment of local beers, wines and spirits available at the Begonia Bar as well as two precincts with food trucks.

Stay tuned for the full event program announcement in February 2024.

FAST FACTS: BALLARAT BEGONIA FESTIVAL 2024

When: Saturday 9 to Monday 11 March 2024
Time: 10am to 5pm
Where: Ballarat Botanical Gardens, Ballarat
Price: Free entry with food, drink, wares and experiences available to purchase
More info: ballaratbegoniafestival.com
* Riley Flower at riley@littlebigmarketing.com