Tuesday, 8 April 2025

BALLARAT HERITAGE FESTIVAL RETURNS THIS MAY: HERITAGE UNFOLDS AS ENTERTAINMENT TAKES CENTRE STAGE

Ballarat Heritage Festival

Get ready to be entertained! The Ballarat Heritage Festival is back, promising  10 days of captivating experiences that blend the city's rich history with the joy of entertainment. From Friday 16 to Sunday 25 May, Ballarat will come alive with a vibrant program designed to delight and engage audiences of all ages.


Under the theme "Heritage Unfolds, Entertainment Awaits...," the 2025 festival will explore the many ways entertainment has shaped Ballarat's story.

A TASTE OF WHAT’S TO COME

  • Entertainment of the Air: Take to the skies at Ballarat Airport for a spectacular celebration of aviation, the pioneering spirit of flight and its role in entertainment history. This free event will feature a range of attractions designed to thrill aviation enthusiasts and families alike:
  • Joy rides: Step back in time and experience the thrill of vintage air travel with joy rides across the weekend (17 and 18 May). Feel the nostalgia as you soar through the skies in a vintage aircraft. 
  • Museums and exhibitions: Explore fascinating displays showcasing the history of aviation, from its earliest pioneers to its technological advancements.
  • Live entertainment: Enjoy live performances by The Pacific Belles (Australia’s hottest retro style singing trio).   
  • Vintage photographs: Capture a memorable moment alongside an iconic DC-3 aircraft. 
  • ‘Legends of the Air’ musical (ticketed event): Immerse yourself in a theatrical celebration of aviation legends. Performances will be held on Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May. Tickets on sale soon at ballaratheritagefestival.com.au.
  • Heritage Conversations: A life in photos - John Gollings: An Open House Melbourne event at Ballarat Mechanics' Institute, featuring a conversation with renowned architectural photographer John Gollings. As one of Australia’s most influential architectural photographers, John Gollings has changed the way we see the built environment to reveal stories about its character and personality.


Ballarat Heritage Festival
His remarkable body of work offers a visual history of the buildings and places that have shaped the city of Ballarat and many others. Hear John in conversation with Open House Melbourne's Tania Davidge as he reflects on his life in pictures, from a young boy with a Box Brownie camera to capturing images of architectural marvels of Ballarat and the world beyond. Tickets available at openhousemelbourne.org/event/heritage-conversations-a-life-in-photos-john-gollings.


FESTIVAL FAVOURITES RETURN

  • Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition: Show off your facial hair prowess at the Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition on Saturday 24 May. This free event will be held at Hop Temple and is a great way to see out the festivities. To register, visit beardcomp.com.au.
  • Ballarat Antique Fair: Discover hidden treasures and unique finds at the Ballarat Civic Hall. Immerse yourself in a world of collectibles, vintage wares and antique furniture. With a diverse range of vendors, this fair is a haven for collectors, decorators and anyone seeking a special piece of history. 
  • Vintage Car Show: Step back in time and admire a stunning array of classic automobiles. Located along Lydiard Street, this free event will showcase meticulously restored vehicles from bygone eras, offering a glimpse into the history of automotive design and engineering.

The 2025 Ballarat Heritage Festival offers a mix of legacy activations and new experiences. The full program will be revealed in April.


FAST FACTS


  • Ballarat Heritage Festival
    Entertainment of the Air:
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May
Ballarat Airport
Cost: Free

  • ‘Legends of the Air’ musical:
Saturday 17 and Sunday 18 May
Ballarat Airport
Cost + Tickets: To be announced soon
  • Heritage Conversations: A life in photos – John Gollings:
Saturday 24 May | 3:00pm – 4:30pm
Ballarat Mechanics’ Institute
Cost: $7
Book: openhousemelbourne.org/event/heritage-conversations-a-life-in-photos-john-gollings
  • Ballarat Beard and Stache Competition:
Ballarat Heritage Festival
Saturday 24 May
Hop Temple, Ballarat CBD
Cost: Free
Register: beardcomp.com.au
  • Vintage Car Show:
Sunday 19 May
Lydiard Street, Ballarat
Cost: Free
  • Ballarat Antique Fair:
Friday 17 to Sunday 19 May
Ballarat Civic Hall
Cost: $15 (Friday) and $12 (Saturday and Sunday)

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