Make the most of the 2023 Bendigo Easter Festival and plan ahead
Residents are encouraged to plan ahead for the Bendigo Easter Festival which returns with traditional activities and entertainment in the city centre precinct from Good Friday April 7 to Sunday April 9, and smaller community-run events taking place on Easter Monday, April 10.
Cr Rod Fyffe OAM, who is on the Bendigo Easter Festival Reference Group, said the program is packed with spectacular highlights and festival favourites.
“It’s important for the community to be aware that all traditional Chinese cultural events, parades, carnival, entertainment and music will be held over the first three days from Good Friday April 7 to Easter Sunday April 9,” Cr Fyffe said.
“I encourage people to browse the new look program for festival favourites and familiarise yourself with this year’s format.
“The Awakening of the Dragon is at 2pm on Saturday April 8 featuring traditional celebrations presented by the Bendigo Chinese Association and visiting lion dancers.
“Enjoy the after dark spectacle at the O’Brien Plumbing & HVAC Torchlight Procession on Saturday April 8 at 7pm, followed by wonderful fireworks display over Rosalind Park.
“Dai Gum Loong’s first solo appearance will be at this year’s Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade from 12.30pm on Easter Sunday April 9, starting at View Street at the Rowan Street intersection, down to Pall Mall and McCrae Street and ending at Bridge Street, finishing at the back of the Golden Dragon Museum.
“This is a highlight in the Easter calendar with Dai Gum Loong majestically weaving through the streets bringing together Chinese lions, bands, and a variety of community and cultural groups.”
Rosalind Park will be at the heart of activities from 10am to 5pm from Good Friday to Easter Sunday. There will be plenty of hands-on family fun, entertainment, live music, food stalls and much more.
The Vision Australia Easter Egg Hunt is on from 9.40am to 5pm in Rosalind Park on Good Friday April 7 with some limited tickets still available, so you’re advised to book now.
The popular Paw Patrol will entertain children on the Fosterville Gold main stage at 11.15am and 1.45pm on Saturday April 8. There’s a meet and greet at 12.15pm. Festival premium sponsor Fosterville Gold Mine will be hosting a gold panning activity in the park.
The creator behind House of Mirrors will unveil a new installation, Kaleidoscope, a mesmerising mix of light and sound in a mirror maze, which will be in Rosalind Park (for the whole of April). This is a ticketed event and booking is required either online or on the door.
Fans of the Rotary Market can head to Pall Mall and Easter Fair Way (near Park Road) from 9am to 4pm on Good Friday April 7 and then at Easter Fair Way from 9am to 4pm on Easter Sunday April 9 (due to the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade taking place at 12.30pm at Pall Mall).
From Good Friday to Easter Sunday, the Bendigo Bank Carnival Central at Mundy Street will bring the thrill of the rides and sideshow alley games to entertain the whole family.
A variety of smaller community-run events will take place on Easter Monday April 10. The Bendigo Easter Fair Society is for the first time hosting a Family Day at Lake Weeroona from 10am to 3pm on Easter Monday with performances, a kids’ zone, carnival rides, market stalls and food trucks.
“Thank you to staff at the City of Greater Bendigo for planning and organising the logistics to ensure the festival runs smoothly. I would also like to express my appreciation to the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, our premium sponsor Fosterville Gold Mine and valued sponsors, our Easter volunteers and community groups who all contribute to our magnificent homegrown festival,” Cr Fyffe said.
“The Bendigo Easter Festival is a big draw attracting around 80,000 people across the duration of the festival.
“With cheaper tickets for regional train travellers available during the Easter holidays, this is a perfect opportunity to invite family and friends to visit Bendigo and experience one of Australia’s longest-running community festivals.”
The full program is available now so you can plan your Easter and invite family and friends to share in the festivities, visit: https://www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au/