The City of Greater Bendigo is launching an exciting new program for this year's Bendigo Easter Festival which will take place from Good Friday April 7 to Easter Monday April 10.
Cr Rod Fyffe, who is on the Bendigo Easter Festival Reference Group, said the new look program brings together spectacular highlights, traditions and family fun for Bendigo's longest running community event.
"Our homegrown festival delivers an outstanding program where visitors and residents can experience living history, parades and wonderful cultural performances showcasing Bendigo's Chinese heritage, together with contemporary attractions and fun for all ages," Cr Fyffe said.
"It's important for the community to be aware that all the 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. Only smaller community-run events will continue to run on Easter Monday.
"The Vision Australia Egg Hunt featuring 85,000 Easter eggs will be on Good Friday April 7 in Rosalind Park. Tickets will go on sale on Thursday February 23 at https://www.bendigoregion.com.au/explore-bendigo so don't miss out.
"On Good Friday at 7.30pm, Bendigo's Passion Play The Way of the Cross will take place at Fosterville Gold Main Stage in Rosalind Park.
"The creator behind House of Mirrors will unveil a new ticketed installation, Kaleidoscope, a mesmerising mix of light and sound in a mirror maze, which will be on in Rosalind Park. This is a ticketed event.
"The Awakening of the Dragon is a festival favourite with a traditional celebration of lion and dragon dance presented by the Bendigo Chinese Association and visiting lions on Saturday April 8 from 2pm. Around 100,000 firecrackers are used to wake Dai Gum Loong from his slumber in preparation for his first solo appearance in the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade.
"O'Brien Plumbing and HVAC Torchlight Procession will light up our beautiful city on Saturday evening at 7pm and conclude with a dynamic firework display over Rosalind Park.
"The world's longest Imperial dragon Dai Gum Loong's first solo outing will be at this year's Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade weaving through View Street and Pall Mall on Easter Sunday from around 12.30pm.
"This is a highlight and wonderful festival tradition bringing together bands, cultural groups, school groups and Chinese lions.
"Rosalind Park is the epicentre for festivities with music, entertainment, food stalls and a superb range of family fun activities. The popular Paw Patrol will be back with another exciting performance on Saturday at the main stage at 11.15am and 1.45pm with a meet and greet at 12.15pm in Rosalind Park.
"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.
"The Rotary Market is always a great hit with festival patrons who are keen to browse the arts and craft, unique treasures, handmade items and delicious goodies. The market will be held at Pall Mall and Easter Fair Way (near Park Road) on Good Friday and at Easter Fair Way on Easter Sunday (due to the Gala Parade).
"On Easter Monday, there will be plenty to do on the public holiday with a variety of smaller community-run events. The Bendigo Easter Fair Society is for the first time hosting a Family Day at Lake Weeroona from 10am to 3pm with performances, a kids' zone, carnival rides, market stalls and food trucks.
"By releasing the program now, it allows people to plan ahead so you can attend all of your favourites. The Bendigo Easter Festival is a big draw attracting around 80,000 people across the duration of the festival.
"Creating a successful festival for the 21st century relies heavily on support from City of Greater Bendigo, Bendigo Easter Fair Society, volunteers, community groups and our incredible sponsors, including our premium sponsor Fosterville Gold Mine who will continue to be the main sponsor for the next three years.
"I thank them all for their highly valued support which enables us to deliver a fun and welcoming festival.
"As we prepare for this year's event, we are also calling for volunteers aged over 15 to help out at the festival in various roles. The minimum volunteer shift is four hours. You can volunteer for one or two shifts or more over the long weekend. Volunteers have a lot of fun being part of the festival."
The full program is available now so you can plan your Easter and invite family and friends to share in the festivities, visit: www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au
