In 2016, the festival has come to be a reminder of the city’s great history, and a time where the public can engage with our most historical buildings and parks. Serving as a great attraction to outer-suburbs and Melbourne dwellers, Bendigo’s Easter Festival offers a vast range of entertainment, opening the three-day festival with a Vision Australia Easter Egg hunt for the young children of Bendigo as they search to find the tastiest treat. Over the span of three days, the festival offers a variety of activities that promises fun and entertainment for the whole family. Beginning on Good Friday after the traditional egg hunt, the festival offers street and stage performances, food and drink vans and stalls, markets and much more.
Saturday sees the fun continue in one of Bendigo’s most popular tourist destinations, established during the gold rush, Rosalind Park. With giant characters roving the park, interactive music and dance workshops, an animal farm and even a bonsai tree expedition, there is plenty for the community to see and enjoy. More for the adults; live music, local art and the popular Rotary market will take place in the Bendigo CBD from 10am onwards into the night.
Thousands line the streets on Easter Sunday to watch the vibrant display of colour in the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade as the ‘Sun Loong’ Imperial Chinese Dragon weaves its way through the streets of Bendigo, and the bedazzled creations of Bendigo locals, youth groups, businesses and organisations are shown off to the public.
With the community coming together and celebrating, away from reality’s responsibilities, the Bendigo Easter Festival creates magic for all who are there to see it.