Ballarat Heritage Festival

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WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND AT THE BALLARAT HERITAGE FESTIVAL

- Parrwang Lifts the Sky by Victorian Opera
- Victorian Pinup Pageant
- Heritage Harvest Weekend at Sovereign Hill
- Steam Train Rides
- Heritage Harvest lunch at Babae Restaurant
- Ballarat Heritage Raceday
- Bootmaking workshop tours
- Dog beard and stache competition
- Craft Lab 24
- And so much more!

For the full program visit ballaratheritagefestival.com.au

Heritage Harvest Weekend at Sovereign Hill is a celebration of autumnal flavours, rustic food, and traditional culinary practices brought to the Goldfields from around the world but with a modern twist.

The weekend-long foodie takeover will see Julie Goodwin and Darren Purchese present live demonstrations, Q&A sessions, and meet and greet sessions hosted by guest moderator Kara Monseen, Herald Sun food and wine editor.

Over 30 producers and artisans will transform Sovereign Hill into a food-lovers feast with a village market stocked with quality wares from the region, live demonstrations of traditional crafts and cooking along Main Street, special kids’ activities to inspire the little ones, as well as cooking and craft sessions hosted by the Country Women’s Association.

For more event details and to purchase tickets visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/heritage-harvest-weekend-at-sovereign-hill

It's a different kind of today! ⏪

The Ballarat Heritage Festival explores the hidden treasures and untold stories of the region's history and its people.

To celebrate, Ballarat Archives Centre staff have put together fascinating online stories of Ballarat's past including: a history of the Ballarat Municipal Observatory, a profile of the 'Midas Princess', and the sad tales of the collapse at Cardigan Mine and a grisly Ballarat crime.

Explore these stories and more: https://prov.vic.gov.au/ballarat-heritage-festival

Steamrail Victoria invites you to ride historical steam shuttles at Ballarat - featuring two heritage steam locomotives as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

Wave to the Ballarat locals and the lineside photographers while they take you back in time aboard The Vintage Train. The shuttle trips run 18km to the tiny country town of Lal Lal. Stopping just out of town, the train will then return you to Ballarat Station, passing high speed V/Line trains on the approach to Ballarat.

One-way trains will also be operating between Melbourne and Ballarat. Experience regional travel, 1920’s style.

Tickets on sale now >https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/ballarat-steam-train-rides

The Victorian Pinup Pageant, a segment of the Australian Pinup Pageant, is a fantastic celebration of all things pinup. Whether you’re a novice or experienced competitor, all are welcome to showcase their personal best in categories like Rockabilly, Psychobilly, Geekabilly, Retrobilly, Glamourbilly, and even Couple-o-billy’s. In an inclusive environment.

This pageant is all about promoting confidence, self-awareness, and equality in a fun and inclusive space. They welcome individuals of all abilities, identities, and ethnicities to participate and showcase their love for the fashion and music of yesteryear. It’s a great way to connect with the diverse community and have a blast while doing it!

Entry is Free, though a Gold Coin Donation is appreciated. For full event details visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/victorian-pinup-pageant-2024

Australian Author and renowned storyteller performer, Jackie Kerin, and violinist musician, Sarah Depasquale, will be performing the story of Nathaniel Bagshaw Ward and the story of his invention The Wardian Case.

This revolutionary little case changed the way plants were transported successfully by sea for 100 years. Hence the unique collection of beautiful heritage ‘centurion’ trees in the Botanical Gardens today.

This will be followed by a nature craft activity. Presented by Botanikids, Friends of Ballarat Botanical Gardens.

For more information visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/the-amazing-story-of-the-wardian-case

Cap off festival evenings by savouring globally renowned outdoor video installation Monuments by Australian artist Craig Walsh.

Moving images will be projected onto the trees lining Ballarat’s picturesque Sturt Street with the installation’s subjects drawn from the city’s recent and not-so-recent past, including First Nations artist, poet and singer Barry Gilson as well as Charles Zhang from the Chinese Australian Society of Ballarat.

When: Friday 17 to Sunday 26 May
Where: Sturt Street, Ballarat CBD
Cost: Free

As per the map in the comments below you can find:
Terry Frangos right outside his restaurant at 315-317 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350 or Google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/6VZAqgQRRtFJ2oSY9

Barry Gilson right outside of the Ballarat Town Hall at 225 Sturt St, Ballarat Central VIC 3350 or Google link https://maps.app.goo.gl/4iFZ55sBURxQCiqv6

Charles Zhang is on the corner of Camp St and Sturt Street, Ballarat Central VIC 3350 or Google link: https://maps.app.goo.gl/ndQSZ25p9nfnzDiGA

Image:

Select from a menu of curated entrees for a uniquely Ballarat creative experience, featuring Craft Lab 24 exhibitors and celebrated Centre for Rare Arts & Forgotten Trades alumni – and then enjoy some light refreshments and an exploration of the Rare Trades Centre workshop spaces.

Step into the diverse world of artisans’ practice and explore how objects of beauty and purpose are created. Join Tapestry Weaver Tim Gresham, Botanical Bead Maker Shalome Lateef, Furrier Myleah Bailey, Lace Maker Lindy de Wijn or Textile and Paper Artist Anzara Clark for a hands-on experience.

This event is a collaboration between Craft Lab 24 and the Rare Trades Centre, presented as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

Book now as tickets are selling fast! To book visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/program/craft-lab

THIS WEEKEND

Vintage Vibes Weekend held during the Ballarat Heritage Festival is on this weekend. Including stalls and vintage cars, and on the Saturday night enjoy Jake and The Cadillacs Rockabilly Dance.

Free event to enter during the day, though a Gold Coin Donation is appreciated.

For full event details visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/vintage-vibes-weekend

Step into a time capsule of craftsmanship and nostalgia as you encounter “Mrs Muller, Umbrella and Parasol Maker” an immersive installation that transports visitors back to the bustling streets of the 19th century.

Situated within a quaint corner of Collins Booksellers on Lydiard – the original location of Mrs Muller’s store – this installation invites audiences to witness the artistry and storytelling prowess of an umbrella maker from a bygone era.

Mrs Muller will be in residence at the following times:

Saturday May 18, 10.30 – 11.30am

Sunday May 19, 10.30 – 11.30am

Saturday May 25, 1.30 – 2.30pm

Sunday May 26, 1.30 – 2.30pm

A static display will be set up for the duration of the Ballarat Heritage Festival for patrons to visit and discover information about Mrs Muller. For more information visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/meet-mrs-muller-umbrella-and-parasol-maker-for-ballarats-golden-era

Join the team at Kilderkin Distillery for a trip – or should they say tipple – back in time during the Ballarat Heritage Festival. Explore the history of cocktail making accompanied by a hands on experience making and enjoying two cocktails carefully selected from bygone eras.

Cravats, parasols and other accoutrements from yesteryear are not necessary but greatly appreciated.

This event is for participants 18 years and older. To book visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/cocktails-of-yesteryear

ON TODAY

Join the Ballarat Classic and Vintage Car club for a cavalcade of Historic vehicles, motorbikes and caravans hosted against the historic backdrop of Lydiard Street.

Sunday 19 May
10am - 3pm
Lydiard Street, Ballarat CBD

Full event details > https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/.../vintage-car-show

The past and the present will collide at Babae Ballarat's Heritage Harvest Lunch this month.

Curated by culinary director Tim Foster and head chef Hunter Tacuyan, the five-course lunch will showcase time-honoured techniques, heirloom varieties and flavoured memories in Babae's contemporary style.

And listen to Hotel Vera Ballarat owner David Cook-Doulton share the heritage building's contemporary restoration journey.

Part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival, this special lunch will be held on Sunday 19 May and Sunday 26 May at the Sturt St hotel.

Find out more at ballaratheritagefestival.com.au

Explore tales of the weird and supernatural – the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute at night.

This beautiful heritage building dates back to the 1860s and boasts a fascinating history that is just waiting to be explored. During these tours, you’ll have the opportunity to immerse yourself in the history of the Ballaarat Mechanics Institute, exploring the library’s impressive collection of rare books and manuscripts, and learn about the building’s original purpose as a hub for scientific and technological education. And make sure to check out the basement, which is steeped in mystery and intrigue – you never know what secrets you might uncover!

Led by expert guides who are passionate about the building’s history, these tours will leave you with a newfound appreciation for the rich cultural heritage of Ballarat.

Book your tickets today and get ready to step back in time > https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/minervas-secrets-night-tours-ballarat-heritage-festival

WHAT'S ON THIS WEEKEND AT THE BALLARAT HERITAGE FESTIVAL

- Ballarat Tweed Ride and Fair
- Introductory blacksmithing at the Rare Trades Centre
- Craft Lab 24
- Vintage Car Show
- Ballarat Town Hall After Dark Tour
- Ballarat Old Goal Tours
- Ballarat Antique Fair
- Old Time Fun at Maze House
- The Original Recycler at Creswick Woollen Mills
- Heritage Beer Making at Aunty Jacks
- Ballarat Q***r Stories Art Show
- Back of House Collections Tour at Australian Centre for Gold Rush Collections
- Joan Ross: Let's Party likes it's 1815 at the Art Gallery of Ballarat
- And so much more!

For the full program visit ballaratheritagefestival.com.au

Explore underground locations, hidden alleys and heritage buildings.

- Ballarat Town Hall After Dark tour
- Ballarat Old Goal tour
- Mount Mitchell Estate tour
- City Tales and Hidden Lanes
- Fashion and Textiles Collection tour
- Back of House Collections tour
- And more!

For a full list of tours visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/program/tours

BALLARAT HERITAGE RACEDAY

The heritage and history of the historic Ballarat Turf Club will be showcased by various displays and interactive events across the racecourse.

In conjunction with displays and activities, patrons will be treated to a thrilling eight race program featuring thundering thoroughbreds on track.

Attractions featured will include Author Robert Drewe, offering a reading and signing of his legendary book Nimblefoot, a historic car display, Vintage Fashions on the Field on the catwalk, local artist displays, a gin pop up bar and an array of historic racing memorabilia including trophies and photographs form days gone by.

For event information and to book your tickets click here > https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/ballarat-heritage-raceday

Join the team at Creswick Woollen Mills to celebrate the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

Meet ‘Legends of Recycling’ as local Hepburn Shire residents spin a yarn of how a little village in regional Australia became world experts in recycling end-of-life textiles into soft and durable fabrics, rugs and blankets.

Complimentary fibre packs, take away your very own thread of history. Perfect for ‘show and tell’ to all your friends and family and classmates.

Free Entry to their interactive exhibition A Very Fine Yarn. For full event details visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/creswick-woollen-mills-the-original-recycler-ballarat-heritage-weekend

FESTIVAL MAP

Planning your festival weekend? Download the 2024 festival map here > https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/festival-map

What's on at the Eureka Centre Ballarat during the Ballarat Heritage Festival:

- Colonial radicalism and democratic equality: A public talk by professor Marilyn Lake AO (Friday 17 May)
- The lost Irish women of Eureka, panel discussion (Sunday 19 May)
- A new gold rush: Our world heritage bid, panel discussion (Wednesday 22 May)
- Ballarat's Jewish Heritage (Thursday 23 May)

For full details on each event visit ballaratheritagefestival.com.au

Celebrate the heritage of Barkly Square and Ballarat East Town Hall Gardens, as part of the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

Visit the chrysanthemum flower show, historic photographic exhibition, garden tea party with music, choir and dance performances, Chinese cultural displays, flower workshops, catering and more.

For full event details visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/ballarat-east-heritage-garden-party

Ballarat’s annual Tweed Ride is a cycling event of style, at a leisurely pace through the autumn streets, with fashion awards and fun.

A Tweed Ride is a bike ride where a group of cyclists dress in historic and vintage attire and ride through local city streets. Tweed Ride events are held all around the world.

The Ballarat Tweed Ride has been running annually since 2012. The riders take a leisurely pedal or scoot around Ballarat’s autumn streets. The pace is relaxed, the company is light-hearted and the route is flat. The complete ride route will be around 3km long with the opportunity for less experienced or fit riders to take breaks and pause easily.

Spectators are very welcome along the ride route, or at the Tweed Fair location, where the ride will begin and end. The ride will begin after a presentation of fashion award rosettes for the best-dressed riders and participants at the Tweed Fair. All bikes are welcome on a Tweed Ride but vintage and interesting bikes aren’t just welcomed, they are celebrated.

The Tweed Fair and Dance at the Cathedral Hall, Dawson Street South with a dancefloor, fashion parade, pantomime, refreshments and sweet treats, handmade bespoke items and vintage collectable stalls.

Register here > https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/ballarat-tweed-ride-and-fair

Listen to experts, creatives and more at a number of talks during the Ballarat Heritage Festival.

- The lost Irish women of Eureka
- Ballarat's Jewish Heritage
- The Oddie Lecture
- Twilight Talks: Not the last picture
- And more!

For a full list of talks visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/program/talks

Cap off festival evenings by savouring globally renowned outdoor video installation Monuments by Australian artist Craig Walsh. Moving images will be projected onto the trees lining Ballarat’s picturesque Sturt Street with the installation’s subjects drawn from the city’s recent and not-so-recent past, including First Nations artist, poet and singer Barry Gilson as well as Charles Zhang from the Chinese Australian Society of Ballarat.

When: Friday 17 to Sunday 26 May
Where: Sturt Street, Ballarat CBD
Cost: Free

Step back in time for an afternoon in the picturesque Barkly Square Gardens, formerly known as the historic Ballarat East Town Hall Gardens.

Dress in your finest vintage attire, enjoy a performance of popular songs from the late 19th century by Amie Brûlée, stroll through the gardens, admire the flower display and relax with a delicious garden-themed afternoon tea.

Bring your family and friends for a delightful afternoon of nostalgia, floral delight, and the charms of yesteryear.

For event information visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/fashion-and-flowers-afternoon-tea

BALLARAT TOWN HALL AFTER DARK TOUR

The Ballarat Town hall is not only one of the most iconic structures in Ballarat’s historic architectural landscape, it is also a building steeped in unusual and uncanny events.

This is your opportunity to explore this magnificent facility after dark like never before with Ballarat’s expert dark history researcher, Nathaniel Buchanan, creator of the Ballarat Ghost Tour and the intimidating Aradale Asylum Ghost Tour.

To book visit https://ballaratheritagefestival.com.au/explore/ballarat-town-hall-after-dark-tour