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Carnival rides will return to the streets of the Bendigo central business district during the city’s Easter festival this year.
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Rides normally at the Tom Flood Sports Centre will shift to Mundy Street, between Pall Mall and Lyttleton Terrace, in a move designed to make the festival more visible.
Deputy mayor and festival reference group chairman Rod Fyffe said the shift in location meant rides would sit at the heart of the festival precinct.
VicRoads and Victoria Police have approved the plans and will manage traffic to ensure pedestrians’ safe passage from one part of the festival to another.
“The reference group is continually looking for ways to improve the overall festival experience and we look forward to trialling this new location,” Cr Fyffe said.
There have been no rides in the CBD since 2009.
Victorian Showmen’s Guild president Max Laurie welcomed the decision, saying it was the result of ongoing conversations between his group and the City of Greater Bendigo.
His group abandoned the festival in 2015 because of the municipality’s increased rental charges for the Tom Flood sports facility.
It was the first time in 100 years show rides were canned.
“The Bendigo Easter Festival is one of Victoria’s oldest and most enduring festivals and the Showmen’s Guild wants to continue to be part of that history,” Mr Laurie said.
“We are very pleased with the offer to move back into the CBD and hope to make the return a great success.”