The program for the four-day festival, from March 30 to April 2, launched this morning.

“Easter is a special time in Bendigo and the Easter Festival is synonymous with all the best Bendigo has to offer,” festival reference group chair Cr Rod Fyffe said. 

“This year we have Kung Fu Panda live on stage on Saturday and the Vision Australia Easter Egg hunt will run on both Good Friday and Saturday, due to popular demand.

“We will have Gecko Sports holding mini Commonwealth Games, the CFA children’s carnival and Farmer Darryl’s animal farm.”

The Goldfields Library Storytelling Tree will make a return, and there will be lantern-making workshops in Rosalind Park.

A section of Mundy Street, between Lyttleton Terrace and McCrae Street, will be transformed into Carnival Central.

Cr Fyffe said the space would come alive with rides and sideshow attractions.

“Then of course there will be the Laser Electrical Torchlight Lantern Procession and Fireworks on Saturday night and the Bendigo Advertiser Gala Parade on Sunday, which are always crowd favourites,” he said.

“There are lots of great activities for kids of all ages, teenagers and adults.”

The gala parade on Easter Sunday marks Sun Loong’s final solo performance before he is joined by new dragon Dai Gum Loong.

A number of special events will take place during the Easter Festival, including the Bull St Music Festival, Emerge Cultural Hub, the Rotary Art and Craft Market, and the Freedom of Entry parade by the Australian Defence Force.

The 148^th Bendigo Easter Festival is sponsored by Bendigo TAFE.

The program is online at www.bendigoeasterfestival.org.au. Print copies are available from the Bendigo Visitor Centre and City of Greater Bendigo offices.

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