A Bendigo resident with a history of involvement in pipe and brass bands has welcomed the news the Easter Gala Parade will again be held on Easter Monday.
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In 2020, a special four-day festival to celebrate the event’s 150th anniversary, will see the parade held on Easter Monday instead of Easter Sunday.
Chris Earl, a former brass band president, was a vocal opponent to changes at the start of the decade that saw the parade move to Easter Sunday.
The National Band Championships are always held over the Easter weekend, and the Australian Pipe Band Championships often fall on that same weekend, too.
It sometimes means bands have to choose between performing at the championships or participating in the parade.
“An Easter Monday parade maximises the opportunity for Bendigo to showcase its talents to the amazing crowds that come to the Bendigo Easter Festival each year,” Mr Earl said after the announcement.
He said the Easter Sunday format had limited opportunities for some local bands that might be representing the city on the national stage that same weekend.
Mr Earl said it gave the bands that had contributed so much to entertainment in the city over the years to participate in the festival.
Have your say: Do you have something to say about the changes to the Bendigo Easter festival? Send us a letter to the editor at bendigoadvertiser.com.au. All letters must include name, address and telephone number.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
