By Jill Innamorati-Varley
Actor Tara Morice of Strictly Ballroom opened Canberra’s annual spring flower show in Floriade on Saturday (September 13) to mark this year’s theme, ‘Films that shaped our nation’.
Tara Morice opens the Floriade flower festival
On display are more than one million blooms planted in a riot of colours to depict 21 nation-shaping films, including Crocodile Dundee, Muriel’s Wedding, Happy Feet, Strictly Ballroom, Gallipoli, Kenny, Babe and The Adventures of Priscilla, Queen of the Desert.
The festival runs from September 13 to October 12 and offers such diversions as 3D installations in the garden beds, live duck fashion parades and a selection of Australian film screenings.
The Floriade Flower Festival in Canberra
The 21st consecutive festival also introduces NightFest, an after-dark component of the festival that will run for five nights commencing September 24.
“NightFest is being introduced to honour Floriade’s 21st birthday when Commonwealth Park will be transformed into a mass of twinkling fairy lights, floodlit flower beds and glowing lanterns,” said Australian Capital Tourism general manager, Simonne Shepherd.
“There’ll be amazing live entertainment, short film programs, night markets, a funky outdoor NightFest Glow Bar, take-away gourmet picnic hampers and a Saturday night extravaganza with Strictly Ballroom and big band music.”
Added Canberra Convention Bureau’s CEO, Robyn Hendry: “The creativity and expertise that goes into creating Floriade is indicative of what conference and event planners can expect when they hold an event in Canberra.”
For more information call 02 6247 7500 or email enquiry@canberraconvention.com.au.
