News Alert |

For centuries fire has been used to tell stories.

This Heritage Weekend we’re tapping into this form of storytelling to bring to life history and heritage of Ballarat.

The CBD will be scattered with a range of fire pits, barrels and installations for you to explore as you wander around the city’s streets and laneways.

Expert storytellers will be on hand providing explorers with a detailed account of the history and heritage of Ballarat, using fire as a medium for discussion.

This Heritage Weekend we will also celebrate the history, cultures and stories of Aboriginal peoples with a unique and diverse range of offerings and exhibitions.

While we will be extending what’s on offer into the night, all the Heritage Weekend favourites are returning.

Highlights:

History Ablaze As the sun goes down on Saturday evening, Ballarat will burn brightly during Ballarat Heritage Weekend. The streets, laneways and stories of this gorgeous city will be brought to life with fire pits, fire displays and entertainment. When: Saturday 25 May Where: Various locations – Armstrong Street North, Lydiard Street North and Alfred Deakin Place, Camp Street Time: from 5.30pm Cost: free

Aboriginal Short Film Festival and Gathering The off-street carpark in Armstrong Street North will be transformed into a celebration of Aboriginal cultures with a range of fire pits, yarning circles, entertainment and a short film festival. When: Saturday Where: Armstrong Street North carpark Time: 5.30pm onwards Cost: Free

Aboriginal Cultural Exhibition at the BMI The Humffray Room at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute will house an educational and interactive exhibition where you can immerse yourself in the history and heritage of Victoria’s Aboriginal people and enjoy some bush tea and other authentic and unique culinary experiences. When: Saturday & Sunday Where: Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute, The Humffray Room (Level 1) Time: 10am – 5pm Cost: Free

The Charlotte Smith Collection Be dazzled this year as Charlotte Smith surrounds herself with some of Australia’s most exciting entertainers as well as a selection of vintage fashion from her private collection. When: Saturday & Sunday Where: Civic Hall, Mair Street Time: Saturday 2pm and Sunday – 11.30am & 3pm

Ballarat Apron Festival Town Hall After Dark Tours by Eerie Tours Stardust and The Mission Food in Focus with Peter Ford Milk Bar & Co The Tea Trolley Coffee Exchange by Mr Black Swing Katz Adam Mada Magician Ballarat’s Beard and Stache Competition Ballarat Lifestyle Magazine Tweed Ride Steam Trains Horse & Carriage rides

This year’s Heritage Weekend, which is presented by the City of Ballarat, takes place over 26-26 May.

To view the full program or for more information about Heritage Weekend, visit: ballaratheritageweekend.com

Quotes attributable to Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh:

“When we started thinking about what we could offer this Heritage Weekend it made sense to embrace everything that makes Ballarat so unique.

With that in mind, we’re shifting the focus this year to one of storytelling and experience.

While all the Heritage Weekend favourites are returning, we’re extending what’s on offer late into the night.

This year we’re tapping into fire to tell our stories. Think fire pits and barrels, authentic Ballarat stories revisited and told in a unique way, and let’s not forget our Wadawurrung heritage – a theme which will feature throughout the weekend.”