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One of the country’s biggest fashion icons – Charlotte Smith – returns to Ballarat Heritage Weekend.

This year, Charlotte Smith surrounds herself with some of Australia’s most exciting entertainers as well as a dazzling selection of vintage fashion from her private collection – The Charlotte Smith Fashion Collection.  

Join Charlotte at the Civic Hall on Saturday as she shows off the finest examples of outfits from the twenties during her extremely popular fashion shows. You will also have the chance to see The Sydney Swing Katz, who will be performing Gatsby dance classics like the Charleston and the Foxtrot.

On Saturday evening, Charlotte will join magician Adam Mada’s at the Coffee Exchange by Mr Black event – a glamorous party where cocktails will flow and a parade of sixties jewel-encrusted hostess gowns will take your breath away.  

On Sunday, Brodie Harper will be the celebrity model for Charlotte’s fashion shows. The ‘Postcards’ presenter will also join Charlotte for her ‘In Conversation’ segment.

Entry to the Civic Hall is free, with Charlotte’s fashion shows taking place at 2pm on Saturday and, 11.30am and 3pm on Sunday.  

Other Ballarat Heritage Weekend 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 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

Ballarat Heritage Weekend at the Bridge Mall Ballarat’s Bridge Mall will transform into a pop-up museum between 11am and 3pm this Sunday. Highlights of the day include classic car displays (featuring a 1923 T Model Ford), vintage underwear collection and handmade aprons showcase, high tea and Devonshire tea and plenty of live entertainment.

Ballarat's Beard & Stache Competition This iconic event continues to grow like the glorious hair on everyone’s chin, and it’s going to be bigger and better than ever with more categories and more fun – you won’t want to miss this! When: Saturday Where: Hop Temple, Hop Lane Time: From 12noon Cost: Free Register: ballaratheritageweekend.com/beard-competition/

Ballarat Lifestyle Magazine Tweed Ride The Tweed Ride is one of the most popular events on the Ballarat Heritage Weekend program. Dress in your best tweed and ride through Ballarat’s beautiful streets while listening to some of the amazing stories of city’s unique and iconic architecture. When: Sunday 26 May Where: Departs Pipers by the Lake, Wendouree Parade, Lake Wendouree Time: 11am Book: ballaratlifestylemagazine.com.au/tweed-ride

Queer History Tour Join Tom Hodgson (Tales from Rat City podcast) and Alex Bayley (independent queer historian) on a tour of Ballarat’s queer history, focusing on the gold rush period and little-known stories of Ballarat’s same-sex attracted and gender diverse past. Where: Tour starts at the Queen Victoria Statue opposite Town Hall When: Saturday 25 May & Sunday 26 May Time: 2.30pm Cost: $5 (supports Ballarat Frolic Festival) Book here 

Stardust & The Mission The Space Company presents a double bill of documentary theatre: ‘Stardust’ and ‘The Mission’, starring multi award-winning ABC presenter and performer Joel Carnegie, award winning actor Tom Molyneux and the Creswick Brass. Hear of the unforgettable stories about love, music and war, and all the things that people leave behind. When: Saturday 25 May Where: The Minerva Space, Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute Time: 2pm & 7.30pm Cost: $35 Adult, $32 Concession, $30 Her Maj Member, $15 Child Bookings: hermaj.com/events/mission

For the full program visit ballaratheritageweekend.com