Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival launches with a fantastic program

Published on 06 January 2022

There is so much to see and do in the Macedon Ranges and the region’s Autumn Festival is one of the newest features of the Victorian events calendar.

Planning for the 2022 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival (26 March to 25 April) is charging ahead, promising a fantastic program that celebrates the area’s uniqueness with events, activities, nature experiences, autumn produce and creativity across the shire.

Highlights of the festival include two works commissioned through Council’s Autumn Festival Artistic Experience expression of interest.

The successful works are an interactive sound and lighting experience in the Malmsbury Botanical Gardens titled 'A Journey', and a pair of gentle life-like puppets ‘The Gardeners’, that will entertain audiences in various locations during the festival.

Local artists Kirri Buchler, Thomas Campbell and indigenous artist Tashara Roberts (Dja Dja Wurrung/Yorta Yorta) will create an interactive sound and lighting experience in the Malmsbury Botanical Garden. The work will transport audiences as they contemplate the commonality of 'journey' — our own, each other's and that of nature.

For big and little kids, the gentle Gardeners will appear at the shire's markets, bringing gifts from the harvest to share with everyone they meet. These life-like creatures are designed by local puppeteers Tamara Rewse and Hamish Fletcher.

Along with the events program, the region's food and wine businesses will be front and centre presenting the best of the Macedon Ranges' local produce via the Eat and Drink promotions and the Autumn Pie and Tart Trail.

Mayor, Cr Jennifer Anderson is looking forward to the upcoming festival’s diverse offerings and thanked local business and community groups for responding to the call to get involved.

"This is a wonderful opportunity for our community to reconnect, to encourage visitors back to the Macedon Ranges and support businesses that have had a challenging time over the last two years.”

"We'd particularly like to thank our major sponsors TCC Real Estate, Macedon Ranges Home Furnishings, The Block, Channel Nine and the Victorian State Government for their amazing support of the festival," she said.

The new website will help visitors and locals plan their festival experience and book the many events and culinary delights on offer.

More information: 2022 Macedon Ranges Autumn Festival

It’s not too late to get on the program. Submit your autumn inspired activity, food or drink to be considered.