Floriade set to bloom in Canberra
Canberra’s fabulous flower show, Floriade is back again in September but with some exciting changes.
Celebrating its 30th anniversary, the iconic flower show will ‘rejuvenate’ the capital this spring, with new event additions and improvements. Floriade is the Southern Hemisphere’s largest flower show and takes place in Commonwealth Park.
What’s New
The introduction of an evening opening concert on September 15 champions the changes. The inaugural Floriade Twilight Concert, presented by Singapore Airlines, will feature an open air musical performance by The David Bowie Tribute band supported by the Canberra Symphony Orchestra. This ticketed event offers an exclusive opportunity for visitors to see the 2017 flowerbed designs before the gates officially open.
Eighteen months in the making, this year’s garden bed designs will feature more flowers planted across new spaces within Commonwealth Park and will showcase the best performing and favourite designs since the inception of the event.
New opening hours of 10am – 7pm, will allow visitors to take full advantage of more than one million flowers in full bloom, as well as an impressive program of events and activities, and twilight entertainment.
Doubling the fun, and by popular request, Floriade’s after-dark experience, NightFest will run across two separate weekend dates of September 22-24 September and September 29– October 1, from 8pm – 11pm each night.
Across the two weekends, NightFest will feature an increased offering of lighting designs and interactive installations. Further to this, the program offers more live music, roving entertainment, local food and beverage options and a large new, designated stage for comedy performances.
Floriade also welcomes an extended sculpture garden, showcasing large artwork from local and national artists, integrated shopping and trader areas and increased kids’ activities which encourage children to explore, discover and play on their Floriade journey.
Charity Partners
In 2017, Floriade welcomes two new charity partners, the ACT chapter of GIVIT, a national not-for-profit matching public generosity with genuine need, in a private and safe way; and the National Breast Cancer Foundation, a charity 100% community funded and the only national body that funds life-changing breast cancer research.
Injecting approximately $40 million into the ACT economy across 30 days, Floriade is a key tourism driver for Canberra, welcoming close to half a million visitors to the event annually.
By consistently growing, changing and adapting Floriade, ensures that the event continues to hit the mark with visitors, maintaining its place as Australia’s premiere spring celebration.
Details
Further information is available via the website, www.floriadeaustralia.com
For other Canberra events, information on attractions and to book a stay, visit www.visitcanberra.com.au
