With the theme ‘Past, Present, Future’, the festival promises diverse activities, embodying the city’s vibrant spirit.
Benalla Mayor Bernie Hearn said she was enthusiastic about this year’s festival line-up.
“The Benalla Festival has always been a testament to our community’s unity and creativity,” Cr Hearn said.
“This year, we are delving into our roots, celebrating our present achievements and looking forward to the possibilities that lie ahead.
“It’s an event that truly showcases the heart and soul of Benalla and our surrounding communities.”
Benalla Festival Advisory Committee chair Cr Justin King thanked major sponsors Benalla Rural City Council, Extons and Wangaratta-Benalla Motor Group for their generous support.
Other sponsors include Benalla Travel, Benalla Veterinary Clinic, Boumeester’s Bakery, Graeme Currie Electrical, Jenny Milner-Marsha Watson Pharmacy, Miller’s Benalla, RBR Refrigeration, Tree House Conveyancing, Smith Dosser Accountants, the TAC L2P Program and Winton Wetlands.
The 2023 Benalla Festival commences with an enchanting Diwali celebration at the Mural on November 3, promising a night of vibrant celebrations, music, dance, laser light projections and delectable South Asian cuisine.
“This sets the tone for the first weekend with diverse activities that focus on our rural communities,” Cr Hearn said.
First-week events include:
- Samaria Rose Farm Open Day
- Riverview Classic Holden Collection
- Tatong Tavern Twilight Garden Party
- Tatong Market and More
- Devenish Market
- Devenish Silo Art of Honour
- Benalla Auto Club open day at Winton Motor Raceway
- Broken Creek Pop-Up Choir
- Movie and scones at Swanpool Cinema
- Craft Market and afternoon tea at the Benalla CWA
- Open gardens and more.
The first weekend of events culminates with the Moorngag Music Stage and Hot Air Balloon Night Glow.
At this event, the Balloon Association of Victoria will transform the night skies of Moorngag with hot air balloons. There will also be live music by local talented musicians.
For the final weekend (November 10 to 12 ), festivities will focus on Benalla, including two events on Friday, a special children’s story time at Benalla Library themed ‘Past, Present, Future’, followed by a ‘FReeZA — Live music at The Shed’ event for 12- to 19-year-olds.
Adults can enjoy Frock Up Friday at the Benalla Art Gallery.
Bookings are essential for these free events.
Coinciding with Taro Liyama’s incredible cardboard platypus installation, the Benalla Art Gallery is also hosting a talk by Geoff Williams from the Australian Platypus Conservancy, followed by a walk around Lake Benalla.
Across Saturday and Sunday, the events keep coming, with a Remembrance Day Service at Benalla’s Cenotaph, the Champions League Basketball 3X3, Benalla Golf Club November Tournament, Yarrawonga Cup at Benalla Racing Club, A Day In The Gardens Market and the much-anticipated Benalla National and International Short Film Festival.
Room at the Table is putting on a free afternoon of boardgames at Brick by Brick, Marangan Masonic Centre will hold an open day, there will be performances by Live Art Benalla at the Mural, Today Tomorrow is holding a Scavenger Hunt and the Airport Precinct is hosting an Open Day.
On the final Saturday, Bridge St will be closed as Wangaratta and Benalla Motor Group hosts a show and shine themed ‘Past; Present; Future’.
This will be followed by the much-loved Benalla by the Lake entertainment, a community party featuring live music, children’s activities, a spectacular fireworks display, food trucks, a licensed bar and more.
Cr Hearn said the Benalla Festival was an opportunity for us to come together, celebrate our shared history and embrace the future with optimism.
“I encourage everyone to join us in this celebration of community and culture,” she said.
For detailed event information and updates, visit the official festival website at www.benallafestival.com.au/
