Lucy Robinson
Updated on: October 11, 2024 1:47 am GMT
The 37th Floriade is set to bloom this weekend in Commonwealth Park, marking a highly anticipated gathering for flower enthusiasts and the Canberra community. After 18 months of preparation, head gardener Tim Howard and his team are ready to welcome visitors to the ACT’s largest annual event, showcasing 480,000 tulip bulbs and 520,000 annuals across 13 meticulously designed garden beds. Despite recent warm temperatures causing some plants to bloom prematurely, Howard remains optimistic about this year’s display.
Floriade 2024: A Celebration of Art and Nature
This year’s Floriade theme, “Art in Bloom,” promises a vibrant visual experience that blends the beauty of flowers with artistic expression. One garden bed has been designed to resemble Vincent Van Gogh’s famous painting, “Starry Night,” while another features a musical score crafted in colorful blooms. Howard emphasized the striking color combinations, using yellows, reds, and purples that stand out more than ever. Visitors are encouraged to return throughout the four-week event to witness the evolving beauty of the park.
Expected Attendance and Economic Impact
Chief Minister Andrew Barr expressed his optimism regarding the festival’s potential attendance and economic contributions. With expectations of over 450,000 visitors, Floriade is projected to generate more than $50 million for the local economy. Last year, the event attracted 433,271 visitors and contributed $51.1 million. The previous record of 507,550 attendees was set in 2019, underscoring the festival’s place as a key driver of tourism in the ACT.
Future Changes to Floriade
During the festival’s opening, Barr mentioned potential adjustments for future events to reflect changing climate conditions. Discussions are underway to evaluate the festival’s scheduling, possibly shifting it by a week to better align with seasonal patterns. “We’ll see how we go over this month and take some advice from horticulturists on that,” he noted, emphasizing a need to adapt to the environmental shifts impacting garden displays.
Infrastructure Improvements Under Consideration
The ACT Government is in talks with the National Capital Authority (NCA) to explore the installation of permanent infrastructure in Commonwealth Park aimed at streamlining Floriade and other events. Barr highlighted the high costs associated with setting up temporary facilities, suggesting that permanent installations could lead to significant savings over time. “I would hope that the federal government would see the benefit in a relatively modest investment on their part to support not only Floriade but also the NCA and Commonwealth Park,” he added.
Event Details and Opportunities for Engagement
Floriade 2024 will be open daily from September 14 to October 13, 2024, from 9:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. The festival will also feature NightFest, running from 6:30 to 10:30 p.m. from October 3 to October 6, with several shows specifically catering to adult audiences. The festival will conclude with the “Great Big Bulb Dig” on October 14, with proceeds benefiting local charities, including Roundabout Canberra and the Indigenous Marathon Foundation.
If you want to know more about Floriade’s events, tickets for NightFest, and details like parking and shuttle services, you can check out the official Floriade Australia website.
