As the vibrant city of Bendigo gears up for its annual Easter Festival, the meticulous planning and coordination that bring this beloved event to life are well underway. Acting Major Events Coordinators, Jaime Cail and Jessica Dooley, offer an exclusive behind-the-scenes look into the year-long process that culminates in Bendigo's most anticipated celebration.

A Year-Round Commitment

Planning for the Bendigo Easter Festival is a continuous endeavor. "Once we finish one Easter and have successfully delivered that, we spend time doing debriefs with our stakeholders and internal teams, finalize accounts, and do report writing for council," explains Jaime. This period of reflection and evaluation is crucial for identifying areas of improvement. By May, consultations with stakeholders commence, focusing on potential changes to sites, facilities, infrastructure, and processes. The team then delves into curating the activities and entertainment program, ensuring a dynamic and engaging lineup for attendees.

Balancing Tradition and Innovation

A key aspect of the festival's success lies in its ability to honor longstanding traditions while embracing contemporary elements. Jessica emphasizes the importance of stakeholder engagement: "We do a lot of work with external stakeholders that have a really key piece to play in the festival, like the Bendigo Chinese Association." The festival strives to create a balanced program that introduces new and exciting attractions while preserving crowd favourites. This approach ensures inclusivity and accessibility across various age groups and demographics. Managing an event of this magnitude in Bendigo's CBD presents unique challenges. The team meticulously plans traffic management, road closures, and safety compliance to transform public spaces into areas capable of accommodating thousands of visitors.

"Holding it in an open space means there's a lot around risk and safety compliance that we have to work through," notes Jessica.

The Heartbeat of the Festival: The People and Our Community

The festival's success is deeply rooted in community involvement and volunteer support. Jaime highlights the extensive volunteer network: "We reach out to a number of schools, community groups, and organizations to gather volunteers." These dedicated individuals assist with various activities, from the Vision Australia Easter egg hunt to the Discovery Tent. Additionally, community groups like the Dragon City Marshals, Lions Clubs and Rotary Clubs play pivotal roles in the success of the festival. . The collaborative spirit extends to the City of Greater Bendigo staff. "Leading up to the festival, we are supported by a wider team from across the city," says Jaime. This collective effort fosters a sense of pride among those involved, contributing to the festival's iconic status. This effort and contribution is not limited to the people, it's also to the sponsors who make these events possible. “We are eternally grateful to Premium Sponsor Agnico Eagle Fosterville, Sheridan Homes, Gold FM, Bendigo Advertiser for their ongoing support and contribution” acknowledges Jaime.  

Anticipation Builds for this year’s festival

As the 2025 Bendigo Easter festival approaches, excitement is palpable. The Sherridon Homes Gala Parade on Easter Sunday remains a highlight, featuring Dai Gum Loong, the world's longest Imperial Dragon, weaving through Bendigo's historic streets. The La Trobe University Torchlight Procession on Saturday evening will commemorate the service of Rod Fyffe, OAM, culminating in a spectacular fireworks display. Other anticipated events include the Vision Australia Easter egg hunt, Rotary markets, and the Awakening of the Dragon ceremony, which celebrates Bendigo's rich Chinese heritage. Reflecting on the festival's evolution, Jaime notes, "Every year, there are things that we need to tweak to continually improve the experience for the patrons." This commitment to continuous improvement ensures that the festival remains relevant and enjoyable for both long-time attendees and newcomers.

A Legacy of Celebration

The Bendigo Easter Festival boasts a storied history, with its inaugural event held in 1871 to raise funds for the Benevolent Asylum and Hospital. Its enduring success has made it one of Australia's longest-running community festivals. Today, the City of Greater Bendigo coordinates the festival, with the Bendigo Easter Fair Society continuing to play a significant advisory role. For both locals and visitors, the festival offers a plethora of free entertainment and activities suitable for all ages. "It's a spectacular time of year in Bendigo," Jaime enthuses. The combination of traditional events, cultural celebrations, and family-friendly activities ensures that the Bendigo Easter Festival remains a cherished annual tradition. As preparations continue, the dedication and passion of the organizers, volunteers, and community members promise to make the 2025 Bendigo Easter Festival an unforgettable experience for all.