JOSPEH Lis’s favourite time of year.

With just days to go, anticipation is building for the return of the Morwell International Rose Garden Festival.

Now in its ninth year, the much-loved free event continues to attract visitors from across the region and beyond.

Set among the stunning Morwell Rose Garden – home to more than 4000 roses and cared for by the dedicated Friends of the Rose Garden volunteers, with assistance from Latrobe City Council’s City

Presentation team – the festival offers a unique opportunity to experience one of Latrobe City’s most iconic attractions in full bloom.

Fun: Becky Bubbles held a bubble workshop for all to enjoy at the Morwell International Rose Garden Festival. Photographs: Katrina Brandon

Latrobe City Mayor, Sharon Gibson said the festival was shaping up to be one of the biggest yet.

“The International Rose Garden Festival is a highlight of our region’s events calendar and a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty and vibrancy of Latrobe City,” Cr Gibson said.

“With an exciting program of entertainment, workshops and activities for all ages, there is truly something for everyone. I encourage the community and visitors to come along, experience the gardens in full bloom and enjoy everything the festival has to offer.”

This year’s program is packed with entertainment, activities and experiences. Crowd favourites Costa the Gnome, dirtgirl and scrapboy will return, joined by aerial acrobat show Bloom. New feature performances include the Fairy Julie Rainbow Unicorn Show and a wand making workshop.

Visitors can enjoy a lively atmosphere across the weekend, with market stalls, live music, food trucks, CWA Devonshire tea, children’s activities and a diverse workshop program.

Special guest: The time-honoured Morwell Rose Garden Festival is on this weekend. Renowned gardener Costa Georgiadis will again be present.
Photograph: Katrina Brandon

Hands-on experiences include bush tucker cooking demonstrations, resin pouring workshops, and a cut rose competition.

In the lead up to the event, there will be paint and sip sessions and a sound bowl healing event.

Bookings are still available for the vintage steam train, departing Newport and collecting passengers at Southern Cross, Flinders Street, Caulfield, Dandenong and Pakenham before arriving in Morwell. The train returns to Melbourne after the festival.

A highlight of the festival, the AGL Loy Yang Night Lights installation will once again transform the gardens from 6.30pm to 9.30pm on both Friday and Saturday evenings, featuring illuminated displays, roving performers and pop-up attractions in a magical night time setting.

Patronage: Despite the rain, hundreds of people enjoyed the Morwell International Rose Garden Festival at the weekend.

Festivalgoers are also encouraged to explore Morwell beyond the gardens, with a range of free satellite events on Saturday, including open days at local attractions such as PowerWorks,

Old Gippstown, the Morwell CFA, the Maltese Museum and self-guided tours.

Festival hours run from 6.30pm-9.30pm on Friday, November 6, and from 11am-9.30pm on Saturday, November 7, offering a full program of daytime and evening experiences.

With the event just around the corner, now is the time to plan your visit.

For the full program, event updates and insider tips, visit: www.irgfm.com.au