The days are getting longer, but if you’re all about the darkness, then you’ll want to go to Sovereign Hill this October. After dazzling us with their stunning Winter Wonderlights event, this incredible corner of Ballarat sparking our interest once more with an inaugural festival. Gaze at blazing light installations, feel the heat from fiery performances, and tuck into some tasty food cooked over flames and smoky cocktails. The Food, Fire & Light Festival will run from 5pm to 10pm on Friday October 11, Saturday October 12, Friday October 18 and Saturday October 19.
Food, Fire & Light Festival
After being greeted by a Welcome to Country in the new Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct, you’ll see sculptural displays, hear storytelling and see a fireburning, hosted by local Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
Then, head to the Valley of Lights and walk through a tunnel of fire. Created by artist Richard Thomas, you’ll walk through the tunnel and enter a field bathed in thousands of lights, dancing in time to music.
See roving fire artists work their magic along Main Street, and perform a choreographed show to music. There will also be incredible waterfall pyrotechnics, pouring down from the Poppet Head Gantry.
Scattered around Sovereign Hill, you’ll find various pop-up bars. Sip on a cold ale, warm up with a mulled wine and try a bushman’s brew. For more concoctions, find one of the whisky and gin bars for smoky cocktails and drinks speckled with gold.
As for food, treat yourself to smoky meats chargrilled over open coals, opt for Fettucine Cacio e Pepe tossed in a wheel of melted Parmigiano Reggiano, and sweeten things up with S’mores and caramelised crème brulée.
When you’re not drinking, eating or admiring the lights, have fun with other activities. Step into the bowling alley, check out the silent cinema and more.
This new festival costs $68, and includes a complimentary ticket to Sovereign Hill from 10am to 5pm.