Community Festival 2025

Velveteen Rabbit

Session times: 1pm and 3.30pm, Yan Yean Theatre

A delightful and humorous reimagination of the beloved 100-year-old book The Velveteen Rabbit, perfect for children aged 4 to 12. Don't forget to bring your favourite snuggly toy to the show.

Dr Hubble’s Bubbles Show 

Session times: 12pm and 2.30pm, Woodstock Theatre

A fun-filled spectacle for the whole family, featuring square bubbles, flaming bubbles, bubbles inside bubbles, exploding bubbles, and the biggest bubbles you’ll ever see.

There is so much to see and do for the whole family at the festival.

View the festival program here

Mitch Tambo

Session time: 1.10pm, Youth Stage

Australian World Music Star Mitch Tambo is a ‘new voice for a generation,’ producing music that bridges culture and resonates globally. His rendition of You’re the Voice surpassed 1 million streams, marking the first time a song in the Gamilaraay language has reached this milestone.

Squid Nebula

Session time: 2pm, Lawn Stage

Fronted by the hypnotic soul vocals of Noongar musician Bumpy and backed by a band that includes members from Quality Used Cars, Bohjass and Jake Amy’s band, Squid Nebula have made their way from regular residencies for Cherry Bar’s Soul Night on AC/DC lane in 2015 to sets at Loch Hart, Strawberry Fields and St. Kilda Festival.

There are so many performances and local talents to see.

View the full program for all the details

Emelia Jackson

Cooking demonstration by Emelia Jackson at 11.15am in the Local Food Discovery Zone.

MasterChef Australia winner Emelia Jackson will transform the finest produce grown in the City of Whittlesea into delicious dishes. 

A passionate baker, Emelia first wowed audiences as a Season 6 finalist before claiming the MasterChef title in 2020.

More cooking demonstrations throughout the day.

View the full program for all the details

Dress appropriately for the outdoor event, considering the weather.  

Bring sun protection or wet weather gear, and feel free to bring your own picnic food and snacks if you have specific dietary needs.

You may also like to bring some money for market and food vendors on site.

Remember to bring your water bottle as water stations are available.

Yes, you can bring your dog if your dog is well behaved in a crowded environment and is on a leash. Please remember to bring bags to dispose of droppings. 

Remember to check out the Pet Expo which has dog obedience and training displays, information on pet registration and much more.

No, there are no ATMs available. Most vendors will have methods of cashless payments available, however we recommend bringing cash for food and drink purchases just in case.

A cancellation procedure will be in effect in the event of adverse weather conditions. 

Announcements regarding any event cancellations will be made in advance of the event’s commencement on our website and after hours and social media channels. 

Follow us on Facebook and Instagram for updates.

First Aid is available on site throughout the course of the event. A first aid tent is located next to the lawn stage on the Civic lawns.

Our City of Whittlesea information tent is the central point for anything you need to know about the event or other services at the City of Whittlesea. It’s also the place if you are lost or have lost someone or something. If you find a lost item, please bring it to the information tent. The information tent is situated on the lawns.

Toilets and accessible toilets will be located onsite at the event and in the foyer of the Plenty Ranges Arts and Conference Centre (PRACC).

Baby change facilities located in the accessible toilets in the PRACC foyer.

A dedicated chill-out and breastfeeding space is also available in the Family Zone.

The Marveloo, designed for high needs accessibility is located near the Civic Centre. This facility requires a MLAK key to unlock the facility.

We want all our events to be safe, welcoming, and happy place for everyone to enjoy.  

The event will be held on Council’s Civic lawns where there are some concrete paths, but access may depend on individual needs.

There are some concrete paths at the Civic lawn, however some areas will not be appropriate for wheelchair and mobility depending on the individual’s access requirements.  

PRACC is fully accessible, with ramps, lifts, and accessible toilets throughout the venue. Service animals are welcome. 

Accessible parking, bathrooms and wheelchair access provisions will be available at the event. 

The Marveloo, designed for high needs accessibility is located near the Civic Centre. This facility requires a MLAK key to unlock the facility. 

Auslan Interpreters will be present on the Lawn Stage and Youth Stage.

A quiet room will be available for those who need a low-sensory space.

This is a smokefree event. No smoking on the Council lawns. Smoking and vaping must occur outside the event area in carparks or adjacent to streets.

We are committed to improving sustainability across all our events and festivals. This year, the festival will feature Green My Plate, reusing and rewashing crockery and cups to reduce waste going to landfill. Once you are done with your meal, please place your reusable plate in the pink bin provided.

While water will be available for purchase, we kindly ask you to be mindful of the environment and bring a water bottle to refill at our many water stations which also saves you money.

The event site is well-serviced by trains and buses, including the South Morang train station on the Mernda line and buses 556, 383 and 577. 

Plan your journey at Public Transport Victoria’s website.

Parking is available at Civic Centre, however we encourage you to carpool, use public transport or ride to the event. 

Additional parking is adjacent to South Morang train station. 

There will be various food trucks and market stalls available but if you have specific dietary requirements, you may wish to bring your own food.

Remember to visit the Local Food Discovery Zone where many local food producers come together to celebrate fresh, handmade food.

Yes, you are welcome to bring your own food. Please note that picnic facilities are not available at the event site.