Canberra gears up for big Festival weekend

Canberra celebrates its 99th birthday this weekend with a diverse range of events including hot air balloons, late night openings at attractions, a party in the park and an outdoor symphony concert.

I urge Canberrans to get out this long weekend with their family and friends to enjoy the fantastic line-up of events.

In addition to the engaging offerings of ENLIGHTEN tonight and Saturday night, don’t miss Lights! Canberra! Action – the city’s own short film festival to be screened in the Senate Rose Gardens at Old Parliament House from 7.30pm tonight.

Early on Saturday morning is the start of the spectacular nine-day Balloon Festival (10-18 March), where more than 30 balloons rise above the area in front of the Museum of Australian Democracy at Old Parliament House. The action starts from 6am and you can grab a hot breakfast while watching the action.

Grab your picnic blanket or chair and head to Commonwealth Park on Sunday evening to see Symphony in the Park, a free concert, from 7pm. Musical theatre favourites Rachael Beck and Ian Stenlake perform a series of Hollywood hits in collaboration with the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.

On Monday the party continues with the annual Celebrate in the Park to mark the city’s 99th birthday and the countdown to the Centenary of Canberra year in 2013. Highlights include a concert from 2pm featuring Marvin Priest, Short Stack and the Baby Animals plus children’s entertainment with the SpongeBob SquarePants show.

Cap off your weekend of celebrations with a free fireworks display above Commonwealth Park at 9.10pm on Monday.

For the full Canberra Festival program visit www.canberrafestival.com.au or phone Canberra Connect on 13 22 81.