By Rama Gaind
Floriade 2011, which continues in full swing until October 16, is ‘A feast for the senses’ with exciting attractions set amongst a stunning backdrop of beautiful blooms in Commonwealth Park, Canberra.
To coincide with this year’s theme, Crowne Plaza Canberra is offering guests a series of floral and foodie experiences for hotel guests until October 16.
Throughout the festival, Crowne Plaza will offer complimentary afternoon tea with decorated cupcakes and hot chocolate for guests in its sunny atrium. The hotel has also partnered with local gourmet produce suppliers, including Fancy That Confectionary, Gourmet Taste Bud and Mount Majura Winery, to offer complimentary food and wine tasting events for guests.
Keeping to the floral theme, the hotel’s foyer and atrium are decorated in Floriade-inspired flower arrangements and perfumed with a refreshing botanical aroma, backed by a musical soundtrack inspired by buds and blooms.
Located near the festival site at Commonwealth Park, Crowne Plaza Canberra is the closest hotel to Floriade. To make sure guests don’t get lost on the short stroll, the hotel’s concierge desk will be equipped with maps, brochures and guides to the festival.
The hotel’s close proximity to Floriade also means revellers looking to experience the festival by night for Floriade Nightfest can avoid long taxi queues when the event closes at 10:30pm.
To coincide with this year’s festival, Crowne Plaza Canberra is offering a special Celebrate Spring package including overnight accommodation, buffet breakfast for two in Redsalt Restaurant, complimentary car parking, a two-for-one drink voucher in the newly-refurbished Binara One bar, an exclusive welcome pack and a sweet in-room treat, from $250 per night.
Take a trip to the nation’s capital and stay at the Crowne Plaza Canberra, within minutes walk to the CBD and attractions such as Questacon and Parliament House. The hotel offers spacious guest rooms with luxurious beds and lounges, swimming pool, complimentary access to the Pro-Fit Health Club with sauna, wireless connectivity in public areas and Earth Day Spa.
The package is valid for stay until October 16, 2011. For details or to book, call 138 388 or visit www.crowneplazacanberra.com.au.
Funded by the ACT Government, Floriade is in its 23rd year and attracted record crowds last year with more than 470,000 visitors. Expectations are high again this year.
Other Floriade attractions
Make sure you capture the amazing vistas of Floriade 2011 from the giant ferris wheel or the viewing platform to fully appreciate the garden beds designs.
New attractions include From the Pantry, featuring fascinating demonstrations and presentations by well-known chefs, food experts, local producers and some of the entertainers performing at Floriade and the Kitchen Garden takes a step back in time and transforms into the Victory Garden when staff from the Australian War Memorial share the history of wartime kitchens and gardens, filled with plants and vegetables grown by Australian families during World War II.
Be pampered at Garnier World with complimentary treatments including mini massages and facials or take a ride on the 35-metre ferris wheel and be captivated by the stunning evening views of Commonwealth Park.
Visit the Carnival Stage & Bar for some laughs dished up by comedian Rod Quantock or enjoy a course of groovy tunes from DJs D’Opus and Jemist or watch live performances by Dub Dub Goose and Drum Assault while sipping cocktails at the Butterfly Lounge.
Storm of the Senses: Spectacular new lighting of the garden beds and a new lighting display will bathe the park in vibrant colour and make this year’s NightFest more magical than ever. A series of vivid light installations will transform the surrounds of the Rhododendron Gardens into the eye of a storm at Floriade NightFest from Wednesday, September 28 to Sunday, October 2. Visitors will be showered with digital rain and enchanted by a dramatic soundtrack of powerful thunder, falling rain and gusts of wind.
Carnival in the Park: Floriade will celebrate Latino music and dance on Saturday, October 2 and Sunday, October 3 with performances from some of the best artists from Latin America and Australia. Kick up your heels to the sounds of Australia’s hottest Latin band, Chukale, featuring stars of the Buena Vista Social Club; the unmistakable distorted riffs and funked-up percussive rhythms of ARIA nominated Watussi; the groundbreaking fusion of rock and Andean sounds of Victor Valdes & the Martinez Brothers, more than 50 parading Candombe players and much more.
TaikOz: The explosive energy of this unique performance group will be a fitting finale for this year’s festival. Floriade will be filled with the sounds of traditional Japanese, symphonic, jazz and pop music on Sunday, 16 October.
NightFest
See Floriade in a different light from Wednesday, September 28 to Sunday, October 2 2011 when Floriade NightFest will serve up five, fun-filled evenings of movies, food and wine, comedy, bustling night markets and beautiful blooms—all illuminated by spectacular lighting that will excite the senses.
Pack a picnic and head for the giant outdoor screen to watch:
- The Social Network (M) on September 28
- Julie & Julia (PG) on September 29
- Bran Nue Dae (PG) on September 30
- Chocolat (M) on October 1
- Tangled (PG) on October 2
Floriade NightFest ticket prices*
Adults (17 years and over) $25
Child (5 to16 years) $10
Concessions (pensioners, seniors
and student ID card holders) $10
Family (two adults and two children) $50
Children (4 years and under) Free
* Price per night. Transaction fees apply. Some activities around the park will incur an additional fee.
Floriade NightFest tickets are now on sale and can be booked online at www.ticketek.com or phone 13 28 49. Tickets are limited so get in
quick to avoid disappointment.
