Month-long Floriade 2011 opened in Commonwealth Park, Canberra, on September 17. 
- Floriade 2011 is on show in Commonwealth Park, Canberra, until October 16. Pictures: Australian Capital Tourism
By Rama Gaind
A lot of time, work and effort have gone into the planning of Floriade 2011 in Commonwealth Park, Canberra.
The ACT Government-funded annual spring festival opened on September 17 and will end on October 16.
The Floriade theme is ‘A feast for the senses’ with exciting new attractions set amongst a stunning backdrop of more than one million beautiful blooms.
New attractions
You’ll be given food for thought at From the Pantry, a new destination featuring fascinating demonstrations and presentations by well-known chefs, food experts, local producers and even some of the entertainers performing at Floriade.
Learn about cuisine from around the world and discover the science behind much loved ingredients such as honey, chocolate and truffles.
The Kitchen Garden will take a step back in time and transform into the Victory Garden, filled with plants and vegetables grown by Australian families during World War II. Australian War Memorial staff will also be on hand to share the history of wartime kitchens and gardens.
Canberra Glassworks
Glass artists will be in action at the Floriade Exhibition Marquee from September 23-27. Learn about glass forming techniques at the daily flame working and kiln forming demonstrations. The festival will also feature a visually stunning display of the kiln forming process used by internationally renowned glass artist Klaus Moje to coincide with his solo exhibition at the Canberra Glassworks.
Carnival in the Park
Floriade will celebrate Latino music and dance on October 2 and 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.
Storm of the Senses
A series of vivid light installations will transform the surrounds of the Rhododendron Gardens into the eye of a storm at Floriade NightFest from September 28 to October. 2 Visitors will be showered with digital rain and enchanted by a dramatic soundtrack of powerful thunder, falling rain and gusts of wind.
The Bally
What do you get if you mix a control-freak ringmaster, an excitable clown and three amazing circus performers? The Bally! This chaotic, high-energy show will feature some of the best international and Australian circus artists, performers and teachers. Floriade visitors can run away to the circus from September 26 to October 9.
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, October 16.
Fun-filled Nightfest
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 for five days from September 28 to October 2.
Pack a picnic and head for the giant outdoor screen to watch:
The Social Network on 28 September 28; Julie & Julia, on September 29;
Bran Nue Dae, September 30; Chocolat, October 1; and Tangled, October 2.
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. Feel like you’re in the eye of the storm when the new Storm of the Senses light
installation recreates the experience of a rain storm deep within the surrounds of the Rhododendron Gardens. Designed and created by world-class creative lighting designers Mandylights, Storm of the Senses will feature illuminated digital rain
drops falling to a dramatic musical soundtrack.
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.
Take a culinary journey with fascinating food-related presentations and demonstrations at Floriade’s exciting new From the Pantry Marquee or be inspired by the endless possibilities of floral design with exciting demonstrations, displays and workshops.
Floriade NightFest tickets are now on sale and can be booked online at www.ticketek.com or phone 13 28 49.
