Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2024

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Fri 13 Sep 2024 - Mon 07 Oct 2024

Celebrating 75 Years of Floral Fun!

Toowoomba’s brightest event in the calendar is back again for 2024, and this one is an extra special celebration.

Oh How It’s Grown!
Seventy-five years ago, a small town in Queensland decided to paint the town with flowers and little did they know, they were sowing the seeds for an event that would become a national sensation. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has blossomed from its humble beginnings into a grand celebration of floral beauty, community spirit, and fun-filled festivities. As the event marks its 75th anniversary, it's time to take a mosey around some posies and explore what makes this carnival truly special.

A Blooming Legacy
In 1949, amidst the aftermath of war, the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce conceived an idea to revitalise their city. They decided to leverage Toowoomba's reputation as the "Garden City" to cultivate economic prosperity and community joy. Thus, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers was born, kicking off with a three-mile-long procession led by a bullock team. Since then, it has bloomed into an iconic Queensland event, attracting visitors from far and wide.

The 75th Anniversary Program Unveiled
The anticipation for this year's carnival is at an all-time high, especially after it was crowned the best major event in the nation at the Qantas Australian Tourism Awards. The 75th anniversary program promises to be a flower-filled extravaganza spanning four weekends from 13 September to 7 October, with the theme, "It's A Party."

Flower-Fuelled Showstoppers
This year's line-up is bursting with over 77 events, ensuring there's something for everyone to enjoy. From the enchanting melodies of the Queensland Symphony Orchestra to tantalising dining experiences and the beloved Teddy Bears’ Picnic transformed into a four-day arts extravaganza, the carnival is pulling out all the stops.

Memorable Moments and Nostalgia
One of the highlights of this year's celebration is the return of past Carnival Queens, including the inaugural Queen from 1950, Fay Clayden. Fay fondly reminisces about her unexpected journey to becoming the first Carnival Queen, showcasing the true spirit of community and joy that the carnival embodies.

“I was walking along the bridge to my ‘coronation’, trying to manage my train, orb and sceptre, quite nervous as the crowning was to be done by Dame Annabelle Rankin, who was a Senator at the time. Even I was surprised by the formality of it all! When all of a sudden, someone in the crowd shouted “Good on ya Fay!” which caused me to laugh and made me realise that no matter what I was pretending to be, I was really still just Fay!” she says.



Do You Have Carnival Memories?
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is putting a call out to any past Queens, contestants or anyone who may have souvenirs or memorabilia from the history of the Carnival. Please contact 07 4688 6661 or email [email protected].

New Additions and International Recognition
The 75th anniversary brings forth exciting new events, such as the Carnival Memorabilia exhibition and Symphony Under the Stars featuring the Queensland Symphony Orchestra. Furthermore, the carnival is set to make waves internationally, with a showcase at the world-famous Flower Dome at Gardens by the Bay in Singapore.

Returning Favourites
Amidst the excitement of new additions, the carnival's beloved traditions make a triumphant return. The Grand Central Floral Parade promises to be a spectacle with 75 floral floats, while foodies can indulge in a record number of floral-inspired #treats . Additionally, the Festival of Food and Wine will tantalise taste buds in Queens Park.

Experience the Magic
As the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers gears up for its 75th anniversary, it invites everyone to join in the celebration. Whether you're strolling through stunning floral displays, embarking on Twilight Tours, or relishing in the entertainment in the parkland, there's no shortage of magic to experience.

Returning favourites include:

Blooming new features include:

As the petals unfurl and the festivities commence, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers invites you to immerse yourself in a world of floral wonder and community spirit. From its humble beginnings to its grand 75th anniversary, this event continues to bloom brighter with each passing year. So, mark your calendars, gather your loved ones, and get ready to party amidst the flowers in the charming Garden City of Toowoomba!

Find out more at the official website

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