CARNIVAL IS BACK
AFTER months of uncertainty, Toowoomba residents finally have the answer to the question on everyone's lips.
The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is back for 2020. Organisers will today unveil the scaled-back, COVID-19 safe program for this year’s festivities, which will include food tours, dining experiences, walking tours and more.
Some major events, like the Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine, won’t be held this year because of the pandemic.
The Chronicle Garden Competition is also back for another year, though with some COVID-safe changes. “Toowoomba is primed and ready to showcase its natural beauty,” Mayor Paul Antonio said. “Nothing can stop the power of the flower.”
AFTER months of speculation, organisers have confirmed the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will return in September.
Mayor Paul Antonio said 170,000 blooms had been planted in the city’s major parks and public spaces ahead of the event.
It will be one of the first major events to be staged in Queensland since the COVID-19 pandemic began.
The 2020 program will feature more than 30 events and activations of spaces, with 48 local tour departures.
Cr Antonio said all events, experiences and areas would be managed with COVID-19 safe plans in place.
“Toowoomba is primed and ready to showcase its natural beauty,” he said.
“Nothing can stop the power of the flower, and we are inviting people from all over to come and play in the petals this spring.”
Cr Antonio said when the carnival had been established in 1949, it had been to stimulate the economy after World War II.
“Some 71 years later, we see this iconic national event again stepping up to the task of celebrating community spirit, welcoming visitors to the city and flying the flag for our region,” he said.
“After a spectacular 70th event in 2019, we were adamant that COVID-19 was not stopping us.
“Every day we field emails and calls from people right across Australia asking if carnival is on, and I’d like to thank all our supporters and stakeholders for their understanding as we worked through the health concerns of this new world.
The Heritage Bank Festival of Food and Wine and the Qantas Gala Dinner will both be rested in 2020.
Carnival will run from September 18-27.