History, art, culture, music and fiery food will come together this October at the inaugural Food, Fire & Light Festival from 5pm to 10pm on Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October; Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October.
Across two weekends, festivalgoers will be taken on an immersive sensory journey at Sovereign Hill where a captivating evening experience will bring to life artistic creativity and blazing visual expression under Ballarat’s starry night sky.
Food, Fire & Light will fuse gritty performances and unique light installations with food cooked over flames, smoky cocktails, and firelit wonders.
As day succumbs to night, Food, Fire & Light will commence with an acknowledgment of the region’s First Nations history. Visitors will be greeted by a Welcome to Country in the brand-new Wadawurrung Cultural Precinct with sculptural displays, captivating storytelling and a fire burning from opening to closing, hosted by the local Wadawurrung Traditional Owners.
Central to the new festival will be food that warms the soul. Feast straight from the fire as master butcher Ralf Fink and his team at Oakwood Smallgoods deliver distinctive smoky flavoured meats – chargrilled over open coals – served pit to plate.
Rising culinary star Morgan Hipworth will scorch tasty S’mores over hot flames and serve rich, caramelised crème brulé while Ballarat favourite Carboni’s Italian Kitchen will dish up the ultimate cheese-on-cheese affair: Fettuccine Cacio e Pepe tossed in a wheel of melted Parmigiano Reggiano.
Experience the rugged allure and pulsating camaraderie of Australia’s goldfields with pop up bars scattered throughout the site. Enjoy a cold ale, mulled wine or a hearty bushman’s brew, or visit the many whisky and gin bars for smoky cocktails and drinks speckled with gold.
The Valley of Lights will illuminate Ballarat’s newest events precinct at Sovereign Hill, accommodating up to 7,500 guests. Walk through a tunnel of fire crafted by artist Richard Thomas using natural materials and salvaged items to a field bathed in thousands of lights dancing in time to music.
OTHER HIGHLIGHTS
Bask in a mesmerising array of activities, including:
- Main Street Illuminations: Roving fire performers will entertain guests with a
choreographed show to music. - Shimmering Falls: Delight in waterfall pyrotechnics cascading from the iconic Poppet Head gantry and explore the mine blacksmith’s working display.
- The Victorian Silhouette: Step into a silent cinema at the Victoria Theatre with exclusive film content.
- Bowls and Brews: No longer just a place for kids, the bowling alley will become an adult arcade.
- Gold Pour: Enjoy a captivating gold pour experience and sip on gin cocktails speckled with gold.
- Industrial Sparks and Spirits: Peek into the fire-driven industrial practices of the 1850s with hot tyring demonstrations and smoky drinks from a whisky bar.
Sovereign Hill Museums Association CEO Sara Quon says Food, Fire & Light is a unique sensory experience showcasing artistic endeavour and a celebration of the dark.
“This event is a testament to our commitment to evolving with the cultural landscape, pushing boundaries, and inspiring new audiences. This event is designed for the adventurous and the inquisitive, inviting you to explore vibrant cultural experiences in unexpected settings.”
Sovereign Hill Museums Association Board President Angela Carey adds: “We have always been at the forefront of delivering exceptional events and pioneering new ideas while celebrating contemporary creativity. Food, Fire & Light represents a bold evolution of our heritage, offering an immersive experience that illuminates Sovereign Hill in an entirely new way.”
Food, Fire & Light Festival
Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October | Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October
5pm to 10pm
Sovereign Hill, Ballarat
Tickets from $68 (includes a complimentary Sovereign Hill ticket from 10am-5pm)
