Vintage–lovers and history buffs were spoiled for choice during the Ballarat Heritage Weekend in May.
The program of free entertainment, activities, tours and experiences is designed each year to showcase different elements of the shared heritage and rich historic assets of Ballarat, with this year’s event showcasing stories of entertainment.
Vintage–lovers were offered a unique shopping experience with the Crate Digger Record Fair, Hello Sailor Vintage Fair and Ballarat Heritage Market.
Saturday saw the Crate Digger Record Fair make a rare appearance outside Melbourne, offering visitors the chance to listen to their favourite vinyl classics while enjoying a unique shopping experience.
The Ballarat Heritage Market offered retro collectables, designer goods, handmade art and craft, and Sunday’s Hello Sailor Vintage Fair in Police Lane sold a range of vintage goods perfect for spoiling mums on Mother’s Day.
Twenty vintage vehicles that featured in the ABC television series The Doctor Blake Mysteries (filmed in Ballarat) went on display in Camp Street.
A collection of vintage cars, motorcycles and hot rods were also on display throughout the weekend.
City of Ballarat Portfolio Councillor for Destination and Economy Peter Innes said vintage cars had always been a popular attraction at Heritage Weekend.
“We [expected] that interest to increase this year with many people coming along to see if they can recognise the vehicles from watching The Doctor Blake Mysteries.”
Ballarat’s GRIT Youth Theatre Group used their show On for Young and Old to bring to life stories of Ballarat in the 1940s to 1960s, as remembered by those who lived them.
The show, which included stories of love, loneliness, scarcity, fun and dancing, was devised from a series of interviews the director and cast undertook with a range of senior community members.
