mmg.com.au

The Benalla Festival kicks off in two days’ time and this year’s event is not to be missed.

Friday night’s Mair St party starts at 6pm with free entertainment, and food and wine available for purchase. A great Blues band will entertain while the grand finale of the night is the spectacular fireworks display.

Don’t miss Saturday’s street parade at 12.30pm with families encouraged to stay on to enjoy a huge range of children’s activities and foreshore entertainment taking place from 2pm.

The new Skate Park will be officially opened by Bill Sykes at 2pm on Saturday so be sure to bring your skate board, scooter or BMX and try out this fantastic new facility.

On centre stage at the foreshore from 2pm you can relax to performances from the Rose City Rock ‘n’ Roll Band, the Headliners Dance Troup, Pans on Fire, and some of our great young talent in an open mic event. And make the most of the great food and coffee vendors located in the Fawckner Drv area.

Later in the afternoon live band Junk Male takes to the stage singing an array of popular covers that will guarantee to have the crowd up dancing.

Then at 8pm leading up to the spectacular fireworks display, one of Australia’s favorite performers, Shannon Noll will be welcomed to the stage.

As part of his successful Million Suns Tour, Shannon’s presence at the festival is guaranteed to be a huge hit with the crowd.

The weekend will be fun for all with the popular bungee trampolines and bungee run, as well as a rock-climbing wall, jumping castle and raft races on the lake.

A Day in the Gardens on Sunday is always a great day out with face painting, art displays, market stalls and much more including the ever popular teddy bears picnic.

Bring family and friends and enjoy the beautiful foreshore environment and the 2012 Benalla Festival celebrations. See the centre page spread for a full program of events and activities.