Radio Ballarat station manager John Fitzgibbon said regional Victoria’s biggest fireworks show was all set to light up the skies over Lake Wendouree this Australia Day.

“Everybody has a really good feeling and sense of pride on Australia Day,” he said. “It’s become such a tradition over 22 years that the fireworks are the culmination of that day.”

The Ballarat City Council will host a range of events to help Ballarat residents and visitors celebrate on Sunday, with the City of Ballarat Municipal Brass Band kicking off a program of entertainment near the Adventure Playground at Windmill Drive from 5pm.

Performances from Christof!!, Vocalise and Kayla Dwyer will keep people entertained until the fireworks display at 9.30pm.

Mayor Joshua Morris said the free event was a great opportunity to come together with friends and family.

“It’s really about celebrating the nation and how lucky we are to live here,” he said.

“A part of that is celebrating some of the great spaces we have here in Ballarat.”

The council is encouraging residents to celebrate sensibly and to ensure pets are kept secure during the

fireworks display.

Alcohol will be banned at Lake Wendouree foreshore and Ballarat Botanical gardens from 3pm on the day.

“It’s important to have, so everybody can enjoy Australia Day without some of the negative consequences that can occur due to alcohol consumption,” Cr Morris said.

rachel.afflick@fairfaxmedia.com.au