STEAMING ALONG: Hundreds of people enjoyed a steam train ride as part of the Heritage Weekend. Photo: Jeremy Bannister.
THE Heritage Weekend has been declared a success, with visitors coming from far and wide.
City of Ballarat destination and connections councillor Samantha McIntosh said the event was becoming a “must-do” on the tourist calender.
“It was an absolute success,” Cr McIntosh said. “We don’t have final numbers but certainly they seemed on par with last year’s figures of 9500.”
Coinciding with Mother’s Day on Sunday, the weekend had a plethora of things on offer, including walks, tours of heritage buildings and rides in vintage buses.
Cr McIntosh said there were many unscheduled events organised by residents that “popped up” during the weekend.
“There were a couple of intriguing things that popped up on the agenda,” she said.
“There was the Tweed Club where riders got on old-fashioned bikes — upright step-through bikes with baskets — and rode around town wearing vintage clothes.
“It was a historical tour on bikes.”
The “Frock Tails” show featuring the fashions of the 20th century at the Art Gallery of Ballarat put on a repeat performance on Sunday due to its immense popularity.
“We had to turn away 100 people because it was so busy (on Saturday),” Cr McIntosh said. “But due to popular demand the models were asked to repeat the whole show on Sunday.
She said the crowds brought the cafes, hotels and the galleries “alive and pumping”.
“Heritage weekend is becoming very well known on the tourist calender, it is a must-do opportunity.”