A colourful market will be held this weekend at the Mining Exchange, which is a Leadership Ballarat Western Region initiative leading up to the Rug Up campaign.

LBWR executive officer Sofia Fiusco said there was no need to sit inside all winter if people were willing to rug up. 

“It’s a collaboration between tourism, arts, the community and groups,” she said.

She said the market would consist of stalls, a 3D interactive quilt, a performing space, an artist sculpture area and cafe area. 

Ms Fiusco said entry was free, but donations were encouraged to help fund UnitingCare’s BreezeWay program, which provides meals for those who can’t afford them. 

A yarn-bombed tree is the centrepiece to the exhibition, sourced by sculptor Tas Wainsbrough and yarn-bombed by Rachel Jackson. 

“Winter can be gloomy, but that doesn’t mean you can have a bit of fun with colour and still get out and about,” she said.