IT is hoped a successful Ballarat Cup with up to 5000 people in attendance could be the catalyst for a return of crowds to major events across the region for summer.
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The Ballarat Turf Club has launched its bid to have a large crowd in attendance for its showpiece event on November 20 and is ready to do what it takes to ensure the public has a chance to be part of its big day.
Organisers for major events scheduled for Ballarat and the nearby regions will be watching very closely to see how the BTC is able to pull off its day.
"The club has a Tier 2 COVID Plan approved by the Victorian government, but expects that a double vaccinated crowd in attendance could be capped at a maximum of 5000 people," BTC chief executive Belinda Glass said.
"We will continue to liaise with the government, Racing Victoria and Country Racing Victoria to ensure that all protocols are followed, ensuring the community is safe and that our participants are safe as well.
"It may be the first opportunity for friends, families and colleagues to enjoy each other's company at a large-scale event like this since the pandemic started. We are excited at the prospect of playing a part in bringing that to life."
Should the Ballarat Cup successfully be able to see crowds return, it could open the floodgates for a host of major events across Ballarat.
The following week, SpringFest is scheduled at Lake Wendouree. The biggest fundraiser of the year for Rotary would be keen to see as many people and stall holders as they can. Organisers said an announcement on plans for SpringFest should be made within the next week.
Other events that could see a return include Carols By Candlelight, Rock Ballarat and the Begonia Festival.
The City of Ballarat has already announced plans for the annual fireworks display as part of the Summer Sundays music festival, while Knight and Day Festival at Kryal Castle is planned for December 30 and 31 at Kryal Castle. Tickets are on sale.
On Wednesday Summersalt also announced its plans to return to Ballarat in 2022, however dates are yet to be confirmed.
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In terms of sport, the region has plans to host the AusCyling Cyclo-Cross National Championship in Creswick on the weekend of November 27 and 28, there are also plans for the two A-League games at Mars Stadium featuring Western United, while the Cycling Road Nationals are also slated for a return in January.
One that might be up in the air is the four WBBL clashes which are scheduled for Eastern Oval on November 13 and 14, however competition organisers have indicated the league will play its early matches in Tasmania, but as it stands, Ballarat is still in line to host.
City of Ballarat Director Community and Wellbeing Matthew Wilson said the city was planning for a wide range of events over summer with crowds.
"Our events team continues to develop and deliver its events program in alignment with the requirements of the Victorian Government and the direction outlined in Victoria's roadmap," he said.
"All events and festivals have contingencies in place to maximise audience involvement while ensuring compliance with government advice and restrictions and our own COVIDsafe risk assessments.
"Council-delivered events and activations for summer focus on Christmas in Ballarat and Summer Sundays, while Autumn highlights include the Ballarat Begonia Festival and Ballarat Heritage Weekend."
