Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers unveils extended month long celebration for 2021

The multi-award-winning Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers (TCOF) has unveiled a month-long program of celebrations for 2021 from 1st to 30th - extended from the usual 10-day format.

Taking centre stage over the new 30-day format will be flowers and local flavours, as the event blooms into a truly region-wide experience for both locals and visitors.

TCOF 2020 was the first free, unfenced, outdoor, major tourism event in Australia to be delivered during COVID-19 restrictions, and saw more than 200,000 visitors from all over Queensland attend.

Today Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Paul Antonio announced the extension of TCOF 2021 and noted “in 2020, COVID-19 restrictions allowed Toowoomba Regional Council to bring forward the event’s five-year Strategic Plan and trial activations all September. We did this to ensure the safety and comfort of visitors, while also generating extended activity for local businesses, which is a key aim of the event. The results were outstanding.

“As a result, this year our incredible event will take place over 30 petal-filled days, to allow for greater visitation, business connections and community engagement. Our Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers bloomed in the most wonderful way in a time no-one thought possible. We look forward to welcoming visitors from all over Australia this Spring.”   

Tourism Minister Stirling Hinchliffe said the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers had bloomed into a major Queensland event and added “this year’s extended event will mean even more visitors will be able to experience Toowoomba’s iconic Carnival during the region’s most spectacular time of year.

“Toowoomba’s month-long Carnival has blossomed into one of Australia’s favourite celebrations of food, wine, flowers and local produce.  The extended format is expected to spread the carnival’s economic benefit to the region by encouraging visitors to stay longer, supporting local jobs and Toowoomba’s economic recovery, which is already underway.”

Chair of the Toowoomba Regional Council Environment and Community Services Committee James O’Shea said the COVID-19 format of TCOF had become the blueprint for change in 2021, with new events added to the 2021 program and the welcome return of others.  

“It’s with great excitement that we can announce the return of the famous Festival of Food and Wine, to be held from 10th to 12th September celebrating the best in regional produce and Australian music in Queens Park. We also welcome back one of the highlights of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers in the Grand Central Floral Parade; it’s the event that stops the city, with thousands of families lining the streets to watch the colour go by. It will be held on Saturday 18th September with a much earlier start time of 10am, allowing crowds to enjoy a full day shopping, sightseeing and adventuring in our city.”   

Councillor O’Shea announced two major new events for 2021 adding “in a major coup for foodies, we will be bringing High Cheese to Spring Bluff, to be held in partnership with Lockyer Valley Regional Council and hosted by famed chef and local produce champion, Alastair McLeod. This will be an extraordinary experience, given it is happening at the beautiful heritage-listed station that boasts 150 years of railway history and magnificent gardens. Tickets to this will sell out fast.  

“We also welcome Cinema Under the Stars, a free community event in the leafy lawns of the Drayton and Toowoomba Cemetery, with a line-up of classic movies featured. What a fabulous new experience.”   

ALL MONTH: 

•             Floral Displays in all parks and public spaces including feature blooms in Queens Park, the Botanic Gardens and Laurel Bank Park, as well as floral chalk art.

•             #trEATS regional food trail which shines the light on cafes, restaurants, bars and pubs with floral inspired dishes – 36 eateries took part in 2020, with many more flavour-makers expected in 2021.

•             The famed Talking Pubs tours will be held every Sunday with more to be announced.

•             The stunning light-filled Night Garden in the Botanic Gardens.

•             Parkland entertainment featuring local musicians and entertainers.

•             Twilight Tours in Laurel Bank Park.

•             The popular dog-friendly Petals and Pups program.

•             Guided and non-guided walking tours

•             Cobb + Co Museum will have a packed program for young and old to discover

•             Community events, gardening experiences and gardening displays will be happening across the month

For full program including weekend events and tickets go to tcof.com.au 

Awards and Accolades
Gold winner 2019 Queensland Tourism Award for Destination Marketing
State Finalist 2019 Australian Tourism Awards for Destination Marketing
Australian Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee 2018 Major Festivals & Events
Queensland Tourism Hall of Fame Inductee 2017 Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2018, 2017, 2016 Australian Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Gold winner 2018, 2017, 2016, 2015 Queensland Tourism Award for Major Festivals & Events
Most Supportive Community Event 2017 Queensland Wine Awards
Event category Winner 2015 Parks & Leisure Australia Awards of Excellence
Gold winner 2014 Queensland Tourism Awards for Festivals and Events

Image top: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Adrian Maynard driving Woolworths Grand Champion float 2019; Image above: Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Botanic Garden Queens Park