Food, Fire & Light Festival
A different world, in a whole new light
Sovereign Hill transforms this October as the inaugural Food, Fire & Light Festival takes centre stage across two weekends: Friday 11 and Saturday 12 October; Friday 18 and Saturday 19 October.
Be enchanted by a captivating line-up of activities including bonfires; mesmerising fire twirlers; live gold pouring and smelting; stunning installations; hot tyring demonstrations; projected ethereal performances; live music acts; campfire storytelling; gold-dusted cocktails; and a fiery food menu.
Explore moreDaytime activities
Blacksmiths the backbone of the gold rush
Blacksmiths were absolutely indispensable during the gold rush. Their skills were essential for the survival and prosperity of the community. They were needed for mining equipment, transport construction, and general repairs.
Fire Station
Members of the Fire Brigade are waiting for the bell to ring to indicate a fire. But will they be ready if a fire sweeps through? There's only one way to find out!
Dangers of a Crinoline
The long dresses and crinolines were fashionable for women in the 1850s posed a significant fire hazard. Fire was omnipresent in daily life, used for heating, cooking, lighting, and more, making these garments potentially lethal.
Magic Lantern Show
A Bengal Tiger on the loose in Ballarat? It’s a true story, told through a beautiful 1850s magic lantern show.
Candlemakers illuminating the gold rush
Candlemakers were incredibly important in Ballarat during the 1850s. The gold rush brought thousands of people to the region, many of whom lived in tents, wooden huts, or basic cottages. Artificial light was a precious commodity, especially during the long winter nights.
Cooking in the cottages
Explore the kitchens of our cottages, where small, often smoky rooms with open fires are the norm. Discover the challenges and ingenuity required to cook in such conditions.
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