The first weekend of the 2025 Benalla Festival delighted locals and visitors alike, shining a spotlight on the region’s beautiful rural villages and embodying this year’s theme — Live Local, Love Local.

From open gardens bursting with colour to markets, movies and a celebration of Diwali, the weekend showcased the creativity and community spirit that makes Benalla Rural City so special.

The Birchwood Open Garden Weekend was a standout, with visitors wandering through a one-acre garden featuring over 100 varieties of salvias, bearded irises, spring bulbs, perennials, shade trees and garden art. Guests also enjoyed beautiful exhibits from local makers, including stained glass sun catchers, mosaics and dried floral creations by Everlasting Floral Studio. Proceeds supported Cancer Council Victoria, Benalla Hospital and Wangaratta Hospital.

Rose lovers were treated to a sensory delight at Samaria Rose Farm, where over 2000 Damask roses were in full bloom. Visitors enjoyed mini rosewater workshops, homemade scones and a range of locally made products and festive gifts.

At Swanpool Cinema, guests experienced the charm of a grand movie in a grand setting, enjoying a screening of Downton Abbey: Grand Finale followed by tea, coffee and scones with jam and cream.

A Sunday drive to Major Plains offered festival-goers a rare chance to visit Wanamara Farm’s private silo art open day, featuring a breathtaking mural by world-renowned artist Jimmy Dvate — depicting the much-loved Kelly the Wonder Dog.

Adding to the fun, Sunday’s two local markets — Tatong Market and More and the Devenish Market — brought the community together. The second annual inflatable animal costume race providing plenty of laughs at Devenish.

On Monday night, the community came together for a dazzling Diwali celebration, presented by the Benalla Migrant Association. The evening featured colourful dance performances, a fireworks display, large art projections on the Benalla Art Gallery and delicious food. Indian sweets were shared with the community, symbolising the joy and togetherness of the festival.

Benalla Festival Advisory Committee chair and deputy mayor Justin King said the opening weekend captured the essence of this year’s theme.

“Our rural villages truly came alive over the weekend, showcasing their beauty, creativity and generosity,” Cr King said.

“From the blooms at Samaria Rose Farm and Birchwood to the Diwali celebrations and community markets, it was wonderful to see people out and about enjoying all that our region has to offer.

“The Benalla Festival is about celebrating who we are — our people, our places and our pride, and the first weekend has done exactly that.”

The coming weekend will shift focus to Benalla township, with more exciting events still to come.

The Festival continues through to Sunday, November 9.

Discover the full program at benallafestival.com.au or pick up a copy from council’s customer service centre, the Benalla Visitor Information Centre, Benalla Library or local businesses.

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