Daffodil festival returns for 50th anniversary

Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival secretary Margaret Dearricott OAM can't wait to welcome people to this year's event.

Describing the 50th anniversary of this year’s Kyneton Daffodil and Arts Festival as its golden jubilee couldn’t be more fitting for a celebration of the town’s bold and beautiful blooms.

Festival secretary, Margaret Dearricott OAM, said people were delighted to attend the Spring event again, especially after missing out during the pandemic.

“We’ve got a great parade lined up and some lovely exhibitions for people to see, [including the] daffodil art exhibition,” she said.

“Today is the closing day for entries [in the daffodil art exhibition] and I have 49 entries already, almost a record number.”

The program, running from September 1 to 11, is bursting with things to do, culminating in the much-adored parade and fair on the final day of the festival.

“We’ve had some wonderful entries into the parade and we should have a very pleasing fair at the Old Kyneton Primary School, the first event since the school moved away,” Ms Dearricott said.

Over the years thousands of people have attended, to check out visual and performing arts, markets, arts and crafts, gardens and flower shows and more.

At a Macedon Ranges council meeting last week, mayor Jennifer Anderson encouraged residents to support the festival.

“You won’t be disappointed, [there are] plenty of things on the agenda,” she said.

“Kyneton Horticultural Society’s got their annual show, they haven’t been able to have that for a couple of years. You’ve got the Doggie Dash back, the scarecrows are in the windows… fantastic event.

“Fantastic that it’s back again and that we’re able to celebrate and enjoy spring together.”

Check out the festival program: www.kynetondaffodilarts.org.au/festival-program/

Elsie Lange