Back after a couple of pandemic-thwarted years, the Bendigo Bank Lions Gisborne Festival on Friday, December 9, will bring the community together to celebrate the festive season.
Gisborne and District Lions Club vice president Russell Walker said they were expecting a large crowd to attend this year and he couldn’t wait.
“[Attendees] can look forward to [a] street parade, which will include a range of community groups, Santa on a sleigh, a stilt walker, the Bendigo Chinese Lions, local emergency services plus a lot more,” he said.
“There’s a significant social benefit to the community.
“It’s an outdoor event with no entry fee with various free activities to ensure it’s affordable for people to join in and have fun.”
From 4.30pm to 9pm, festival goers can enjoy live music, free children’s activities, market and food stalls, carnival rides and even fireworks.
The Lions Club said about 5000 people attend the festival each year, which is held on the second Friday in December annually.
“Community participation is what the festival is all about,” the club said.