Bendigo Easter Fair Society

This year marks a significant milestone for the Bendigo Easter Fair Society: its 100th anniversary since formation in 1926. Established to provide stable oversight for the annual Easter Fair, the society has been a key custodian of one of Victoria's oldest community events, guiding it through a century of change while preserving its charitable roots and cultural heritage.

The Easter Fair began in 1871 as a fundraiser for the Bendigo Hospital and Benevolent Asylum. A meeting on 1 January 1871 at the Shamrock Hotel, hosted by licensee William Heffernan, brought together hospital and asylum representatives along with friendly societies including the St. Andrews Society, Irish Australian Society, Manchester Unity Independent Order of Oddfellows, and Rechabites. Heffernan proposed a fair modelled on Dublin's Donnybrook Fair (1204–c.1868) and donated £10 plus meeting space. This followed his earlier Easter sports carnivals in 1869 and 1870.

The inaugural fair on 10–11 April 1871 at the Lower Camp Reserve raised £2,560 through admission fees. A procession welcomed Governor John Manners-Sutton, featuring bands, pipers, cavalry, fire brigades, friendly societies, and civic leaders. Over its first 21 years, the fair raised £23,000 for the charities.

Early operations relied on annual committees, often chaired by the mayor. In 1926, the society was created as a permanent entity with 18 executives: three from the City of Bendigo (including the mayor), two from Eaglehawk Borough, two each from the hospital and asylum, and nine community-elected members. Funds were allocated 60% to the hospital and 40% to the asylum. The society became a registered company in 1966 and incorporated in 1983, retaining control until 2003 when the City of Greater Bendigo assumed operations due to insurance costs.

The Chinese community has been integral since the late 1800s. A banner recognised their parade participation in 1879, the first processional dragon was brought into the parade in 1892, with Loong appearing from 1901. Sun Loong debuted in 1970 for the centenary, replacing the retiring Loong. Dai Gum Loong joined in 2019 as the world's longest processional dragon.

Fundraising included the Queens' competition (c.1916–1929) and Popular Girl contest (1930–1996), where local women raised money through dances, raffles, and events to crown the top fundraiser. Carnival amusements became prominent from the 1930s, with Showman's Guild sideshows, merry-go-rounds, and children's rides dominating central streets before relocation to the old showgrounds (now Tom Flood Sports Centre).

The society has honoured long service, including Violet Myers-Davey, whose decades of dedication were recognised in the 2021 Hall of Fame. A unique tribute to the society’s connection to both local and national culture is the six-metre-tall fibreglass Kewpie doll, Violet, originally featured in the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games Closing Ceremony. Acquired by the society in 2000, restored for the 2026 festival, and displayed at Bendigo's piazza adjacent to the Alexander Fountain.

Bagpipe bands, part of the procession since 1871 through Scottish society participation, continue to add traditional music. Recent additions reflect community diversity. Floats and performances feature participation from Indian, Karen, and other cultural groups alongside Chinese lion dances and storytelling in the Chinese Spring Festival. The Way of the Cross, a dramatic outdoor Passion play in Rosalind Park, has become a cherished Good Friday event in recent years, drawing crowds for its spiritual reenactment.

The society's advisory role through the Community Reference Group ensures traditions endure. As the festival prepares for Easter 2026, the 100-year legacy stands as a testament to volunteer commitment, cultural inclusion, and community spirit in Bendigo.
 

100th Anniversary Events

To celebrate the 100th year of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society, there will be the following events in 2026:

Membership

Demonstrate your appreciation of this wonderful annual event and help to ensure it continues by becoming a member of the Bendigo Easter Fair Society.

Annual fees:

  • Individual $30
  • Community Groups $30
  • Business $30

Please complete the membership form to join or visit our membership page to find out more

More Information

Would you like to know more about the Bendigo Easter Fair Society or the history of the festival?   Visit our website  Bendigo Easter Fair Society for more information.