Event celebrates Maryborough, birthplace of Mary Poppins author, P.L Travers

The city where the world’s most famous nanny is celebrated via traffic lights, murals, cafes and a magical museum, is getting ready for its big annual event which this year features a special addition.

The Mary Poppins Festival, coming to Maryborough this July, promises an experience that will transport crowds “into a world full of play and imagination.”

Returning for the 15th year, the free entry event will be at Queens Park and Portside precinct in Maryborough, from 9am to 3pm on Sunday July 2.

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As the birthplace of Mary Poppins author, P.L Travers, Maryborough’s historical significance to the widely beloved story is celebrated through the festival.

“Showcasing the history of Maryborough, the event transforms heritage streetscapes and riverside parks through a storytelling program that transcends genres and presents a mix of art, culture, music and literature,” said the event’s spokesperson.

The event will host various activities including a Mary Poppins bag scavenger hunt, the Great Nanny Race and Chimney Sweep Challenge, a colouring and costume competition, as well as street food vendors, market stalls, rides, pavement art and live entertainment.

The event encourages guests to attend dressed as their favourite character, with a competition held for the best Mary Poppins inspired costume.

There will be entertainment and performances from Uptown Brown one-man-band, children’s author Deano Yipadee, Kaitlin's Aerials and Dance Academy, Glen the Magician, as well as many other talented local performers.

A Grand Parade will be held at 2pm, with the event’s spokesperson promising “an array of colourful floats and entertainers filling the streets with their musical vibes, before the highly anticipated Grand finale, an inspiring exhibition filled with music and song.”

This year, the event will also celebrate the 150 year anniversary of the Mary Ann locomotive, which was built in 1873 Maryborough by John Walker & Co. Ltd and was the first to be built in Queensland.

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“Festival goers can step back in time and grasp the history of one of Queensland’s oldest rail lines, shipping channels and industrial estates by jumping on the Mary Ann replica who will be lugging guests along the scenic route of the Mary River as part of the Mary Poppins festival experience.”

For more information on the Mary Poppins Festival follow @frasercoastevents on Facebook and Instagram and visit the website www.marypoppinsfestival.com.au.