Family of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers founder reunite for Grand Central Floral Parade

With a live rock band, close to one hundred community floats and a founder’s family reunion, this year’s floral parade is sure to be a party unlike any other.

Darcy and Audrey Thompson on the Grand Central float ahead of the Grand Central Floral Parade of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, Thursday, September 19, 2024. Picture: Kevin Farmer

The crown jewel of Toowoomba’s social calendar will celebrate 75 years of rich history with its biggest turnout yet.

More than 2000 people across 90 floats are set to take part in the biggest Grand Central Floral Parade to date this Saturday including 50 descendant’s of Carnival of Flowers founder and Toowoomba legend Essex Tait.

This year’s theme “It’s a Party” will honour the carnival’s 75 year history with floats adorned with disco balls, party hats and birthday cakes.

Tait’s daughter, Sally Warriner will head the memorial float with family from across the country flying in for the occasion.

“I just know how much Dad would love to see us all,” Ms Warriner said.

“Literally all the family are going to be here … we’ve got people from Kununurra, Margaret River, we’ve got Darwin people, we’ve got people from Brisbane.

“We’re all very proud.”

Brisbane based musician Harry Powell from Another Harry will be performing live on the day atop his disco themed float with indie rock band Dave & the Mudcrabs.

“With the theme this year being “It’s a Party”, we thought we’d bring the music,” he said.

“We’re going to have four musicians on the trailer and a drummer with a live drum kit on the back of a ute.

“It’s going to be great fun.”

The up and coming artist was driven to enter by his Toowoomba family who have a long history with the parade themselves.

“They’ve been helping out with the flowers, I’ve stolen some from my grandparents garden,” he said.

“They entered floats in the 70s so I’ve been leaning on their expertise for the design.

“It’s been a really great time with family.”

Celebrations will continue into the afternoon at the Grand Central Parade After Party with live entertainment, free food and gift card giveaways.

“It’s really heartwarming to see the community year on year coming out to see thousands of people on the street, it really pulls at the heartstrings,” Grand Central marketing manager Julie Thompson said.

“(The parade) originally started with bullocks so to now move to vehicles, marching bands, it’s a wonderful collaboration of community.”

The parade will depart from the corner of Herries and Hume St on September 21 at 10am and will conclude at noon at the Godsall St Oval with the after-party kicking off at Grand Central Shopping Centre from 12pm until 4pm.

Parking will be available at Grand Central; although drivers are advised to check for several road closures in place throughout the day.

Originally published as Family of Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers founder reunite for Grand Central Floral Parade