Toowoomba 2023 Carnival of Flowers program of events announced

The program has been revealed for this year’s Carnival of Flowers, which injects tens of millions into the economy every year. Here are the highlights for 2023.

Toowoomba’s $22m centrepiece tourism event will return in style, with the program announced for the 2023 Carnival of Flowers.

The 30-day celebration of all things floral and green kicked off this week, with organisers, the Toowoomba Regional Council, revealing the key dates in September for residents and tourists.

Along with the return of staples like the Festival of Food and Wine at Queens Park (September 8-10) and the Grand Central Floral Parade in the CBD (September 16), councillor James O’Shea said new foodie trail #TReats would be reprised for a third year.

(from left) TRC Mayor Paul Antonio, Carnival enthusiast Bre McCarthy and Val Peachy. Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers 2023 program launch in Val Peacheys garden. Thursday, April 27, 2023. Picture: Nev Madsen.

Mr O’Shea said businesses could now nominate to be part of the trail by whipping up a special dish just for the month of September.

“#TReats is back again this year and today we’re opening applications for all of Toowoomba’s best flavour-makers, so head to the carnival website,” he said.

Other key highlights of the 53 events in September include the Teddy Bears Picnic at Picnic Point, the Ferris wheel at Queens Park, Twilight Tours of Laurel Bank Park and the Chronicle Garden Competition.

Mayor Paul Antonio said the carnival was a crucial pillar of the region’s tourism economy.

“We’re much recognised and everywhere we go, people talk about what a special place Toowoomba is — the month-long event brings in $22m to our local economy,” he said.

“Not only is it the money that comes in, but the visitation that comes as a result of 30 days, the business connections and the community engagement has made quite a powerful difference.”

The launch of the 74th carnival also coincides with the 50th anniversary of the popular Toowoomba Exhibition Garden program, which highlights private gardens that flourish all year.

Longtime gardener Val Peachey, whose beautiful property was the site of the launch on Thursday, said the program had raised more than $850,000 for city charities and organisations since it started five decades ago.

“I enjoy sharing the garden with people from all over Australia and the world. It makes people smile when they walk into the garden,” she said.

“I’ve had people cry in my garden, because it reminds them of something very special – a grandparent, or a moment growing up.”

The program runs from September 15-24. For more information on the program of events and promotions during the Carnival of Flowers, head to the website.