Grand Central's Carnival of Flowers float roars to life

THE 2015 Grand Central Floral Parade will be brought to life as roaring lions head through the CBD.

THE 2015 Grand Central Floral Parade will be brought to life as roaring lions head through the CBD.

To celebrate 20 years as founding partner of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Floral Parade, Grand Central Shopping Centre has created a special safari-themed anniversary float. The float is set in an African zoo setting with green vegetation and animatronic lions.

People in safari style outfits will walk beside the float, entertaining the crowds.

This is the fourth time Urban Business Visual Art and Sculpture has built the float for Grand Central.

Heath Michael (left) and Reid Crossinggum get in touch with their inner animal. Picture: Bev Lacey

"I'm a sculptor and I love being able to be creative," owner Joy Heylen said.

"Myself and a team of three have been working on the float since February.

"The idea was to design an African grass land with natural elements such as birds, vegetation and lions.

"Having the animatronic lions is great because it brings that bit of extra life to the float.

"You see beautiful floats created by community groups but the life-like lions make this one a level above the rest."

The float links in with the Grand Central September holiday activities.

Children are able to go on a safari adventure these school holidays at the largest animatronic zoo to hit Queensland.

Using a map children can spot lions, giraffes and elephants around the centre.

Ms Heylen said the float tied in nicely with the holiday activities.

"I think it's a great idea that the holiday program matches the theme of the float," she said.

"I'm sure children and adults alike will be blown away by the beauty of it all."

The parade will start at Hume St at 3pm on Saturday, September 19.

Originally published as Grand Central's Carnival of Flowers float roars to life