After a successful relaunch in 2018, The Bentleigh Festival is back this year on November 24. We sat down with organiser, Creative Community Enterprises', Steve Williams, to get the lowdown on the Bentleigh community, why events like this are still vital and what we can expect to see and do at this year's event. 

Describing Bentleigh as “a hidden gem in Melbourne,” Steve says if you’ve never been to Bentleigh before, the area is one to watch. “It has a great community feel to it…I think that the demographic is changing and you’re getting a lot more people coming in.”

So, what do you do with a suburb that has growing popularity and a community of residents you want to engage? You bring them together!

WHY HOST A COMMUNITY EVENT? 

Here are some of the benefits to hosting a local event in suburbs just like Bentleigh:  

Get to know your neighbours outside of your usual interactions.

Don’t you love it when you know your local traders by name, and see familiar faces as you’re out and about in the community? Local events can really help solidify your relationships outside the usual mundane weekly schedule. When you are a part of something exciting together, you become more bonded and united as a community.

Creates excitement and buzz in the neighbourhood!

When an event is coming up you can’t help but feel excited and energised to be a part of something special in the community – especially when you can ‘take back the streets’ like you can experience at the Bentleigh Festival (Centre Road, we are coming for you!).

It’s fun!

So simple. Community events are fun, interactive and get you outside of your usual routine to see your local neighbourhood in a completely new light.

While not all community events are as massive as the Bentleigh Festival, it is still a great way to get out with your kids, family and friends to experience something fun and different.

Encourages newcomers to visit the neighbourhood

What makes community events so special is that they are not only great for the locals, they are a great way to bring in new customers for the Bentleigh traders. Steve hopes “the traders are so busy on festival days that they never leave their business,” with many of the traders taken by surprise as to how successful the event was in 2018. 

BENTLEIGH FESTIVAL

Last year, the Bentleigh Traders Association tasked Steve and his team to create the Bentleigh Festival – a “complex beast” of a task that Steve said was a huge success. “Residents loved it, council loved it, and traders loved it” – and with over 35,000 attendees, it is no surprise they have brought the event back and have been making it bigger and better for this year.

Steve shared that the event theme for this year is Multicultural and will be a “huge day of food, family and community.” Steve broke down what attendees can expect to see: 

Deconstructed Parade

The deconstructed parade will be filled with multicultural and family friendly acts that will get you moving and shaking throughout the entire day. American marching bands, K-Pop, superheroes + lots more!

Amusement Rides

You can find rides in the side streets right down Centre Road that the kids can enjoy all day, PLUS, craft activities, face painting and more will be available for the kiddies to enjoy too. Get a rundown on the pricing for the rides via the Bentleigh Festival website.

Campbell Street Stage

The spotlight will be shining on some amazing community groups, bands and demonstrations on the Campbell Street Stage.

St Kilda Football Club

St Kilda supporters unite – the team is coming down to the festival! Meet your favourite players and get great St Kilda FC merchandise to show your support for the team.

Car Show

If you’re a lover of hot rods, classic cars, custom bikes and more, Showcars Melbourne have got you covered. They will be displaying over 80 amazing show cars that you can ogle over during the event.

Food & Drinks

Sonder, Wolfe & Molone, The Bottle O, Mexico City and so many more local foodies will be open for business and serving something you’ll love. Plus, did we mentioned there will be beer gardens and even a Pups and Pinot Playground? Learn more via the Bentleigh Festival website.

Trader Specials

Traders will be operating during the event and offering great deals and specials. Last year Miss Ruby gave away a trip to Bali (how amazing!?) So, if you want to get your hands on some amazing deals and prizes, keep your eyes peeled for different trader specials. 

Get all the event details and stay up to date with What’s Happening by heading to the Bentleigh Festival website or following their event page on Facebook.