Canberra Fair has been evolving for years but according to organiser Danielle Cleary, this is the year it comes into its own, a one-day, action-packed community event.
Now, it’s the ultimate showcase for the businesses, makers and creatives providing “inspiration for any occasion”.
“This year Canberra Fair will reflect our vision. Everything we’ve been working towards the past few years will come to fruition, with a venue that matches our amazing event partners and exhibitors,” Mrs Cleary says.
“The National Convention Centre is a premium, award-winning venue in the heart of the city and it’s accessible to all – which is what Canberra Fair is about.”
Designed to help guests celebrate all of life’s occasions, the beating heart of the event is the Exhibition Hall.
There, guests are invited to taste, see, smell, experience, explore and shop the wares and services of market leaders in weddings, events, travel and lifestyle from Canberra and the surrounding regions.
Under one roof, visitors will find more than 100 providers of food, entertainment, photography, fashion, style, beauty, decor, venues and any other local businesses or makers that can be part of an event.
“The expo component is a great way for brides to plan their hen’s, bachelor parties and special day, we have a stunning array of wedding businesses showcasing all under one roof,” Danielle says.
“It’s more than weddings, though. It’s events too. There are babymoons, baby showers and first birthdays, 21st birthdays, any birthdays, promotions, gala dinners, graduations, anniversaries and family reunions …
“Life is punctuated by the milestones we choose to celebrate and plan.”
Spilling out into the Terrace is a feast for the senses – the Foodie Fair. Co-hosted with Experience Eats, playing centrepiece will be an enormous and fully furnished tipi from South Coast Tipis, as well as food trucks, gin and cider tastings, stalls and pop-up carts with a diverse offering of culinary delights.
This area adds to the event’s promise of “a day of spectacle”, with aerial artists and dance troupes, all set to the musical stylings of local seven-piece band Smooth Ops.
“There’s plenty of seating and heating, as we’ve catered for the cold weather so guests can enjoy the entertaining performances in comfort,” Danielle says.
“We want guests to be inspired by the full scope of local wedding, event, travel and lifestyle businesses that are available to make their vision a reality.”
At the centre of it all is the main event – the parade. Always a highlight, this year Canberra Fair has upped the ante.
Local presenter, former Miss Galaxy Australia and Cancer Council Ambassador Emily Egan will introduce the fair’s two fashion runways, which will showcase wedding, event, travel and lifestyle attire from local, national and international designers.
“The parade is a production in itself, and will be unlike any we’ve staged before,” Danielle says.
AV partners Encore have rigged the catwalk with epic lighting. Combined with stunning bespoke decor, it will make for an incredible Canberra fashion show and guest photo op.
Entry to Canberra Fair is free, but for those wanting a reserved seat for all the fashion action, sip on a non-alcoholic botanical wine and be gifted a Lala Hospitality Group $20 Amici Deli voucher, you can purchase a limited $30 VIP pass.
Staged just before the spring/summer weddings and events season appears on the horizon, Canberra Fair is the supreme muse, packaged in a day for all to enjoy.
For more information, to register for your chance to win a hamper full of prizes, to purchase VIP tickets or enquire about one of the limited spaces remaining for exhibitors, visit Canberra Fair. The fair will be held on Sunday 30 July 2023, at the National Capital Convention Centre, from 10 am to 3 pm.