Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers is a special event – for four weeks in Spring it attracts more than 400,000 people and celebrates 37.2 million petals across the city’s parks and at Spring Bluff, generating more than $20 million in direct and incremental spending in Queensland. Like its well-tended gardens, it continues to bloom, and in 2024 will celebrate 75 years.
This year the event will run from 13 September over four floral-filled weekends to 7 October, with the theme, It’s A Party and organisers are now calling on like-minded businesses to join their petal-powered family as sponsors.
“Sponsorship opportunities are now open for the 75th anniversary of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers, with incredible brand awareness and direct engagement channels available,” Portfolio Chair Environment and Community Services, Toowoomba Regional Council Cr James O’Shea said.
“Ours is one of the biggest tourism-based events in the country, welcoming hundreds of thousands of new and returning visitors every year. From fresh modern country hospitality exploding with thousands of spring blooms to abundant local produce, the tastiest Queensland-produced wines and public parklands overflowing with natural beauty, and international quality entertainment programs across four weekends, Toowoomba bursts with world-class tourism experiences delivered in a world-class way. It’s a sponsor’s delight!”
“As a business proposition Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers thrives. Our corporate and sponsor alumni are led by names like Heritage Bank, Grand Central, Ergon Energy, Qantas, Bunnings, Telstra, Budget and TAFE and we are excited by what 2024 will bring.”
“The 2024 program includes some exiting new additions, which is why we are officially calling for Sponsorship Expressions of Interest from national and local businesses for events including the Illuminated Art Trail, Singapore Display, Gala Dinner, Symphony Under The Stars with Queensland Symphony Orchestra, the Floral Parade, Festival of Food & Wine, Parkland Entertainment, Night Garden, Cinema Under The Stars, Teddy Bears’ Picnic and Treasured Trees.”
“We are also looking for overall event product partners, out of home advertising partners, and in what’s a great idea, a hay fever reliever partner!!”
The Sponsorship EOI closes on 31 January 2024 with all information via www.tcof.com.au or directly,
at https://tr.smartygrants.com.
Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers – A History
Since its inception in 1949, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers has flourished and is now an iconic Queensland event. The brainchild of Essex Tait and the Toowoomba Chamber of Commerce, Carnival was introduced as a way for the city to use its “Garden City” reputation to promote increased economic activity following the hardships of war. On October 21, 1950, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers commenced with a street procession that stretched three miles in length. Led by a bullock team and watched by a crowd estimated to be 50,000 strong, it was a resounding success, as it has been ever since.
The Floral Facts and Figures of Australia’s most beautiful event (2023)
- 37.2 million petals across Council’s parks in the city and Spring Bluff
- 190,000 blooming annuals
- 50th anniversary of the Exhibition Garden program
- More than $920,000 raised over 50 years of Toowoomba Exhibition Gardens
- 81 floats and groups in the Grand Central Floral Parade
- More than 14,000 people attended the Festival of Food and Wine
- 40 flavour makers, winemakers and brewers at the Festival of Food and Wine
- 1 Teddy Bear’s Picnic
- 2,715 times the Ferris Wheel goes around over 16 days in Queens Park
- 52 #trEATS on the regional food trail program, a new record!
- 1 Floral Beer
- 3 Botanical Local Gins and Vodkas
- 50+ Hanging Baskets!
- 50 community events
- 75 local performances in our Heritage Bank Parkland Entertainment sessions
- 14 foodie tours
- 18 twilight tours of Laurel Bank Park
- Millions of smiles
