Mary Poppins Festival

Story, spectacle, and a spoonful of wonder await you! **Discover a world of imagination at the annual Mary Poppins Festival, a free family event held in the heritage streetscapes of Maryborough — the birthplace of beloved author P.L. Travers.** The Mary Poppins Festival is an annual celebration of storytelling, imagination, and the enduring legacy of P.L. Travers, who was born right here in Maryborough [11, 12]. This free event transforms the city's historic Portside Precinct and Queens Park into a whimsical wonderland for all ages [1]. You can expect a day packed with festival favourites, including the spectacular Grand Parade, the quirky Great Nanny Race, and the Chimney Sweep Challenge [1, 7]. The festival is typically held annually during the June/July school holidays, filling the streets with music, art, live entertainment, market stalls, and street food vendors from 9am to 3pm [1, 8, 12]. Come dressed in your finest Poppins-inspired costume and join the fun! ### What can you do at the Mary Poppins Festival? The festival is a vibrant celebration with a program bursting with activities for everyone. You can cheer on competitors in the famous Great Nanny Race and Chimney Sweep Challenge, or join the magnificent Grand Parade as it winds through the streets [1, 7]. Enjoy live music from local bands, browse artisan markets for unique handcrafted treasures, and watch talented roving performers bring the storybook magic to life [3, 10]. ### Are there special activities for children? Yes, the festival is designed to delight both the young and the young-at-heart. Children can enjoy amusement rides, face-painting, and hands-on craft activities like umbrella and kite decorating [3, 5]. There are also special performances from entertainers like best-selling author Deano Yipadee, interactive storytelling, and even miniature steam train rides through Queens Park [3, 5]. ### What are the festival's signature events? Don't miss the quintessentially Poppins-themed competitions like the Great Nanny Race and the popular Costume Competition [10]. A major highlight is the official attempt to break an Australian record for the "Largest Gathering of People Dressed as Mary Poppins Themed Characters"—a truly spectacular sight to see or be a part of [7, 10]. The day culminates in the Grand Parade, a colourful procession open to everyone, followed by a grand finale sing-a-long [10]. ### Where does the festival take place? The festival unfolds in the heart of Maryborough, making the most of the city's beautiful heritage streetscapes. The main locations are the Portside Precinct and the lush Queens Park. Activities also branch out to nearby venues like Gatakers Artspace for creative workshops and the Brolga Theatre and riverside parklands for sprawling artisan markets [1, 3, 8].

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