Floriade is the biggest flower festival in Australia, a spectacular celebration of spring, set in Canberra's Commonwealth Park.

This year Floriade is set to rejuvenate visitors with a stunning festival that will feature more than one million blooms and fantastic entertainment depicting a Mind, Body and Soul theme.

From 12 September to 11 October in Commonwealth Park you can enjoy uplifting entertainment; sample regional food and wine; learn from informative workshops and educational demonstrations and meander amongst magnificent garden bed displays in the heart of the nation’s capital.

Be a part of the true Mind, Body, and Soul experience at the Lotus Lounge which combines the serenity of natural therapies such as express facials and luxurious hand treatments with the brilliance of garden beds in full bloom. For a treat, book yourself an indulgent High Tea experience or sample Lindemans Early Harvest less calories, lighter alcohol wine range.

Enjoy daily live entertainment throughout the park with a series of lunchtime concerts presented by the ANU School of Music, street performers and visual theatre, comedy acts, and dance. Be sure not to miss special guest performances from soul songstress Marcia Hines or the country music sensation the McClymonts.

See yourself uplifted with the new giant 35 metre ferris wheel offering a spectacular view of Floriade and beyond.

Look out for garden bed designs of clouds, ocean waves, a giant chess board, an eye, the elixir of life and the feast of colour as you soar above amazing displays.

Invigorate your body and explore the world of sport at the Australian Sports Commission marquee. Get the latest tips for coaching, see a nutritionist cook up a storm and find out the secrets behind talent identification. Plus, meet Australian Institute of Sport athletes, coaches and scientific experts.

Families will also love the popular Patting Paddock for a chance to meet your favourite farm animal, learn more about the amazing creatures at the Riveting Reptile exhibition.

Get in touch with your creative side and see top Interflora designers going head to head with their wonderful floral artistry creations in a national competition.

View a wealth of displays from a giant citrus guitar to spectacular Australian flower display.

If you are looking for inspiration to upgrade your garden, get some great ideas from the showcase gardens.

Make a date with Floriade 2009 and reinvigorate your Mind, Body and Soul. There are plenty of things to see and do in the capital this spring.

So come on, see for yourself!

Call 1300 554 114 or go to visitcanberra.com.au or Floriade Australia for information.
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What's the scoop in Australia, New Zealand and USA this August?

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Heading down from Brisbane or heading up from Sydney? Drop by Glenn Innes. This lovely place is home to the Australian Standing Stones. On May 1 to May 4, 2008 celebrate the great traditions of Celtic culture. The four day festival provides everyone with entertainment, song, dance, history and, of course, food.
The Australian Celtic Festival celebrated in Glen Innes, NSW displays a spectacular range of entertainment and history. Thousands pour into Glen Innes to experience the Celtic experience, Australian Standing Stones and the opportunity to meet with Aussies.
The festival’s main venue is the Australian Standing Stones. Imagine rising at dawn and listening to the eerie sounds of pipes in the autumn mists at the Standing Stones. Quite a Celtic experience that one should not miss. The festival includes street parades, ceremonial roles performed by re-enactment groups, Celtic Strongman events, bands, children’s entertainment, dancing, market stalls, and Celtic foods.
Anyone can partake in Celtic music and dance at one of the four stages at the Standing Stones or in one of the many concert venues in the town of Glen Innes. Mingle with the locals in pubs, clubs or restaurants. In Glenn Innes, there is something for everyone.