When Peter Sutton and his colleague, landscape designer Chris Slotemaker De Bruine, developed a proposal for a grand floral display to celebrate Australia’s Bicentenary and Canberra’s 75th birthday it is unlikely they realised how iconic the local celebration would become.

The inaugural Floriade in 1988 was such a success that it became an annual celebration of spring in Australia. More than 480,000 attendees are drawn to the month-long festival each year.

Alongside the backdrop of one million blooms the festival also includes music, cultural celebrations, horticultural workshops, artistic displays, entertainment and recreational activities. 

Since its beginnings, Floriade has been held alongside iconic Lake Burley Griffin in Canberra’s Commonwealth Park, the heart of the capital.

This year, Floriade looks back at the success of past events and to the future with the theme of ‘rejuvenation’. Organisers say the theme acknowledges the “renewal, revival, growth and change of spring.” Floral displays at this year’s festival will showcase favourite designs from the past.

In addition, by popular request, Floriade’s after-dark experience, NightFest will run across two weekends, with new musicians, comedians and pop-up performances.

Floriade organisers have also collaborated with artsACT to showcase local and national talent, with a curated collection of sculptures hidden around Commonwealth Park.

Floriade returns to Canberra from Saturday 16 September until Sunday 15 October 2017, with NightFest running on 22 September – 24 September and 29 September – 01 October. For more information visit www.floriadeaustralia.com