RocKwiz

Popular music trivia show RocKwiz celebrated 50 years of Mushroom Records, with a star-studded salute at the Palais Theatre in Melbourne. Hosted by the ever-charismatic duo of Julia Zemiro and Brian Nankervis, the sold-out spectacular combined our love of Australian music with a fitting tribute to the accomplishments of late Australian legend Michael Gudinski and the Mushroom Team. 

As usual, the RocKwiz show featured contestants from the audience; with Leanne, James, Michael and Gerald selected to join the 'who's who' of Mushroom on stage for various rounds of music trivia. With categories including, Who Can It Be Now and Million Dollar Riff to name a few, the teams battled it out with Mushroom-specific questions all night long. 

The contestants were joined on stage by some of Mushroom's most iconic artists over the years, with the part-concert, part-trivia contest transforming into a concert with all the hits, as the artists shared their songs, their stories and their memories of working alongside Gudinski. The line-up included Mark Seymour, Adalita, Vika and Linda Bull, Billy Miller, Scott Carne, WILSN, Shannen James, Didirri and Gudinski's partner-in-crime, Michael Chugg. 

Supported by the famous RocKwiz Orkestra, the audience were treated to some originals, a lot of covers and medleys, and a whole lot of Mushroom puns. It's hard to describe the magic of the night, but some of our favourite moments included:

• Mark Seymour's Say Goodbye and cover of Even When I'm Sleeping
• Adalita rocking out and being joined by Sunnyboy's Richard Burgman
• Shannen James' dance-pop cover of Kylie's On A Night Like This 
• The incredible vocal range of WILSN, especially in her cover of Pain and Misery 
• Billy Miller of The Ferrets performing  Don't Fall In Love
• Didirri's haunting performance of Begin Again
• Michael 'Chuggie' Chugg recounting some of his favourite Gudinski memories 

The night had it all and was a fitting celebration of all things Mushroom and RocKwiz. 

We will be counting down the days until we can catch RocKwiz live again in Melbourne. 

Photo Credit: Tim Lambert

PAX AUS 2022 welcomed everyone home to the Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre, over its massive three day event. As a celebration of all things gaming and pop culture, the expo hall was as packed out as ever - with multitudes to see and do across the weekend. With its eclectic mix of expo halls, freeplay areas, table games, cosplay and tournaments, PAX's triumphant return made for a weekend packed full of fun.

A decent amount of our time at the event was spent at PAX Rising - the event's showcase of indie games - where we demoed mobile, console and PC games, all while being able to chat to the developers themselves. Rising offered up a huge variety of indie content, with no two games alike. Highlights for us included Massive Monster's instant hit Cult of the Lamb (who had the coolest merch); the addictive Overcooked-inspired multiplayer Camped Out!; the adorable puzzler Nekograms; and the hilarious mafia pigeon game, The Godfeather.

In need of some downtime and some quiet, we took a break at the R U OK? Handheld Lounge, to recharge before heading to the Voodoo Ranger bar for some bevs and a snack. Switching up the pace, we decided to try our hand at miniature painting at the Reaper Paint & Take table. Finishing off an elf wizard and wraith, we didn't think we'd done too badly, given it was our first go. We might've even found a new future hobby.

Running throughout PAX was their annual Omegathon - the festival-long tournament of randomly selected attendees who faced off in a game bracket for the main prize, as well as major bragging rights. The TikTok Cosplay Lounge and TikTok Cosplay Theatre offered a space for cosplayer meetups and tutorials. With there being no shortage of incredible handiwork from all cosplayers present (and an astounding number of League of Legends' Jinx), the festival presented itself as a platform for all - whether just starting out, or already known in the community as an established creator. 

Other highlights for us included the incredible skill shown on the UBank Speedrunning Stage, as games such as Spyro, Super Smash Bros and Portal were completed at breakneck speeds. Panels running throughout the festival covered off a plethora of topics, including working in the gaming industry, being middle-aged on the internet, women in gaming, indigenous storytelling in Dungeons & Dragons, and the latest developments in streaming tech. Run by industry names, streamers, and gamers alike, the panels were insightful and were a good way to break up the days.

If we weren't hanging out at the classic gaming section or scouting sponsor stands for pins, we were checking out the incredible work of the festival's vendors - ranging from beautiful dice sets, to campaign soundscapes and miniature kits. Walking away with a couple of new board games (including Exploding Kittens' A Game of Cat & Mouth), we noticed that scattered around the expo halls were plenty of hidden QR codes to be found, including one that hinted at an upcoming Kojima Productions project - which needless to say, had us excited.

After an absolutely stacked schedule, it was time for PAX to come to a close. We already know we'll be back next year, and can't wait to see what PAX 2023 has planned.

Melbourne's premier French festival So Frenchy So Chic once again returned, to celebrate all thing French culture; with an impressive lineup of music, food and wine. Taking in a plethora of sights, sounds and smells, So Frenchy So Chic brings a little bit of France to you.

Hosted at Werribee Park, with the iconic mansion in the background, SFSC is part music festival, part picnic in the park - equating to the perfect day. So with picnic rug and some snacks in hand, we set ourselves down in some prime real estate (AKA the shade) for the beautiful sunny day ahead.  

So Frenchy So Chic invites you to bring the whole family, and is welcoming to all ages. For kids, there was face painting, pétanque, and even flower crown making classes. If you were feeling peckish, you could treat yourself to some raclette (as we did), for the perfect marriage of melted cheese and potatoes. Pray to the cheesy gods, as it’s practically heaven on a plate. For those wanting to embrace a cheese platter or charcuterie, pre-ordered hampers from Melbourne's very own Milk The Cow, Bar Margaux and Hotel Gitan were available for pick up. Combined with some crusty bread, and a variety of wines available from the bars, and you had yourself the perfect lunch! 

Opening the stage was Senegal born Tété, whose delicate blend of soul and folk were an invigorating start to the day. As an artist who started off busking on the streets of Paris, his music still stays true to his roots, and had crowds clapping and dancing along. Playing songs off his new album Fauthentique, Tété's smooth vocals and relaxed vibes put everyone in a good mood. 

French cover band Nouvelle Vague was up next, with their original jazz-inspired takes on new wave and alternative classics from bands such as Joy Division and Violent Femmes. As the brainchild of producers Marc Collin and Olivier Libaux, this is not the band's first time at SFSC - and it probably won't be the last. With a range of covers that had everyone singing along, Nouvelle Vague ticked everyone’s boxes. Some of our favourites were Love Will Tear Us Apart and I Wanna Be Sedated - both with Nouvelle Vague's own spin on them.

Gracing the stage with her presence was folk-pop musician Lou Doillon; an artist with an impressive back catalogue, and equally impressive dance moves. Known to some as the daughter of Jane Birkin, Doillon's trademark husky voice is flawless, charming and soulful. Opening her set with a guitar-heavy Burn, Doillon's music was given a new, grungier life on stage. From song to song, she brings out her own guitar to play along, and really gets into the grittiness of it all. Telling the audience 'If you find a good man, make sure you never let him go', she launches into Good Man, later following up with Too Much, an anthem for all the people who are a little too intense. Before we know it, her set is finished - and all we know is that we can't wait to see her again.

Disco-pop queen Corine gets the party started and the audience jumping along from the opening notes of her set. Backed by a band in matching tracksuits, the charismatic Corine walks onto the stage dressed head to toe in gold. Her hair is huge, her heels high, and her stage presence is undeniable. Corine has taken European audiences by storm, and its easy to see why, with the instant hits she has. Tracks Il fait chaud and Pourquoi pourquoi are easily some of our favourites, and are catchy as anything. Throughout the entire set, Corine displays an unbeatable energy; with flashy dance moves that are mirrored by the audience. This is Corine's first time in Australia, but we’d love to see her back. 

Continuing the party and closing the stage for the night was Philippe Cohen Solal, one third of the eletronic trio Gotan Project. Playing a DJ set with a variety of drum and bass, mash-ups, and dance infusions, Solal's set was the perfect way to wind down after a big day. With the crowd swaying along to his music, it really had everyone in a great mood. We then left So Frenchy So Chic that evening feeling refreshed, and as though we'd soaked up all the French culture we could possibly get. We look forward to what the festival has in store for next year, and can't wait to see which artists hit our shores next!

The world-renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is back, and bigger than ever! 

After taking a year off in 2021, the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show returned to the Royal Exhibition Building and Carlton Gardens once again, and was greeted by an absolutely massive turnout from plant and garden enthusiasts. Presented by Scotts Osmocote, the five-day spectacular ran from 30 March to 3 April, as the southern hemisphere’s largest horticultural event, with just over 100,000 people attending. The show drew in crowds from all walks of life; ranging from millennials with houseplant addictions, to well-seasoned gardening experts. With all welcome at the show, our team ventured around the showgrounds for the day, and explored all that was on offer.

Every year we look forward to the show to see all the talented horticulturalists imagine the impossible and bring it to life. It’s hard to capture in words just how magical the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show feels each year, and 2022 was no exception, with one of the biggest programs to date. Featuring stalls from local nurseries and small businesses, there was plenty of opportunities to buy some beautiful new plants, browse some crazy garden sculptures, and even pick up a showbag.

Housed in the Royal Exhibition Building was a series of incredible installations from established florists, artists, and floristry students alike. Stretching from the surreal, ethereal arrangements built around mirrors and crystals, to the modern, polished bouquets and floral dresses, there truly was something for everyone. The building's upper level was home to a huge gallery of dedicated artists' work for sale, for those that wanted to take home some original nature-inspired art with them.

Spread throughout the grounds was over 30+ entrancing garden displays, 500+ works from some of Australia’s best artists, as well as the first-ever Celebrity Show Garden from Australian of the Year Dylan Alcott in collaboration with Vivid Design. With a range of exciting competitions to explore, there was everything from the Achieveable Gardens Competition through to the Secret Garden Melbourne Ideas Competition - with many new exciting categories to enjoy. 

If you would like to read about all of the winners from the 2022 show, please head here.  

The Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show will return in 2023.  

To keep up to date with all things MIFGS, please visit their website for more information. 

The fifth Annual East Malvern Food & Wine Festival took place on Sunday 27th March at Central Park, in Malvern East with great success. Providing the public with the opportunity to attend a local boutique, limited edition ticketed version of the festival event, the sunny weather ensured that all attendees were able to enjoy the outdoors after a long wait, with the last event occurring in 2019. 

This year, the event ran cashless with festival currency digitally pre-loaded or purchased throughout the day. With over 80 wines, craft beers, ciders and small batch distillers present, there was an abundance of beverage choices to be paired with the extensive range of local and regional culinary exhibitions. 

Whether you were drinking tastings, by the glass, or taking home your bottles, there were 12 wineries from more than five Victorian wine regions to sample at the event. Our personal favourites included Linnaea Vineyards, Innocent Bystander and Wren Estate, as well as spending some quality time with the team at Wine Selectors.

Ensuring that we did not head home empty handed, our team frequented all the market stalls on offer, to sample their amazing wares. A special shout out goes out to Josh & Sue's delicious condiments, Saucier Foods' incredible chilli crisp and XO sauces, and That Spirited Lot's beautiful gins. 

With lots of family friendly entertainment on throughout the day, this event is one we can’t wait to get back to next year. 

Sugar Republic is back in Melbourne with their latest series of installations, Bloomville. The team behind the immersive art experience have now brought their fun-filled spaces to the west; co-hosting with the up-and-coming Woodlea Estate. 

With several rooms spanning across a rainbow of colours, Bloomville is home to a plethora of amazing installations such as a confetti shower, a rainy and a sunshine room, and a leafy wall. Throw in a set of swings, a pink ping pong table and a flipped bedroom illusion, and you’ve got the perfect backdrops for some crazy-good photo ops. Several rooms even had us living out our Wes Anderson fantasies; complete with props and monochromatic hues.  

Once you’re finished your photo shoot and exploration of the rooms, there’s a picnic area to enjoy, complete with lemonade stand and chill out area. Bloomville is running until the end of January, with tickets at $5 per person, or $20 per family. 100% of proceeds from tickets will go to supporting your choice of local organisations; so you can choose from either Lort Smith Animal Hospital, Alex Makes Meals or the Good Friday Appeal. 

So head on over to their website and book yourself in for a blooming great day! 

Cabaret star Ash Flanders returned to the stage for his latest show Ash Flanders is Nothing. Back at the Brunswick Ballroom after his side-splitting stint in the Ballroom's Opening Gala, Ash made his grand entrance down the stage's staircase, garnering laughs from the audience with each step. 

Launching into the show with a heartfelt rendition of I Have Nothing, Ash's vocal abilities were on full display that night. Covering off family dramas and moments from his and his partners' life, Ash's humour is raw and too relatable - which is probably why most of the audience couldn't hold back their laughter (and at time, tears). Complete with the perfect comedic timing, references and re-enactments from The Neverending Story, moments of inflection, and cabaret-style covers, a better question to ask would be what didn't this show have? 

Before we knew it, the show was at its end, and the multi award winning writer / performer / comedian / wearer of many hats had the audience cheering and looking forward to his next efforts. Safe to say, you're in for a roller coaster of emotions in Ash's latest one man show. Blending comedy, storytelling, singing and tragedy together made for an interesting performance - and one that had us feeling incredibly introspective at its conclusion. Ash Flanders is Nothing is on for two nights only - 1 July and 8 July. 

Head to the Brunswick Ballroom's website for tickets and more info.

Back from the dead, Dracula's Resurrection Tour slays

Dracula's theatre is back with a new and unique experience for their Resurrection Tour in Melbourne at Crown Casino. Held in The Palms; a venue as glamorous as the Dracula's cast, the Resurrection tour brought back many of the (in)famous crew in full swing. After Dracula's Melbourne venue unfortunately closed their doors back in 2017, it was fantastic to see the iconic theatre group back at it again. The burlesque/cabaret spooktacular was delivered in two parts to an audience unprepared for what they were about to see - especially those seated in the 'splash zone'.

From towel tricks to human statues, epic power ballads to roller-blading aerialists, this show had it all. Acrobatic duo Synergy's aerodynamic feats had the audience in awe, while the When I Was A Sperm song had the crowd in stitches. With a great soundtrack to sing and dance along to, the audience enjoyed hits from Led Zeppelin, INXS, Portishead, My Chemical Romance, The Rolling Stones and plenty more. For many, a highlight of the night was easily the puppet rendition of Bohemian Rhapsody with a full felt band. 

If you are looking for a night out in Melbourne, take a little walk on the wild side and embrace the weird and wonderful world that Dracula's has to offer. Your talented hosts for the night, Onyx, Viper and Spine promise they won't bite (much). Whether you're a die-hard fan, fresh meat, or just plain curious, make sure you don't miss out on the Resurrection Tour, which is running in Melbourne until the 30th May. Grab your tickets here. 

It's not very common in today's climate for a new venue to open up in Melbourne. That's where the Brunswick Ballroom comes in; the newly renovated venue taking the place of the Spotted Mallard in the old Metropolis House on Sydney Road. With incredible refurbishments made to its sweeping staircases, plush red curtains, and its stained glass domes, the Ballroom is set to become our city's next big venue for gigs, comedy and cabaret shows. With a sell out weekend of opening shows, we made our way to the new venue to attend their Opening Gala, a celebration for the venue's revival.

Upon entry, you'll see that the venue sticks to its historic roots - staying true to the traditional fit outs that you would've found back in the building's heyday. Transported back in time, you'll find yourself admiring every feature; down to every last bit of timber trim. The venue's foyer is host to a series of photographs from A COOL WORLD, A David Parker photographic retrospective of Melbourne music in the 1970’s and 1980’s. The exhibition features some incredible shots of music legends Elton John, AC/DC, Molly Meldrum, Skyhooks, and Michael Gudinski from David Parker - an icon who has cemented himself in Australian arts and culture. While waiting for the Gala to begin, we found ourselves studying each photograph in great detail - amazed at how well Parker had captured the essence of each subject so well.

Hosted by the talented Eddie Perfect and Margot Tanjutco, the Opening Gala takes off with a bang, with the duo starting us off with a cabaret-style song, setting the theme for the night. The duo welcome to the stage the incredibly brilliant artists that complete this night; Mama Alto, Bert LaBonté, Jess Hitchcock, Ash Flanders, Vidya Makan and Jude Perl. Each artist flexed their gifts effortlessly, amazing the audience, and at times, having us shake with laughter. With a perfect mix of music, cabaret and comedy, the gala was a showcase of what the Ballroom plans to offer us in the future.

For many, the venue's opening marked the return of the live music and entertainment industry to our culture-rich city. After the crazy year we've all had, it was quite emotional to see the live show that these artists, promoters, and industry-movers had put on for the new venue and its (soon to be returning) patrons. As upcoming events approach, it's fantastic to see that the Brunswick Ballroom will be hosting a variety of shows for the Melbourne International Comedy Festival, as well as the Brunswick Music Festival. We're keen to see what else this incredible new venue will have to offer. This beautiful space cannot be missed out on - check out their website to see what the Brunswick Ballroom has coming up soon!

Photo: Nicole Cleary

Going off the notion that a circus is the greatest show on Earth, Cirque du Soleil presented Kurios to Melbourne with a troupe of 47 talented performers under the Grand Chapiteau at Flemington Racecourse. The cabinet of curiosities theme continued to spread Cirque du Soleil's message to invoke the imagination, provoke the senses and evoke the emotions of people around the world. A magnificent and whimsical story line set in a steampunk universe, the clock strikes 11:11 as the magical tale begins, and the outlandish characters pull into the station and pour out onto the stage. 

What happens under the Big Top can only be seen to be believed. The two hour show has everything you'd expect from a circus, mixed with a range of situations you never expected to see in your entire life. A strongman throws his acrobatic partner back and forth in the air, effortlessly throwing and catching her entire body as she twists and turns. A lady rides past you upside down, pedaling in the aerial space, and an invisible circus (with its own invisible lion) manages to entertain the crowd with the assistance of a dramatic clown. A dramatic chair balancing act to reach a chandelier makes for an entertaining dinner party. A clown barks at a grammar-phone, and a pilot balances on a series of stacked cylinders in a variety of daring configurations. 

Act II ramps up with trampolinists leaping and diving around like fish in water, with the performers reaching heights that no ordinary person could. A clown goes on a date with an unsuspecting female member of the audience; who is serenaded by a bird, a T-Rex and a cat! Muscular acrobats soar through the air in a synchronised dance, and a yo-yo master captivates the audience with his skills. A highlight of act two was a hand puppetry performance deserving of a film festival award, simply based on the emotions felt by such a hilarious and heart-warming performance. As the show comes to a close, a range of acrobats delivered a myriad of dances, pyramids and somersaults around the stage. Launching one of the acrobats 4-people high, the act will certainly stick in your mind for years to come.

Cirque du Soleil's Kurios delivers an incredibly immersive experience with imaginative props, costumes and talented performers. Part circus, part way of life, let yourself fall down the rabbit hole and book your tickets today. Prepare for the unexpected - you will not be disappointed. 

Disclaimer: Due to recent events, Cirque du Soleil is hoping to reschedule all future Melbourne performances. Current ticket holders are advised to hold onto their tickets and contact their original point of purchase. 

Floating down a river will now be be one of the most relaxing, albeit competitive, activities we've had the joy of attending. The Inflatable Regatta has returned to Melbourne for yet another year; with 2020's edition being held on both the Yarra and the Maribyrnong River. With Melbourne's crazy weather never disappointing (and unfortunately cancelling the Yarra event), we took a drive down to the Footscray Sailing Club, for a day on the Maribyrnong River like no other.

After the pair of us jumped in an inflatable raft, we took off from the Sailing Club and began to work out a game plan. Working out a rowing pattern was half the fun of the day, and provided most of the laughs - which also seemed the case for most people on the river. Floating down the river, inflatable rafts could be seen as far as the eye could see. Passing couples in matching costumes, floating picnics, and makeshift raft parties, it was clear that everyone was taking to the river in their own way.

Disembarking after a lazy 1.5 hour paddle, the party continued on at Grimes Reserve, where there was a lawn party, complete with a bar and plenty of food trucks waiting. Grabbing a spritz and a toastie each, we settled down on the lawn to a well deserved meal, and to listen to local band Surprise Chef - who dished up some smooth vibes. Continuing on the stage was Karate Boogaloo and DJ Joey Lightbulb, who ran through some water-themed tracks.

Whether you're up for impressing someone with your sweet rowing skills, spending some quality time with the fam, or wanting to have a proper sesh on the river with some friends, the Inflatable Regatta honestly has it all. The Inflatable Regatta will be back next year for another run. Make sure you keep an eye on their website so you can snatch up some tickets and get ready for a day like no other.

Making its way to Australia for the first time was the Big Bounce - the largest touring inflatable event in the entire world! Hosted at Flemington Racecourse, the massive inflatables are one of a kind, and have been selling out sessions like crazy. Offering sessions for both families, and adults only, the Big Bounce has been a hit worldwide with both kids and kids at heart.

Big Bounce is split up into three main parts; the World's Biggest Jumping Castle, the Giant, and Air Space. All three sections are just as fun as the last, and offer a little something for everyone. The World's Biggest Jumping Castle is Guinness certified as being literally the world's biggest, so you know from the get-go that you're in for a treat. Running 300 metres long, the Giant is one of the craziest obstacle courses you'll encounter, and will have you jumping, climbing and crawling through it. Finally, take it easy at Air Space, which features a massive slide, ball pits and an inflatable maze.

We attended the adults only sessions one night, to embrace our inner-child. Running from 6-9pm, we started our evening on the World's Biggest Jumping Castle. As easily one of the coolest events we've been to, the massive castle was truly a work of art. With a DJ booth, climbing frames, basketball hoops, and even a chill out area for some downtime, there was something to keep you occupied at every second. Throughout our time in the castle, the MC invites everyone to play games and dance along to the massive hits being blasted from the speakers. Before we know it, our time is up - we're all partied out, and ready for the next set of inflatables.

Making our way to the Giant, we gear ourselves up for an intense trial of the fittest. Taking off from the finish line, we ducked, dived and (in some cases) fell across the obstacles. For those that find themselves beat by the Giant, there's a halfway point to jump off at. Wanting to chill out for the rest of the evening, we made our way to Air Space - starting at a maze, and making our way to the ballpits. For the cherry on top, there's a massive inflatable slide to race your friends down. With burlap sacks to sit yourself on, we had a massive dose of nostalgia - thinking back to the old multi-lane slides at the Melbourne Show. 

Chances are that you'll work up a bit of a sweat while at the Big Bounce. Thankfully, there was plenty of food trucks and a bar available - which will make all your bouncing around worth it. Carb yourself up, because you'll be burning through them quickly enough! 

The Big Bounce is currently making its way around Australia. Given the success it had in Melbourne, we're hoping to see it again soon! Keep an eye on their website to see when it's coming to a city near you.

The National Gallery of Victoria's latest exhibit features the work of Brian Donnelly, AKA KAWS; the famed New York artist known for his character work and designs. Showcasing the artist's emotionally-driven pieces, the exhibition looks at his work over the past few decades.

With his distinct style that mixes both commercial and traditional art techniques, KAWS' exhibit features just over 100 pieces - with a variety of his initial graffiti work, pop-culture themes, and sculptures. Despite his unique style being jam-packed with cultural icons such as the Simpsons, the Peanuts, and even the Michelin Man, there is definitely a sense of emotion; hope, loneliness and love. KAWS Companion series was a main highlight for us, and we felt ourselves deeply moved by his incredibly simple, yet detailed sculptures.

The exhibit also features an interactive component for kids (and the kids at heart), where you can immerse yourselves in KAWS' art. Film a video, draw your own character, or sit down at a table and get your stickers on. Either way, you'll be able to take home a bit of your own art with you. 

The NGV will be hosting KAWS' work until 13 April 2020. With pieces that are nothing short of the wow factor, it's an exhibit not to be missed. Head on over to NGV's website for tickets and more info.

Lollies and Christmas are obviously a match made in heaven. So when Sugar Republic’s latest opened a new Christmas themed pop-up experience, we knew we had to go check it out. Opening at the old MacRobertson Chocolate Factory in Fitzroy, Christmasland is home to 10 different themed rooms, all just asking for you to immerse yourselves in them. 

In true Sugar Republic style, photos are more than encouraged - it’s practically an Instagrammer’s drea. Walking through the tinsel-draped entrance, you'll find yourself in a pink tree forest, sliding into a pit of marshmallows, or even at a scratch and sniff wall. Spin a wheel to find out if you're naughty or nice, and get some amazing snaps in front of some incredibly designed wall patterns. Sample some treats at the candy bar, and dive right in to the ball pit, or even a snow globe.

Of course it’s not Christmas without Santa - who is more than happy to be part of your photos. If you’re still craving something sweet, head on over to their milkshake bar, which has plenty of lolly flavours to choose from. We treated ourselves to a couple milkshakes - one Cherry Ripe, the other banana - and had some serious nostalgia vibes.

Christmasland really took us back to the magic of Christmas, and the excitement we had when we were kids. The pop-up really is a great activity for all; whether you're on a date, or taking to family out for some holiday fun. Christmasland is only on until 23 December and sessions are selling out fast, so head over to their site to book your tickets now!

Royal Exhibition Building activity is blossoming with the return of the Melbourne International Flower & Garden Show (MIFGS), presented by Lawn Solutions Australia between March 27 – 31, 2019. With the show being in its 24th year, the MIFGS is easily the largest horticultural event of its kind in the Southern Hemisphere. Drawing in crowds both local and from overseas, the show’s booming crowds, lively atmosphere, and over 200 vendors was proof of this.

MEL Live headed down to the show to have a look at everything it had to offer. Featuring landscape and floristry demonstrations across the Carlton Gardens, presentations were inspiring to both amateur and professional gardening enthusiasts. Vendors of new gardening tech and plants (of course!) were spread out across the grounds, showcasing some amazing new developments, as well as rare and on-trend plants, and some phenomenal sculptures.

Inside the Royal Exhibition Building were incredible floral installations, both across landscapes and sculpture. An incredible runway of floral dresses and wedding arbours from floristry students was laid out across one of the building’s wings. To say every installation was breathtaking and surreal is an understatement. Vendors such as Seedlip (the world’s first non-alcoholic spirit) mixed up the night, offering free sampling to attendees.

The show was capped off with live music, performances, and a plethora of food choices. We definitely had to take in a minute to take in our surroundings; listening to the live band, while enjoying some Prosecco. Stilt-walkers, jugglers, and fire twirlers provided entertainment for kids, making the show perfect for families.

By the end of our night at the show, we left with many thoughts; 1) we were inspired, 2) we wanted bigger gardens, and 3) we wanted to sign up with the Melbourne Flower School to learn some amazing skills. As we headed off with four different types of pothos between us, we hoped that next year’s show would be just as good, if not better.