General News
1 August, 2025
Sweet treat for festive season
THE Civic Green will host a sweet new event in the lead up to Christmas, with an inaugural Twilight Dessert Night on Friday, December 19.
A Warrnambool City Council initiative, the event will feature live music, entertainment and a variety of food vendors offering a range of treats.
Expressions of interest to get involved are now open, with Warrnambool businesses to receive priority.
Over 300 people responded to a survey about what sort of Christmas activities they’d like to see in 2025, with mayor Cr Ben Blain saying this feedback was crucial in developing the Twilight Dessert Night.
“It was great to have such a strong response that will help us tailor our Christmas activities,” he said.
“The Civic Green was the most popular location to host an event, and comments talked about wanting an event that brings people together. Something family-friendly, but able to be enjoyed just as much by people of all ages.”
The event will run from 6.30pm until 9.30pm.
“The idea of the dessert night is to complement the city’s existing hospitality options,” Cr Blain said.
“So you can have dinner at your choice of restaurant, then head down to the Civic Green for dessert and to enjoy live music and a great atmosphere.
“This will be council’s main Christmas activity in the CBD this year, and we’re working on other fun activities in December, so watch this space.”
Council is also keen to hear from community groups that would like to run their own activities and help bring extra cheer to the City Centre this festive season, with council happy to discuss ways to support the potential costs and promotion.
“Warrnambool and District Community Hospice ran a gift-wrapping station last year,” Cr Blain said.
“It was a gold coin to get a present wrapped, and council covered the cost of the wrapping materials, so all of the money raised went straight to Hospice.
“As well as raising money, the feedback received was that it was really beneficial for Hospice members to be able to have conversations with so many people and raise awareness in the community.
“So if there are other groups that would like to run an activity, please let us know. It could be face-painting or a children’s activity; we’re open to any ideas.
“It’s a really good way to raise funds, build awareness and help spread the Christmas cheer.”
To express your interest as a Twilight Dessert Night vendor, or a community group looking to run an activity in December, visit: www.warrnambool.vic.gov.au/expression-interest-opportunities
