Where have all the flowers gone? To Toowoomba every one

It is one of Australia's longest-lived festivals, and the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers will this year celebrate its 75th anniversary.

In the event's first year, in 1949, a bullock team led a street procession that stretched three miles in length through Toowoomba, an idea that used the “Garden City” reputation to generate economic prosperity following the hardships of war.

Fast forward to 2024 and the 75th anniversary event features close to 80 events over four petal-filled weekends from September 13 to October 7, with the theme It’s A Party.

Highlights this year include the full Queensland Symphony Orchestra performing under the baton of chief conductor Umberto Clerici, a 75th Memorabilia Exhibition, new dining experiences and the return of several former carnival queens.

Toowoomba Regional Council Mayor Cr Geoff McDonald said the entire region was excited about the 75th anniversary of the event.

“What a year for Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and what a year for everyone who has ever taken part, walked in the parade, wandered the gardens, danced at the festival, and worked as a volunteer or team member,” he said. “It’s your time to party!

“We know what Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers means to the region - recent statistics from Tourism and Events Queensland unveiled a fresh milestone for last year’s event with a record-breaking attendance figure of 417,517 - an impressive 14% surge compared to the 2022 results and the first time we have topped the 400,000 mark.

"Importantly, this also means direct and incremental spending across the region reached a total of $24.54 million, another record for the event."

See tcof.com.au