Grand Central Floral Parade Entrant Information

Applications open: 7 March 2024    Click here to start your application!

Creative meetings : March & April 2024 - via online bookings HERE (compulsory- all entrants must attend one appointment)

Applications close: 2pm, on 29 April 2024

Entrants notified: 6 May 2024

Mandatory parade entrant meeting: 5:30pm, 18 September 2024

PARADE DAY: Saturday 21 September 2024

"It's a party!"

A message from your Creative Advisors:  Anna & Mary-Kate

The theme ‘It’s a Party!’ was chosen to celebrate the huge milestone of 75 years of the wonderful Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade in Toowoomba.

‘Party’ is not just a word, it’s a FEELING. And we need your help to create this feeling in this year’s Parade. It’s JOY, it’s EXCITEMENT, and it’s A LOT OF FUN.

 So think: 

• Streamers, bunting and flags
• Music
• Bright Colours
• Giant Cakes
• Party hats
• Entertainment
• Pom poms
• Mirror Balls
• Bubbles

 And, of course, it’s a floral parade, so LOTS AND LOTS OF FLOWERS!

 You can make your bunting and costumes or find what you want ready-made.
Of course we encourage you to choose local whenever possible and recycle and repurpose what you can.

 Remember every single person walking in the parade MUST be in costume or some sort of themed outfit. It’s easy to dress a driver or a support person in bright colours - just a floral shirt, a party hat, a wave and a big smile.

 As we are a FLORAL PARADE, remember that 50-70% of your entry needs to be flowers and plants. You can grow your own flowers if you want - or order them from a local supplier. If you’re planning to grow your own, get those seeds in the ground soon! 

 Flower content can also be paper, synthetic or made from recycled materials!
But remember - no glass and we strongly discourage single use balloons.

We’re here to help you develop your ideas and inspire you to think outside the box. Look for the link to book your appointment with us (online or in person) and we’ll see you sometime in April!

We’re really looking forward to meeting you, hearing how you’re going to address the theme and make this the best 75th Party Parade Toowoomba has ever seen!

When you enter you must choose a catergory.  There are seven (7) categories you can choose from, please read the criteria for each prior to completing your application. The categories are:

• Corporate float
• Corporate walking group
• Community  float
• Community walking group
• Creative expression
• Multicultural celebration
• Visiting float

Floats (Corporate or Community)

A visual display on a self-propelled float or trailer towed by a decorated vehicle , decorated with 50% or more floral and/or living matter. Floats are limited to one sign for advertising and need to rely on visual communication of their brand created in consultation with the Creative Advisor.

• Visual display on a self-propelled float or trailer towed by a decorated vehicle.
• Decorated with 50% or more
• Limit of one sign for advertising
• Visual communication of brand created in consultation with the Coordination Team

Walking Groups (Corporate or Community)

This category is open to all walking groups and marching bands and must address the Parade theme. The maximum number of walkers is 50, and all must be in fully themed costumes with floral elements. Marching and walking groups are permitted forward manoeuvres ONLY.

• Entrance by walking groups, marching groups and local, national groups attired in traditional dress or costume.
• Quantity of walkers in a walking group is determined by the adaption of the theme and presentation of the group.
• Maximum number of walkers is 50 people, and all must be in fully themed costume with floral elements, a requirement which will need to be developed through the compulsory sessions with the Parade Creative Advisor
• Limit of one sign for advertising
• Visual communication of brand created in consultation with the Coordination Team

Creative Expression Entry Criteria

Encompassing puppetry, marionettes, costumed characters and visually delightful bicycle entries, the criteria requirements must be a fantastical floral delight.

• Unlimited creativity and expression of the theme is fundamental to this category.
• This category is not available for commercial vehicle entries.
• Limit of one sign for advertising
• Visual communication of brand created in consultation with the Coordination Team

Multicultural Celebration Criteria

A visual display representing and celebrating Australia’s cultural diversity. This category must include floral elements in costumes and props

• A visual display representing your culture and celebrating the diversity within Australia. This category must maximize the use of floral elements into their costumes and props.  This may be presented in the form of a float or walking/marching group.

Visiting Float Criteria

A float entry from outside the immediate Toowoomba Regional Council area. An strong element of floral theming must be added to the float.

• Visual display on a self-propelled float or trailer towed by a decorated vehicle.
• Decorated with 50% or more floral
• Limit of one sign for advertising
• Visual communication of brand created in consultation with the Coordination Team

CORPORATE FLOAT  $75.00
CORPORATE WALKING GROUP  $30.00
COMMUNITY  FLOAT  $55.00
COMMUNITY WALKING GROUP  $30.00  
VISITING FLOAT  $55.00 
MULTICULTURAL CELEBRATION  $55.00 
CREATIVE EXPRESSION ENTRY  $30.00

Once applications are confirmed, an invoice will be sent to each entrant for payment.  

CORPORATE ENTRY

Corporate entries are ‘For Profit’ / Commercial organisations.  This category is also open to a limited number of corporate groups from outside the immediate Toowoomba Regional Council area entered by other festivals, cities, councils or countries.

COMMUNITY ENTRY

Community entries are available for Not-for-profit organisations including community-based clubs, associations and groups.  Charities will need to provide evidence of Charitable Status or Incorporation with this application.    This category is also open to a limited number of community groups from outside the immediate Toowoomba Regional Council area entered by other festivals, cities, councils or countries.

WHAT DO I NEED TO DO…
Step 1:  Read through all the information on this webpage!  Outlined are the entry requirements and how you can access support  from our Creative Advisors, Anna Battle and Mary-Kate Thomson, to help you achieve a high-quality entry to showcase your business or community group.

Step 2:  Make an appointment with the Creative Team and attend. They will help you plan your entry and offer advice on how you can best represent your brand, mission and purpose while addressing the 2024 parade theme: “It’s a Party!”

Make an appointment here: https://calendly.com/creativemeeting

Appointments can be face to face, a phone call or via Zoom. If you entered last year, you may elect either a 30 minute or 1 hour appointment. If your group is new to the Parade you will need to make a 1-hour appointment.

These appointments are a compulsory requirement of entry into the Parade.

Step 3: Fill in the online entrant application form  HERE before they close at 2pm on 29 April, 2024.

Step 4: The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers office will then contact you to advise if your application has been accepted.  All applications will be assessed, and successful applicants notified no later than Monday 6 May 2024.  The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers and Grand Central Floral Parade Coordination Team's decision will be final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

Step 5: Successful applicants will be provided with additional information regarding local supplier discounts,  permits and regulations specific to your entry. This is dependent on what vehicles and structures etc will be included in your entry.

Step 6: The Creative Advisors will touch base with you again to check that you are fulfilling the Parade creative requirements.

Step 7: Purchase your materials and resources and commence building your float. Don't forget to check out the Preferred Supplier Card for discounts!

Step 8: get creative and complete your decorations and entry elements.

Step 9: Participate in the MANDATORY Entrant Meeting on Wednesday 18 September 2024 at 5.30pm.

Step 10: Participate in in the Grand Central Floral Parade!

The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers office must receive all applications by 2:00pm Thursday 20^th April 2023. Entries after this date will be accepted at the sole discretion of the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade Coordinator.

As there are a limited number of spaces available for participants in this year’s parade, submitting an application does not mean automatic acceptance. Upon receiving your fully completed form and attached documents, the Coordination Team will decide your eligibility. Your acceptance will be determined by your entry description, supporting information, the ability to meet the entry criteria and parade conditions of entry, and if applicable past performance in the Parade. All applications will be assessed, and successful applications notified no later than Thursday, 4^th May 2023  

The Floral Parade Entrant Grant Program is developed with a philosophy of partnership, whereby Council provides funding to encourage, involve and support not-for-profit legal entities to make a positive and ongoing contribution to the region’s economic prosperity, community wellbeing and cultural life, through entering the Grand Central Floral Parade.

It is vital you understand the criteria for these grants - Floral Parade Grant Guidelines - Click Here 

Start your Grant application HERE

Please read through the conditions of entry for Parade entrants here. 

What TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS (TCOF) will do:
• Assess whether an Entrant and their entry aligns to the criteria and core values of the Parade.
• Assess an Entrant on their creative concepts and production standard.
• Consult with Entrants to realise their creative potential.
• Work with an Entrant to maximise the impact to the audience.
• Work towards delivering a Parade that is designed to inspire, excite and captivate audiences.
• Communicate clearly and apply the same measures and treatment to all entries, including discussing any issues with your entry.
• Identify any elements that may require expert advice.
• Respond to queries in a timely manner.

What TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS won’t do:
• Allow political messages.
• Allow illegal activities or ambush marketing.
• Allow messages that discriminate or may cause harm to others.

What TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS expects from ENTRANTS:
• Participate and receive guidance and direction from the TCOF Coordination Team
• Adhere to criteria, sponsorship, operational guidelines, and instruction before and on parade day.
• Honour your agreement with us; your parade entry follows what is set out in your application.
• Attend compulsory briefings such as the Entrant Briefing Meeting
• All entries should set a high artistic standard with extreme use of floral aspects.
• The parade is a celebration that is nationally renowned and belongs to a creative and vibrant community. All entrants are expected to participate by contributing to the artistic and floral goals of the parade and help create an event with an extremely high standard.
• Show respect, listen and follow requests from TCOF staff and volunteers.
• TCOF is committed to increasing the standard and visual spectacle of the parade each year, to make this happen we rely on the participation and efforts of entrants to strive to enhance the overall look of the parade year in year out.

Please note: The Grand Central Floral Parade is designed as a safe space for participants from all aspects of our community.

Any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in an entry being removed from participating in the parade prior to the start of the parade.

Judging of your entry will take place while the parade is in progress. Parade winners will be announced on parade day at the conclusion of the Parade on the Toowoomba Regional Council float in Godsall Street Oval.

THE JUDGING CRITERIA

All entries in the categories of the Grand Central Floral Parade will be judged according to the following criteria (as applicable).

OVERALL

• Is the entry fun and entertaining?
• Is the entry engaging the interest of the audience to enhance their parade experience?
• For individuals, is the costume well-presented and maintained?
• Has the entry acknowledged the floral theme?
• For costumed characters, is the character’s minder dressed to complement the theme of the character and the floral theme?
• Does the entry comply with the Grand Central Floral Parade Conditions of Entry?

Floral Floats (Self-propelled and trailer) entries

 TECHNICAL EXECUTION

• Has the entry been well constructed and neatly presented?
• Are all flowerpots concealed?
• Is the front of the float well decorated?
• Are all towing devices decorated and concealed?
• Are the vehicle’s wheel arches concealed?
• Is all signage neatly and professionally presented?
• Does the entry comply with the Grand Central Floral Parade Conditions of Entry?
• Is the float skirted to give the appearance of ‘floating’ down the parade route?
• Are all props including trollies, prams, bikes etc. decorated?

 FLORAL CONTENT

• Does the entry meet the floral/living matter coverage (50-70%) criteria?
• Has the entry tried to utilise different materials e.g. seeds, grasses, fruits, vegetables, and other regional produce?
• Has the living matter been presented in an interesting and innovative way?

 THEME & DESIGN

• Is the entry concept creative and/or innovative in design?
• Is the theme recognisable to the public?
• Does the entry address the parade theme?
• How well has the theme been interpreted and executed?
• Are the participants and driver (if visible) appropriately costumed to reflect the theme?
• Has the entry considered good use of colour in the design?

 ENTERTAINMENT VALUE

• Is the entry fun?
• Are the participants animated and showing that they are enjoying their parade experience?
• Are the participants using choreography and acting to present a professional performance?
• Are the participants engaging with the audience to enhance their parade experience?

(no physical contact with the audience is allowed)

Marching and Walking Entries

FLORAL CONTENT

• Does the entry meet the corresponding floral (50-70%) entry criteria?
• Has the entry made an effort to utilise different material e.g. seeds, grasses, fruits, vegetables and other regional produce?
• Has the living matter been presented in an interesting and innovative way?

 ENTERTAINMENT VALUE

• Is the entry fun?
• Are the participants animated and showing that they are enjoying their parade experience?
• Are the participants using choreography and acting to present a professional performance?
• Are the participants engaging the interest of the audience to enhance their parade experience?

 THEME & DESIGN

• Is the entry concept creative and/or innovative in design?
• Is the theme recognisable by the public?
• Does this entry relate back to the parade theme and/or is it relevant to the organisation presenting the entry?
• How well has this theme been interpreted and executed?
• Are the participants appropriately costumed to reflect this theme?
• Does the entry utilise good use of colour in their design?

To assist parade entrants, the Preferred Supplier Program is generously supported by several Toowoomba and regionally based suppliers offering discounts on materials used in the construction of parade entries. These businesses embrace the community spirit of Parade.

Each successful entrant will receive a preferred supplier card entitling them to discounts in the months leading up to the Parade. The discounts are at the discretion of individual businesses.

This year not-for-profit groups can apply for one of the limited Council float bases, in which you will also be provided a space by Council to build and decorate your base.

You can indicate you would like to be considered for a float base in the online application form.

If you wish to use your own workspace to work on the Council float base, you will be responsible for transporting your float to and from all destinations. This includes adhering to the guidelines provide by Queensland Police Service and Department of Transport and Main Roads for getting your entry to the parade starting point (TCOF team can help guide you through this process).

PROP FLOAT BASE HIRE CRITERIA

Being awarded a Council float base or prop by the Coordination Team is not guaranteed. It is based on your willingness to maximise your entry through creative consultation. The care of the assets is 100% your responsibility and the expectations are that you return all assets in the same condition you received them in.

PAPER and  RECYCLED FLOWERS

While we encourage the inclusion of real flowers and plant material in parade entries, paper flowers (and flowers made from other materials) can provide a cost-effective way to fill in the gaps.

Flower making videos (along with other helpful videos, including the use of polystyrene to make props), can be accessed via the Grand Central Floral Parade - Participants Community Facebook group.

POTTED FLOWERS

Toowoomba Regional Council is not able to provide not-for-profit organisations with any potted colour in 2024 due to changes within operational areas that support this initiative. Please discuss alternative ‘floral’ interpretations with the Creative Advisors. You may elect to grow your own flowers or contact Pohlmans (a preferred supplier) to order your potted colour. Orders must be in by mid-May if you have specific flower/colour requirements.

Parade Creative Advisors

Anna Battle & Mary-Kate Thomson

E carnival@shinyhappyart.com

Contact for support regarding the design and creative components of your parade entry. 

Entrant Assistance

Lisa Walker, Events Support Officer,  Toowoomba Regional Council

P 4688 6661 | E info@tcof.com.au

Key contact point for support with your application and for any queries you have about your participation in the Grand Central Floral Parade.

Event Manager

Kate Scott, Coordinator – Events, Toowoomba Regional Council

P 4688 6661 | E info@tcof.com.au

Oversees entire event.  

See our top tips and tricks for 2024 here.

Applications close: 29 April 2024

Entrants notified: 6 May 2024

Mandatory parade entrant meeting: 5:30pm, 18 Sept 2024

Entry payment due: 30 June 2024

Grand Central Floral Parade: Saturday, 21 September 2024, 10am

"It's a party!" for our 75th Grand Central Floral Parade!

Refer to the parade information booklet for full theme criteria

ENTRY CRITERIA
To ensure the quality of the event, all entries need to be of a high standard and meet the entry criteria developed by the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade Coordination Team. All bands should present a performance that is fun and enjoyable.
Band entries should incorporate forward maneuvering choreography and appropriately themed repertoire (where possible) to enhance the spirit of the Carnival. Floral theming of attire and instruments is encouraged and highly regarded.

What TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS (TCOF) will do:
• Assess whether an Entrant and their entry aligns to the published criteria and core values of the Parade.
• Assess an Entrant on their creative concepts and production standard.
• Consult with Entrants to realise their creative potential.
• Work with an Entrant to maximise the impact to the audience.
• Work towards delivering a Parade that is designed to inspire, excite and captivate audiences.
• Communicate clearly and apply the same measures and treatment to all entries, including discussing any issues with your entry.
• Identify any elements that may require expert advice.
• Respond to queries in a timely manner.
• If application accepted, pay $500 per band, and assist with entering the Parade. Full details are required prior to payments being made.

What TOOWOOMBA CARNIVAL OF FLOWERS won’t do:
• Allow political messages.
• Allow illegal activities or ambush marketing.
• Allow messages that discriminate or may cause harm to others.

What TOOWOOMBA REGIONAL COUNCIL expects from ENTRANTS (YOU!):
• Participate and be open to consultation with the Parade creative team.
• Adhere to criteria, sponsorship, operational guidelines and instruction before and on Parade Day.
• Honour your agreement with us; your parade entry is what you said it would be.
• Attend compulsory briefings such as the Entrant Briefing Meeting
• All entries should set a high artistic standard with extreme use of floral aspects, including uniforms and instrument decorations.
• The Parade is a celebration that is nationally renowned and belongs to a creative and vibrant community. All entrants are expected not just to take part, but to contribute to the artistic and floral goals of the parade and help create an event with an extremely high standard.
• Show respect, listen and follow requests from Parade staff and volunteers.
• TCOF is committed to increasing the standard and visual spectacle of the Grand Central Floral Parade each year, to make this happen we rely on the participation and efforts of entrants to strive to enhance the overall look of the Parade year in year out.

Please note: The Parade is designed as a safe space for participants from all walks of life. Any inappropriate behaviour will not be tolerated and will result in an entry being removed from participating in the Parade prior to the start of the Parade.

All applications will be assessed, and successful applicants notified by Monday 06 May 2024. The Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade Coordination Team decision is final, and no correspondence will be entered into.

As there are a limited number of spaces available for bands in this year’s Parade, submitting an expression of interest does not mean automatic acceptance. Upon receiving your fully completed form, the Toowoomba Carnival of Flowers Parade Coordination Team will decide your eligibility.
Your acceptance will be determined by your entry description, supporting information and ability to meet the entry criteria and Parade conditions of entry.