Here are the answers to some of our most frequently asked questions
When is the next Fayre?
After three years of not being able to celebrate due to a global pandemic and flooding, we are back! We won't be able to host a 2023 Fayre but, thanks to some wonderful new recruits, we will have an Autumn Fayre in 2024 - Mark your calendars for Sunday, 28 April 2024!
We hope to see you there to experience the beauty of the Gardens in Autumn. It's not too late to get involved so if you'd like to know more about our committee, please email us at malmsburyfayre@gmail.com.
Where is the Malmsbury Village Fayre held?
In the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens which runs along both Calder Highway (also known as Mollison Street) and Ellesmere Place. View location on Google Maps.
Is there an ATM at the Fayre?
No, there’s no ATM in the Malmsbury Botanic Gardens, but there is an ATM in town at the Malmsbury Bakery a few minutes walking distance of the Gardens.
What else can I do in town on Fayre day?
Malmsbury is a beautiful village. Take a stroll around the Botanic Gardens and see the historic bluestone viaduct, or a walk down the main street filled with vintage, antique and curiosity shops is sure to delight! Local shops and eateries include: The Stables, Hey Hippie Hemp Products, Malmsbury Hotel, Merchants of Malmsbury, Malmsbury Bakery, The Provincial Table, Malmsbury General Store and Rathdowne Antiques and Gifts.
What parking is available if I have access requirements?
Although the Fayre has some accessible spaces, it's still best to arrive early when possible. These will be located on Ellsemere Place (in front of Town Hall side entrance) and a section of Mollison Street (closest to Town Hall). Holders of a valid Disabled Persons Parking Permit can also pre-reserve parking by contacting us at malmsburyfayre@gmail.com
Can I travel by public transport?
Yes you can! Malmsbury Botanic Gardens is approximately a 10-minute walk from Malmsbury V/Line station. (View directions on Google Maps). Malmsbury V/Line uses Myki so ensure you’re topped up with money, then tap on and off. Malmsbury is on the Bendigo line. View V/Line Timetable.
What kind of food and drink is on offer at the Fayre?
We love our food at the Fayre! You can get crunchy calamari, hot chips and onion rings, delicious yum cha, Ethiopian cuisine, twisty potatos, traditional Turkish gozleme, hot jam donuts and Dutch oliebollen, icecream, sundaes and so much more.
For drinks, there will be coffee, homemade lemonade and ginger beer, spiders, and local cider, beer and wine by the glass or bottle.
There will be a dining area set up, but you could do as the locals do, bring along chairs or a picnic rug and settle in for the day!
Do children under 2 years get free entry?
Yes, children under 2 enter for free – all other attendees pay $2 at the gate which goes towards running the Fayre and donations to local community groups.
What happens if there's bad weather?
Malmsbury Village Fayre will still happen rain, hail or shine. There are not many sheltered areas in the Gardens so if the weather looks rainy we recommend wearing closed shoes and bringing a raincoat and or an umbrella.
Can I apply to be a stallholder?
Yes! Applications for stall holders are now open! More information here
Can I apply to be a musician or entertainer?
Yes. Please email us if you are interested in performing at our 2024 Fayre.
Are there toilet facilities?
Yes! There is a toilet block in the Gardens, located near the playground in Ellesmere Place, toilets available in the Malmsbury Hall and additional portable toilets will be available.
How can I support the Fayre?
The best way to support the Fayre is to attend and pay the $2 entry fee. You can also donate a larger amount, support our stall holders, volunteer to help on the day or join our committee.
How does Malmsbury Village Fayre deal with its waste and are you sustainable?
In 2019 the Fayre trialled Mt Alexander's Wash Against Waste Trailer to avoid use of single use plates, bowls, cups, glasses and cutlery. Our fantastic Sustainable Malmsbury Group coordinated the efforts to help us work towards zero net emissions and saving up to 6000L of rubbish going to landfill. That is 25 large wheeley bins!
We welcome the Sustainable Malmsbury group members who will once again coordinate the Wash Against Waste volunteers in 2024.
We also encourage you to walk, ride or take the train if you can, or to car pool to minimise vehicle use and traffic.
Do I have to pre-purchase tickets?
No, tickets do not need to be booked in advance. Entry to the Fayre is $2 per person (children under 2 are free), payable at the gate. Your $2 goes a long way in keeping the Fayre running. It means we can bring you the best offering of entertainment and live music plus afford the necessities a crowd of up to 5000 needs: toilets, bins, tables and chairs and so much more.
What is the purpose of the Fayre?
The main goals of the Fayre are to promote Malmsbury, to bring visitors to our little town showcasing the best we have to offer, and to raise funds to donate to a variety of Malmsbury community groups.
Are the stallholders local?
Having local producers and makers is an integral part to making our event special. The Fayre is committed to providing an eclectic mix of local food and wine producers, makers and artists, so event-goers can sample, experience and take home some of the best the local region has to offer.
How are event profits distributed?
The Fayre is a not-for-profit community run event with all profits being donated to Malmsbury community groups.
Is there parking available?
You will find plenty of parks in and around the township of Malmsbury shopping precinct. However, the Malmsbury train station is just a 5 minute walk from the Botanic Gardens so travelling by train could be a good option to save you having to worry about parking.
Who organises the Fayre?
The event is run by a committee of local volunteers, who collectively bring a broad skillset to make it all happen, including event management, marketing, communications, project management, small business operations, music, arts management and more.
Can I bring my dog along?
Dogs on leads are welcome to the Fayre.
Is there a place to have a picnic?
Yes, we encourage Fayre attendees to bring chairs or a picnic rug and settle in for the day. There are plenty of shaded, relaxed locations where you can set up.