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Vintage Christmas Festival at the BMI

December 14 @ 9:30 am - 4:00 pm

$3 – $20

Minerva Space

Step Back in Time for a Vintage Christmas at the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute!

This Christmas, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute invites you to a magical experience of nostalgia and holiday cheer. Experience the wonder of early cinema with a special screening of classic silent films that capture the spirit of the season..

Feature Films Include:

  • The Night Before Christmas (1905) – A whimsical interpretation of Clement Clarke Moore’s beloved poem.
  • A Christmas Carol (1913) – A heartfelt retelling of Charles Dickens’ timeless tale of redemption and goodwill.
  • The Christmas Tree by John Gilbert – A touching story that celebrates family and festive traditions – 7min.
The Night Before Christmas | Dir. Edwin S. Porter (1905) - 19min
A Christmas Carol & Old Scrooge | Dir. Leedham Bantock (1913) - 40min

The Magic of Human Designs Musical Machine
A vintage musical organ façade merges with hip-hop style and motion sensors. Step, dance, and trigger funky Christmas rap tunes, while overhead, classic characters groove in breakdancing elf hats and boom-box reindeer gear. On stage, silent Christmas films flicker, mixing quaint nostalgia with fresh beats. Snag door prizes from Santa’s blinged-out bag! Created with the inventive minds of Human Designs, this whimsical wonderland blends past and present, delivering a joyful fusion of holiday spirit, old-time flair, and modern rhythms sure to have everyone grinning and grooving.

One Ticket, All-Day Access!
Your ticket entitles you to entry at any time during opening hours. Come and go as you please and enjoy multiple screenings of these enchanting moving pictures. Whether you stay for one film or all of them, the Ballaarat Mechanics’ Institute is your home for Christmas magic and vintage charm.

Join us not just to see the show, but to be part of it! Multiple moving pictures will be playing throughout the day, so drop in anytime and immerse yourself in the golden age of cinema.

Celebrate Christmas with timeless tales, vintage vibes, and the enchanting sounds of Zlatko’s machine. A perfect event for family and friends!

Tickets and Bookings

Tickets $8 adults | Concession/child $5 | Toddlers free | Family of 4 $20 | Family of 3 $15 | Additional child $3 plus booking fee and gst.

This event is part of the Christmas in Ballarat Festival

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Tax Deductible 

Your gift will be tax-deductible this financial year if you make it before June 30.

We need
your help.

2024 End of Financial Year Appeal 

Or alternatively go to our Donations web page.

Our Challenge

Like many organisations the BMI faces significant funding challenges. 

We thank you for your support.

BMI Fundraiser

Featuring:
The Hideaways,
The Harmonies &
Surf Shadows. 

2 course dinner & lots
of dancing