Haig Park Experiments draws to a close with one last POP! this weekend

Posted on 6 December, 2019

This Saturday 7 December, something big is popping off in Haig Park.

Celebrating the success of this year’s Haig Park Experiments—which have brought life and community to the precinct across the last six months – POP! marks the final event for 2019. But they’ll be going out with a bang.

As the name might suggest, POP! will be a celebration of all things bubbles—be that the ones that blow and burst and those in a frosty glass of champagne.

Kicking off from 11 am, POP! will boast a host of activities and performances featuring bubbles and all things that pop—including DIY bubble net and wand making, a bubble science show, pop-up garden games and performance artists, the popular cardboard village, DJ Mr Michael playing pop music and plenty more.

Bubbly from Sydney will be bringing their world class bubble performance to POP!

And for the adults, the ever-popular The Pop Inn wine bar will be on hand for all your bubbly needs, as well as stalls with on-theme snacks such as popsicles and popcorn.

City Renewal Authority chief executive Malcolm Snow says that POP! is the perfect way to celebrate how Haig Park Experiments has encouraged Canberrans to think differently about this leafy slice of the city.

“It’s clear from the impressive 10,000 attendee turnout at our recent Big Spring Picnic that Canberra shares our vision for this iconic green space in the heart of the city.”

“As the city centre’s backyard, Haig Park needs to be a welcoming public place for locals and visitors of all ages to linger and enjoy in a variety of ways.”

Children playing with bubbles at the Kids Outdoor Play Day in Haig Park earlier in the year.

Haig Park Experiments program manager Adelaide Rief said that POP! drew inspiration from the delight that children and adults had while playing with bubbles in Haig Park at other events and also from Bubble, the Authority’s new inflatable, portable events pavilion commissioned for the experiments.

“From world-class bubble blowers to pop-up stalls with popcorn and popsicles, this is really just a fun celebration and a big thank you to Haig Park and its community for being so generous and participatory in supporting the project through attendance and feedback,” says Adelaide.

The Pop Inn. Credit: 5foot Photography.

But wait, there’s more. POP! will also feature the perfect warm-weather activity—a slip and slide and water play games for all ages, which will water the park at the same time.

“As well as being a great summer activity, water play is also a wonderful way to give back to the park when the landscape has been so dry and thirsty,” explains Haig Park Experiments project lead Dr Cathy Hope. “We’re also providing watering cans so kids and families can water the trees in Haig Park.”

POP! will take place next to Sullivan’s Creek in Haig Park this Saturday 7 December from 11 am to 3 pm and attendees are encouraged to bring a picnic to enjoy, while food and drink will also be available for purchase from local vendors. The event is free to attend.

the essentials

When: Saturday 7 December, 11 am–3 pm
Where: Sullivan’s Creek in Haig Park
Cost: Free
More information: Facebook

Haig Park Experiments is an initiative of the City Renewal Authority and implemented by a consortium led by the University of Canberra. For more information, visit HaigParkCBR.com.au or find Haig Park Experiments on Facebook and Instagram.

HerCanberra is a proud supporter of Haig Park Experiments.