JUST as it seemed festivals were becoming part of our heritage, the Heritage Festival, aimed at celebrating Canberra’s rich heritage with 120 events across the city and region from April 14-29, was launched today.

Environment Minister Simon Corbell said: “The Heritage Festival celebrates all things that make Canberra what it is today—our Aboriginal past, our historical buildings and our unique bushland. Our heritage is a legacy from our past and is integral to our life today.”

“Heritage is part of our everyday life. It is about our customs, traditions and the stories that make us who we are and the innovative steps we take to move us into the future.’

The 2012 program, with the them “Innovation”, offers diverse, engaging, fun and informative events. The festival will feature Aboriginal heritage at the Tidbinbilla Extravaganza, Regency frivolity at

the Jane Austen Festival and plenty of school holiday activities such as Hume’s Heyday Family Festival.

“Enjoy the great outdoors with walks in Namadgi National Park, rediscover Canberra suburbs such as Acton, Ainslie and Yarralumla and indulge with the food on offer at Benedict House, Ginninderra

Schoolhouse and the Old Cheese Factory,” Mr Corbell told the opening event today.

More information can be found at environment.act.gov.au or on 132281.