Organisers of the festival have been busy the past few weeks preparing for the annual event.

The Golden Gateway Festival will run in Ararat from across October 18 until the 27^th inclusive.

Committee member Wilfred Dickeson said the theme for this year will see the town lit up.

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"The theme this year is 'light up the festival'," he said.

"The Festival Committee is promoting the idea of displays of colourful paper, tissue or cellophane lanterns, with or without the tealights."

Mr Dickerson said the primary schools were getting involved in the theme.

"All the primary schools in the town are supporting the idea and are in the process of making the lanterns for display for various locations," he said.

"It's hoped that shops may offer space for them to be hung, and that the gallery may also take some.

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"We would also encourage households to join in and make or purchase their own for hanging on their front porch or some other prominent position."

While some details are still being finalised, Mr Dickerson said the festival will kick off with the crowning of the king, which would be followed by a civic reception and the Festival Ball.

At the ball the festival queen will be announced.

The princesses for 2019, who will compete for the title of queen, are yet to be announced. To conclude the event, the annual parade will be held on October 27.

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