At the launch of the 2017 Festival of Roses on Tuesday, the event chairman Ian Goninon said the festival would be held over three days. 

“The event will go from the Friday night, starting with a cocktail party and the launch of an art exhibition,” he said. 

“In addition we have an antiques fair happening in the new visitors centre and there is 20 local and interstate stalls with everything from silverware to furniture.” 

The committee hopes to attract about 9000 people the the November event. 

“We had about 6000 the year before last, and about 600 last year because we got blown out the place, so hopefully the weather is on our side this year,” Mr Goninon said. 

With more than 5000 different types of roses on show at the festival, Mr Goninon said all were looking like they would bloom in time. 

“As well as the rose garden, we have over 100 stalls. We budgeted for 80 and now we're over 100 and still counting,” he said.  

“We have the Launceston Photography Club involved and they have been out here for the last two months, a dozen of them, taking photos in the morning and evening, when it’s raining and when its not.”

The photographs will be on display throughout the festival in the wool shed and will be for sale. 

The festival starts on November 18 from 10am. Entry to the festival is $10. 

Entry to the art exhibition is free, but the antique fair costs $8 on Saturday and $5 on Sunday. 

- TARLIA JORDAN