Bela Bajaria Chief Content Officer at Netflix | Official website
Bowral, a charming town in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, recently bid farewell to a weeklong celebration of the upcoming third season of the iconic Shondaland series, Bridgerton. The event, aptly named "Bridgerton in Bowral," captivated fans from across Australia and around the globe, transforming the town into a regency-inspired haven from April 16 to April 23.
The culmination of the festivities saw a twilight screening where stars Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, and showrunner Jess Brownell surprised guests, offering them an exclusive preview of the upcoming season. The event was truly a fan's dream, with 2,000 lucky attendees adorned in handmade costumes and Regency-inspired attire, experiencing a sneak peek of Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 before its official release on May 16.
One of the highlights of the celebration was the garden party soiree at Milton Park Country House, where guests enjoyed Bridgerton-inspired activities against a backdrop of regal gardens and historic charm. The event featured palm and tarot readers, artists, regency dance classes, and a hot air balloon, creating an atmosphere reminiscent of the beloved series.
Local businesses in Bowral fully embraced the Bridgerton spirit, adorning their storefronts and offering special experiences for fans. The 'Netflix Effect' was palpable, with businesses reporting significant boosts in sales during the event. Books Ever After sold 1,835 items, while Gumnut Patisserie delighted customers with over 3,600 pastries and cakes, including 1,700 Victoria Bridgerton Sponges.
Reflecting on the success of the event, Kat Masen, Owner of Books Ever After in Bowral, expressed, "This event has done phenomenal things for our business and really put us on the map." Suzanne Hannema, Destination Southern Highlands Coordinator Tourism and Events, highlighted the positive impact on the local community, stating, "The Bridgerton event injected new enthusiasm and pride among the community and increased the visitor economy in the region."
As Bowral reminisces on the romance and excitement that filled its streets during Bridgerton in Bowral, fans eagerly anticipate the premiere of Bridgerton Season 3 (episodes 1-4) on May 16, exclusively on Netflix.
