'Bridgerton' in Bowral: Reminisce on the Romance That Was

©Bridgerton S3 - Bowral Talent Tour, Talent Town Visit, Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton, Australia

Words by Zoey Collins
First published: 25th April 2024 at 11:00AM GMT

Bridgerton in Bowral, Netflix’s weeklong celebration of the upcoming third season of the iconic Shondaland series Bridgerton in the beautiful Southern Highlands of New South Wales, has officially drawn to a dazzling close.

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From 16-23 April, regency romance swept through Bowral, as storefronts were transformed with over 3,000m of bunting, masses of native florals and 500 roses set up by 12 florists, and thousands of  Bridgerton fans from across Australia and around the globe dressed in their regency best, experienced a fan event like no other.  

A Preview for the Ages

A twilight screening had a surprise appearances from stars Nicola Coughlan, Luke Newton and showrunner Jess Brownell who greeted guests as some of the first in the world to experience the first episode of the upcoming seasons. 

Throughout the week,  2,000 lucky fans (many adorned in handmade costumes and Regency-inspired glam) were treated to an exclusive screening of the first episode of the season at the Empire Cinema, iIn a special preview of the eagerly anticipated release of Bridgerton Season 3 Part 1 on 16 May. Some of these fans had flown in from Los Angeles, traveled 15 hours by train from Melbourne, chucked a sickie from work to be part of the experience. 

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Polin Surprises Fans at Garden Party Soiree

The garden party soiree, which took place on the final day of the celebration, was set amidst a backdrop of regal gardens and the historic charm of Milton Park Country House, with guests treated to Bridgerton inspired activities including palm and tarot readers, artists, a hot air balloon, regency dance classes and picnic fare. 

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A Town Most Splendid

The garden party soiree, which took place on the final day of the celebration, was set amidst a backdrop of regal gardens and the historic charm of Milton Park Country House, with guests treated to Bridgerton inspired activities including palm and tarot readers, artists, a hot air balloon, regency dance classes and picnic fare. 

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Local businesses proudly displayed the Bridgerton spirit, transforming their storefronts for the week and providing fans with the opportunity to indulge in special offerings and treasured keepsakes to remember the moment.

With the ‘Netflix Effect’ in town local businesses recorded some of their biggest sales of the year, with highlights including:

• Books Ever After selling 1,835 items in store during the event

• Gumnut Patisserie selling more than 3,600 pastries and cakes, including 1,700 Victoria Bridgerton Sponges

Kat Masen, Owner of Books Ever After in Bowral said: ““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, said: “The streets of Bowral experienced one of their busiest weeks of the year. SoHi’s trade was the best it has been since its opening launch day. The Bridgerton event injected new enthusiasm and pride among the community and increased the visitor economy in the region." 

Bridgerton Season 3 (episodes 1-4) premieres 16 May only on Netflix.