The stage has been set for this long weekend’s Tulip Time extravaganza.

With ‘Art in the Park’ underscoring Tulip Time 2001, Corbett gardens will again provide the venue for Thespians and musicians to work their magic.

Opera is centre garden tonight with popular recitals of Phantom of the Opera as well as some classic performances from Verdi, Puccini and Mozart.

Tomorrow night Shakespeare will again greet the spring audience with an interpretation of A Mid Summer Night’s Dream.

Throughout the performance the Tulip Time gourmet cafe will be open, so the audience can wine and dine on a Southern Highlands food showcase.

With the fine spring weather and plenty of vantage points around the gardens, organisers have encouraged the intending audience to bring a picnic for the evening performances.

Both the Opera and Shakespeare begin at 5pm.

There will be a special matinee performance of Mid Summer Night’s Dream on Sunday at 2pm.

Diary of Events

•September 29: 10.30am-2.30pm Treasure Hunt and Clowns, 5pm-6.30pm Shakespeare in the Park Corbett Gardens Bowral.

•September 29-October 1: Rotary Tulip Time Country Fair Mittagong.

•September 30:

10.30am-2.30pm

Treasur e Hunt and Clowns, 12 noon Youth off the Streets Choir Corbett Gardens,

2pm-3.30pm

Shakespeare in the Park.