Diary Notes
APRIL
The Castlemaine State Festival, 30 March – 8 April
Established in 1976, the festival is now one of Victoria’s best-loved regional arts festivals. The program embraces all art forms and is particularly strong in visual arts, music, theatre and outdoor events.
Further Information: www.castlemainefestival.com.au
Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show, 28 March - 1 April
The world-renowned Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show is regarded as the largest and most successful horticultural event in the Southern Hemisphere.
Tickets: Ticketmaster7 on 136100 or visit www.melbflowershow.com.au
Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition, 11 February – 31 April
Explore diverse sculptures from different artists which form the Montalto Sculpture Prize and Exhibition. Now in its 5th year, this highly regarded prize is a must-see for all art lovers and visitors alike. Sculptures are sited along a walking trail taking in vines, olive groves, lakes, wetlands and gardens. Have your say in the Pennon Hill People’s Choice award. Entry to the sculpture exhibition is free. Held at Montalto Vineyard and Olive Grove.
Inquiries: Phone (03) 5989 8412 or visit www.montalto.com.au
Miss Saigon, from 29 March
The classic love story of our time.
Further information: www.miss-saigonaustralia.com.au
Tickets: 1300 795 012 or www.ticketek.com.au
Rip Curl Pro Surf and Music Festival, 3 – 13 April
Easter 2007 will see the Rip Curl Pro at Bells Beach celebrate its 35th anniversary. All of the world's best male and female surfers will be in Torquay for the event, including Kelly Slater, Mick Fanning, Mark Occhilupo, Layne Beachley, Steph Gilmore and more.
Inquiries: www.ripcurl.com
Melbourne International Comedy Festival, 4 – 29 April
Melbourne becomes the funniest city in Australia when more than 2,200 performances from international and local comedians tickle the funny bone during the much loved Melbourne International Comedy Festival. Highlights include stand-up cabaret theatre, visual art exhibitions, a comedy film festival and many free performances held all over town.
Inquiries: www.comedyfestival.com.au
Australia Post Stawell Gift, 6 - 9 April
The history and romance of the Australia Post Stawell Gift is entrenched in Australian folklore and has developed into Australia’s richest, most famous and prestigious foot race. In 2006 the Stawell Athletic Club will celebrate the 125th anniversary of the Australia Post Stawell with a series of special activities.
Inquires: www.stawellgift.com
Apollo Bay Music Festival, 20 – 22 April
In its 15th year, the festival showcases more than 400 artists performing across 13 stages playing blues, jazz, folk, rock, country, classical, world, gospel and contemporary music including marquees on the foreshore. There is always a feast of music styles, street theatre, roving performers, kids fun and games plus food from all over the world. Performers this year will blow your mind!
Inquiries: 1300 308 999 or www.apollobaymusicfestival.com
Hepburn Springs Swiss Italian Festa, 20 - 29 April
Join the local Hepburn and Daylesford community as it plays homage to its Swiss Italian roots and the historical importance of its township with an eight-day, action-packed festival.
Inquiries: call 03 5348 3555 or visit www.swissitalianfesta.com
MAY
Warrnambool May Racing Carnival, 1 – 3 May
Over 35,000 spectators will join in the excitement at one of Australia’s most unique racing carnivals, located in Warrnambool on the Great Ocean Road. Warrnambool Racing Club will be buzzing with horse racing action, trackside fashion and activities for the whole family.
Inquiries: call 03 5562 2211 or visit www.warrnamboolracing.com.au
Crown Melbourne Jazz, 3 – 13 May
Melbourne’s river precinct will become the jazz heart of the city with a spectacular array of ticketed and free concerts by many fine International and Australian jazz artists. Enjoy a wide selection of jazz styles from Latin and blues to gospel, Melbourne will come alive with music to enchant all jazz lovers.
Inquiries: call 03 9820 3699 or visit www.melbournejazz.com
Kellybrook Cider Festival, 5 – 6 May
Fancy a real cider? Don’t miss the 18th annual Kellybrook Cider Festival, celebrating cider and all things west of England. Enjoy live music, Morris dancing and cider making demonstrations. Have a traditional ploughman’s or squire’s lunch followed by some tempting apple based desserts.
Inquiries: call 03 9722 1304
Puffing Billy Steam Railway Great Train Race, 6 May
Now in its 26th year, the annual Great Train Race is one of Australia’s most unusual and challenging fun runs. Each year, thousands of runners race against Puffing Billy to see if they can beat Australia’s world famous historic steam train. The colourful course is 13.2 kilometres long and competitors run through the picturesque Dandenong Ranges from Belgrave to Emerald Lake.
Inquiries: call 03 9757 0775 or visit www.puffingbilly.com.au/info/specials
Bright Autumn Festival, 28 April – 13 May
This two week annual festival is held in the Alpine Shire in Bright and uses the autumn colours of the region as a central theme. The 2007 festival will feature the Gala Day Parade on Saturday 5 May, open gardens, winery tours, arts, crafts and antiques, art exhibition and a fun family day five kilometre bike ride with free barbecue lunch.
Inquiries: visit www.brightautumnfestival.org.au
Grampians Grape Escape, 5 - 6 May
Now in its 16th year, the Grampians Grape Escape is an exciting weekend getaway opportunity for wine lovers and foodies to sample the flavours of this delicious region. Regional producers from all over Western Victoria will showcase their products alongside 30 local wineries. A lively mix of live entertainment will add colour to the event.
Inquiries: visit www.grampiansgrapeescape.com.au
Beechworth Harvest Celebration, 19 – 20 May
Showcasing the diversity and quality of Beechworth’s local produce, the Beechworth Harvest Celebration is held annually on the third weekend in May. It brings together local food and wine producers under a marquee in the main street in town, with lots of local produce to taste and buy.
Inquiries: visit www.beechworth.com/harvest
The Great Ocean Road International Marathon, 19 – 20 May
The GO Marathon will be staged for the third time this year. The Great Ocean Road provides the most spectacular and challenging course of any marathon in the world and is aimed at runners and walkers of all abilities. Residents of the Greater City of Geelong are eligible for the major prize, a trip to Japan Senshu.
Inquiries: call 03 5334 2466 or visit www.greatoceanroadmarathon.com.au
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival, 19 – 20 May
Buddha’s Day and Multicultural Festival is a unique annual event which celebrates Melbourne’s religious diversity and multicultural society. Running over two days the colourful festival is held at Federation Square and commemorates the birth of Buddha and promotes cooperation, community understanding and harmony in the community.
Inquiries: call 03 9314 5147 or visit www.bliav.org.au/festival
31st Historic Winton, 26 - 27 May
Australia’s largest and most popular all-historic motor race meeting presents two action-packed days of non-stop racing featuring over 400 historic racing cars and motorbikes from the 1920s to the 1980s entry fees - Saturday $15, Sunday $25, children 14 and under - free admission. Held at Winton Motor Raceway, Benalla, Victoria
Further Information: www.historicwinton.org
Media Inquiries: Noel Wilcox ph 03 5428 2689