Diary Notes
MARCH 2007
NAB Cup, 23 February – 17 March
All the AFL action begins when the 16 teams go head-to-head in the NAB Cup. Witness all the spectacle of Australian Football, the trial rules and the new line-ups as the battles heat up in this knock-out style competition. The 16 teams will play across Australia with the Melbourne matches played at Telstra Dome.
Inquiries: 03 9643 1999 or visit www.afl.com.au
Yamaha Phillip Island World Superbike Championship, 2 - 4 March
Victoria’s unique and challenging Phillip Island Circuit hosts the Superbike World Championship. This event provides some of the closest competition of any racing championship, while bringing together the major motorcycle manufacturers and high-profile international riders.
Inquiries: visit www.phillipislandcircuit.com.au/superbike.php
Media Enquiries: Peter Mitchell ph: 5952 2710
The 31st Port Fairy Folk Festival, 9 – 12 March
Port Fairy Folk Festival presents International and Australian artists over four days of folk, blues, jazz, bluegrass, celtic, country, jazz, rock, contemporary and other world roots music with over 130 acts and more than 500 artists.
Inquiries: call 03 5568 2227 or visit www.portfairyfolkfestival.com
Media Inquiries: Daniella Rocca, Ph: 03 5225 1232
Ararat Jailhouse Rock Festival, 16 - 18 March
This is Victoria’s premier rock ‘n’ roll festival, it is a three day celebration of 50s and 60s music, incorporating live music, rock ‘n’ roll dancing, classic cars, hot rods, trucks and motorcycles.
Inquiries: Phone 1800 657 158 or visit to www.jailhouserock.com.au
Media Inquiries: Jodie, ph: 5355 0239
The 2007 FORMULA 1(tm) ING Australian Grand Prix, 15 - 18 March
The 2007 Grand Prix will offer an action-packed extravaganza of on-track and off-track activities for people of all ages to enjoy. Besides a stellar line-up of elite motor racing, a host of other offerings will keep visitors entertained throughout the day.
Tickets: GP hotline on 131 931 or visit www.grandprix.com.au
Inspired by Gippsland’ – a celebration of food & wine, 2 - 19 March
It’s all happening in Gippsland in March, when the region welcomes the harvest home, for a two-week celebration of Gippsland’s diverse food and wine experiences.
Further information: www.inspiredbygippsland.com.au
L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival, 4 - 10 March
In 2007, L'Oréal Melbourne Fashion Festival celebrates a decade of fashion: 1997-2007. The Festival this year will be a fantastic week of fashion shows, famous faces, exhibitions, business events and parties, capturing the glamour and excitement of the world of fashion.
Inquiries: www.lmff.com.au
Ballarat Begonia Festival, 10 – 12 March
The Ballarat Begonia Festival will come to life over the Labour Day weekend. See the traditional begonia display in all its glory as well as all that is great about the historic city. There is an incredible array of activities and entertainment for all ages and all gardening abilities.
Further information: 1800 656 374 or visit www.ballaratbegoniafestival.com
Media Inquiries: Call John Myers on 03 9818 6339
International Cool Climate Wine Show, 7 & 9 March
After 700 entries from the Mornington Peninsula, Yarra Valley, Tasmania and New Zealand have been judged on March 7, there’s a public tasting of Pinot Noir, Chardonnay, Pinot Gris and Sauvignon Blanc, 6:30pm to 8pm at Red Hill Showgrounds with entry $10. On Friday March 9, there’s a dinner matched to cool climate wines, 7pm, $99 including four courses and all wine.
Further information: 03 5983 2400
Antipodes Festival, 24 – 25 March
Celebrate all things Greek at one of Melbourne’s largest street festivals (Lonsdale st). Watch the ‘Zorba til you drop’ competition whilst sampling Baklava and Gyros.
Further information: 03 9662 3307 or www.antipodesfestival.com.au
Australian International Airshow, 23 - 25 March
‘High-flying action’ takes on new meaning at the Australian International Airshow, the Southern Hemisphere’s largest aviation and aerospace event. Join over 200,000 aviation enthusiasts and see up close the latest aircraft from around the world. Airshow 2007 will set the stage for the most exciting series of flying displays ever seen in this country.
Information: www.airshow.net.au
Tickets: Ticketmaster on 136 100
Melbourne Food and Wine Festival presented by The Age, 16 - 30 March
Since its launch in 1993, the Melbourne Food & Wine Festival has grown to be the world’s largest food and wine festival. Tickets: Ticketmaster on 136 100
Further information: www.melbournefoodandwine.com.au
12th FINA World Championships, 17 March – 1 April
See the World’s Swimming Greats in Melbourne at Fina.
Tickets: 1300 136 949 or www.ticketek.com.au
Further information: www.melbourne2007.com.au
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 & 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 & Olive Grove.
Inquiries: Phone 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 & 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, 22 - 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