Diary Notes
October 2008
Melbourne Winter Masterpieces Art Deco 1910 – 1939, 28 June – 5 October
The exquisite Art Deco 1910 – 1939 exhibition comes to the National Gallery of Victoria (NGV) direct from London’s famous Victoria and Albert Museum. The exhibition features more than 300 major works of Art Deco in art, jewellery, fashion, film, architecture, cars, photography and furniture. Highlights include precious Deco gems from Cartier, exquisite fashion by Chanel, pristine vintage vehicles and original architectural elements from the foyer of the Strand Palace Hotel, London.
More information: www.ngv.vic.gov.au
Media contact: Kitty Walker, NGV on 0417 575 088 or (03) 8620 2411.
Wicked, Regent Theatre, from 9 July
The Broadway hit Wicked is enchanting audiences at Melbourne’s magnificent Regent Theatre. Wicked, the untold story of the witches of Oz, features music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and is based on the best-selling novel by Gregory Maguire. According to the storyline, long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls met in the Land of Oz. One who was born with emerald-green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other who is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. How these two unlikely friends end up as the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good Witch makes the most spellbinding new musical in years.
For more information: www.wickedthemusical.com.au
Media contact: Howie and Taylor Publicity on (03) 9654 3431.
Spring Racing Carnival, 1 October – 19 November
Victoria’s famous Spring Racing Carnival is one of Australia’s best-loved annual sporting events and a great reason to dress up and enjoy world-class thoroughbred racing. For 50 days, Victorians along with interstate and international visitors, enjoy lively sports and social action. The Spring Racing Carnival highlights include: Victoria Derby Day (1 November); and the race that stops the nation - the Emirates Melbourne Cup (4 November); Ladies Day – Crown Oaks Day (6 November); and the last day of racing, Stakes Day (8 November).
More information: call 1300 139 401 or go to www.racingvictoria.net.au
Media contact: Damian Booth, Communications Manager on (03) 9258 4252
Australian University Games, Melbourne, 28 September - 3 October
The Australian University Games is a multi-sport event attracting more than 5,500 participants across 29 sports from all of the nation’s universities. Now in its 15th year, the 2008 event will showcase the best of Australian university sporting talent. The Games are the flagship event on the university sporting calendar when more than 40 universities compete for the coveted title of overall champion.
More information: www.unigames.com.au
Melbourne International Arts Festival, 9 - 25 October
The annual Melbourne International Arts Festival offers a bold and wide-ranging program of dance, theatre, music, multimedia, visual arts, free and outdoor events over 17 days each October. The organisers travel far and wide to bring home the best contemporary work from overseas and around Australia. Some of the highlights for the 2008 program include Liza Lim’s beguiling new opera The Navigator directed by Barrie Kosky, Jenny Kemp’s psychiatric fable Kitten and the exuberant Jerusalem Quartet.
More information: call 03 9662 4242 or go to www.melbournefestival.com.au
Media contact: Prue Bassett Publicity on (03) 9652 8641
Melbourne Fringe Festival, 24 September - 12 October
The Melbourne Fringe Festival spices up the city's cultural calendar with an entertaining and stimulating program across all art forms. The festival will flourish as a score of vibrant artists showcase their talents with more than 230 fresh acts in more than 100 venues across the city. From comedians to cabaret, the festival will transform the cityscape, including Federation Square. The North Melbourne Town Hall will also house the ever-popular Festival Club which boasts a different star-studded entertainment line-up every night and is guaranteed to push the boundaries of the imagination. Some of the Fringe events are free, with the average price for shows around $15.
More information: call (03) 9660 9600 or go to www.melbournefringe.com.au
Media contact: Michelle Buxton, Buxton Walker Publicity on (03) 9537 7155 or email: michelle@buxtonwalker.com
Melbourne International Tap Festival (MITF), 14 – 21 October
The MITF is the only festival of its kind in Australia and this year will feature Emmy Award winning tap-virtuosos Jason Samuels-Smith and Chloe Arnold from the USA performing with some of Australia’s leading tap dancers. The festival held at The Australian National Theatre in St Kilda, hopes to promote tap to the wider community as a fun, creative and healthy activity for all ages.
More information: Ella Lehaf on 0403 138 275 or go to www.mitf.com.au
Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne Spring Sale, 18 - 19 October
Head to Melbourne’s Royal Botanic Gardens, Gate E, to the Friends of the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne plants sale, which includes drought tolerant and native varieties.
More information: call (03) 9650 6398
Spring Open Day - 'Access all areas', 19 October
Enjoy a day of free programs and entertainment at the Royal Botanic Gardens Melbourne from 10am to 5pm. Explore behind-the-scenes and see what the gardens have to offer.
More information: call (03) 9252 2429 or go to www.rbg.vic.gov.au
Portfolio Partners Around the Bay in a Day, 19 October
Around the Bay in a Day is a challenging bike ride that circumnavigates Port Phillip Bay and offers riders four ride distances - 250km, 210km, 100km or 50km. Around the Bay provides a challenge for riders of all abilities and at the conclusion of the ride, there are free activities to enjoy at the Alexandra Gardens - start/finish site - including live music and entertainment, roving entertainers, corporate hospitality, food and beverage facilities and sponsor displays and giveaways. The ride’s official charity partner is The Smith Family.
More information: call Bicycle Victoria on 1800 616 600 or go to www.bv.com.au
Timber and Working with Wood Show, 24 - 26 October
Held at the Melbourne Showgrounds, the Timber and Working with Wood Show is Australasia's largest showcase of products and services for the woodworking and timber industries. See and purchase the latest hand tools, machinery, lathes, finishes, abrasives, hardware, major power tools, timber building and renovation products, craft supplies and much more. Free seminars and workshops are delivered by experts at all shows, showing keen timber and wood enthusiasts how to hone their skills, save time and money and increase their enjoyment and the quality of their work. A range of specialist products will be on sale at discounted prices. From 10am til 5pm daily.
More information: call (03) 8420 5406 or email Russell@workingwithwood.com
National 4X4 Show, Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo, 23 - 26 October
The National 4x4 Show at the Melbourne Exhibition Centre gives visitors the chance to spy, try and buy the very latest in four-wheel drive vehicles, accessories, safety and protection equipment, recovery and emergency gear and fully equipped camper trailers. The Fishing Show and Outdoors Expo is a fisherman's paradise with all the latest in tackle, accessories, boats, engines, marine electronics, camping and outdoor gear. Visitors can research the best fishing spots around Australia and discover great ideas for their next fishing trip.
More information: call (03) 9321 6752 or go to www.4x4show.com.au
Regional Victoria
GMC Australian Motorcycle Grand Prix, Phillip Island, 3 – 5 October
Located 90-minutes from Melbourne, Phillip Island is home to world-class motorcycle racing at Phillip Island Grand Prix Circuit, Smiths Beach. The MotoGP World Championship is a three-day event that showcases the world's best riders in three grand prix classes with races in national categories as well as entertainment off the track. Fans flock to experience the sights, sounds and smell of the MotoGP, 250cc and 125cc bikes on the fast circuit perched beside the blue waters of Bass Strait.
More information: call (03) 9258 7100 or go to www.motogp.com.au
Shoot Out Geelong 24 Hour Filmmaking Festival, 3-5 October
Shoot Out Geelong is a unique filmmaking and screening festival that invites film-makers from across Australia to test their creative skills, by making a short film of any genre in a frantic, furious and fun 24-hour period with only in-camera editing allowed.
More information: call (03) 5227 0214 or go to www.theshootout.com.au
Heathcote Wine and Food Festival, 4 - 5 October
The annual Heathcote Wine and Food Festival is a celebration of the region’s primary products – wine and food. This festival is an opportunity to explore Heathcote, try wines from 35 wineries, participate in a wine seminar, meet winemakers and sample some of the wonderful regional produce available. Take the family along and enjoy this country festival. Entry costs $25 or $10 for non-drinkers each day and admission for children is free.
More information: call Leone Davy on 0418 507 216 or email festival@heathcotewinegrowers.com.au
2008 Mildura Country Music Festival, 26 September - 5 October
The 22nd annual Mildura Country Music Festival is Australia's biggest showcase of independent entertainers with more than 100 artists taking part, including a mix of locals, award winners, hit-makers and rising stars. There will be more than 800 hours of free entertainment at 24 venues across the Mildura district. The diamond in the crown for the past 10 years has been the live concert and radio presentation of the Southern Stars Australian Independent Country Music Awards that recognise the achievements of the independent recording artists during the past year.
More information: call 1800 039 043 or go to www.milduracountrymusic.com.au
Euroa Show and Shine, 5 October
Lovers of fine cars will descend on Euroa in October for the Euroa vintage, veteran, classic and special interest cars Show and Shine. Hundreds of vehicles and their proud owners are expected to attend the exhibition in beautiful Seven Creeks Park, just off the old Hume Highway. On show will be vintage/veteran and classic cars, motorcycles, trucks and tractors. Special interest vehicles, such as new and old Holden Monaros and G.T. Falcons, will also be displayed. The event is free and runs from 10am to 3.30pm.
More information: call Rob Asquith on (03) 5795 1347 or 0439 398 195 or go to www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au
Macedon Ranges Jazz and Heritage Festival, Kyneton, October 10 -12
Kyneton, located 60 minutes’ drive from Melbourne in central Victoria, presents its eighth annual Macedon Ranges Jazz and Heritage Festival. The festival features top traditional jazz musicians from New South Wales, South Australia and Victoria and kicks off on Friday night with a glittering jazz cabaret ball in the historic Kyneton Town Hall. In addition to the ticketed events, the festival stages free street performances, starting with the Louisiana Shakers performing in the centre of Kyneton on Friday afternoon. Young musicians can learn jazz techniques from the masters at the youth jazz workshop on Sunday morning. Also enjoy the festival’s jazz at local wineries, heritage walks in the scenic Macedon Ranges, bus tours and a Farmers’ Market at Kyneton on Saturday morning.
More information: call 1300 655 405 or go to www.jazzkyneton.org
Tesselaar Tulip Festival, Silvan, 13 September – 10 October 2007
Welcome spring at this European-style festive celebration, with fields of colourful tulips, blooming daffodils and freesias, along with traditional Dutch food and music. Located in Silvan, the festival opens from 10am to 5pm seven days a week. Entry costs $15 for adults, $12 for concession and children under 16 years of age are free. For groups of 10 or more there is a discounted cost of $10 per person.
More information: call (03) 9737 7777 or go to www.tulipfestival.com.au
Creswick Forestry Fiesta, 26 October
The 13th annual Creswick Forestry Fiesta celebrates Creswick as ‘the home of forestry’ with music, entertainment, stalls, forestry events and displays, a street parade, flower show, car show, Gopher Grande Prix, Creswick Criterium road cycling race, and the Brackenbury Classic fun run through the forest.
More information: www.creswickforestryfiesta.com
Port Fairy Spring Music Festival, 10 - 12 October
Now in its 18th year, this classical music event is held in historic venues in the picturesque town of Port Fairy. The program includes a variety of concerts held at various venues within walking distance of each other around the town.
More information: www.portfairyspringfest.com.au
Media contact: Roberta Chaim on (03) 5568 3030
Awakenings Festival, Horsham, 17 - 26 October
Australia’s longest running disability arts festival – Awakenings - presents drama, dance, music, outdoor recreation adventures, visual arts and workshops and attracts visitors from all over Australia and overseas. Features of this year’s festival include three nights of performing arts and music programs, a street festival on Saturday, a breakfast conference, outdoor adventures showcasing the region, an Awakenings Ball for all members of the community, an ecumenical church service and associated community fringe events. The Awakenings Festival will take place at various venues around Horsham.
More information: www.awakeningsfestival.com.au
Media contact: Jacinda O’Sullvan on (03) 5362 4006
The Royal Geelong Show, 16 - 19 October
For more than 150 years the Royal Geelong Show has brought the country to the city of Geelong. The show has exhibitions, displays and competitions featuring horses, beef and dairy cattle, sheep, lambs, poultry, rabbits, dogs and cats as well as home crafts including cooking, knitting, photography and art. Watch dare-devil acts, be awestruck at the show-jumping, jump on a ride and grab a show bag
More information: www.royalgeelongshow.org.au
Bright Spring Festival, 25 October – 4 November
Spring is celebrated in Bright, located in north-eastern Victoria, with an exciting and very varied festival which includes: the Australian and International Short Film Festival; the Alpine Four Peaks Climb; 15 open gardens; a huge Rotary street market; a sustainable gardening and farming expo; decorative arts expo and sales; and a grand fireworks display.
More information: call 1300 551 117 or go to www.brightspringfestival.com.au
The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz, 31 October - 3 November
The Wangaratta Festival of Jazz is an annual celebration of jazz and blues held in the town of Wangaratta located three hours from Melbourne in north-eastern Victoria. Since its inception in 1990, the festival has grown to include more than 90 events featuring 350 national and international artists. The festival hosts the National Jazz Awards, youth jazz workshops, master classes and events throughout Wangaratta and surrounding wine regions.
More information: call 1800 801 065 or go to www.wangaratta-jazz.org.au
Media contact: Michelle Buxton, Buxton Walker Publicity on (03) 9537 7155 or email: michelle@buxtonwalker.com