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Tuesday, February 10, 2015

Top 6 things to do at 2015 Sydney Easter Show

Top 6 things to do at 2015 Sydney Easter Show

Top 6 things to do at 2015 Sydney Easter Show


TOP SIX THINGS YOU MUST SEE AND DO AT THIS YEAR'S SHOW

  • See the "best of the best" in Australian agriculture at over 12,500 world class Sydney Royal Competitions
  • See the multi-coloured tapestry of the District Exhibits, created from the finest produce in NSW and South-East Queensland
  • Watch woodchips fly in the Wimbledon of Woodchopping
  • Take a walk on the cuddly side with the Show's family favourite Animal Walk
  • Visit the fun and educational Food Farm to learn where food comes from and take part in Cooking with Kids activities
  • The Sydney Royal Beer and Wine Garden is the perfect place relax and savour the finer things

When: 26 March - 8 April 2015
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park



Showbags
No day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show is complete without a trip to the Showbag Pavilion. Filled with treats, toys and tones of fun, there’s always a Showbag to suit any age, taste and budget. Plus, you can still buy a Showbag at the Show for just $1.
As a uniquely Australian invention, Showbags originated as early as the 1900’s and started as sample bags offering visitors the chance to try something for free. From sample bags to showbags, there has been bags of fun for years.
  • In the 1920’s showbags began being sold as the cost of producing bags for free became too much for companies.
  • Showbags have contained a variety of contents over the years, but the first ones mainly contained food products, especially confectionery. Stranger products, such as coal and medicinal products, such as laxatives, have also been included in showbags. 
  • During in 1950s, showbags featuring toys began to appear. In the 1970’s celebrity bags were popular with the Madonna and Michael Jackson bags introduced into the Showbag Hall. 

Showbags will be available online from February 2015

Source: www.eastershow.com.au

Sydney Royal Easter Show Traditions 2015

Sydney Royal Easter Show Traditions 2015


WHEN: 26 March - 8 April 2015
WHERE: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Traditions
The Sydney Royal Easter Show is an important annual event for countless Australians in no small part thanks to the traditions and family favourites that can be found every year. These traditions have served to connect generations of showgoers and continue to strengthen the bond between the city and rural Australia.

District Exhibits

The uniquely Australian District Exhibit displays will climb up the walls of the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome providing a creative and colourful tapestry of the country’s best produce. This year, the District Exhibit displays will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC Gallipoli landing by recognising ANZAC men and women in the artworks.
The District Exhibit competition consists of five regions that represent Southern, Northern, Western, Central NSW and South East Queensland. The exhibits are the end result of a year of hard work by passionate agriculturalists, farmers and volunteers, who plan, source, collect, design and install the spectacular constructions for pre-Show judging. More than 10,000 pieces of fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, pulses, wool and other produce are used to create each exhibit.
Fresh produce from each region is available for purchase every day at the front of each District Exhibit. On the last day, there will also be a sale of the produce from 3.30pm-5.30pm offering showgoers the chance to grab a bargain and support Australian farmers. 
When: Daily
Daily: Woolworths Fresh Food Dome

CWA Tea Room

Nothing says Australian country hospitality like the Country Women's Association Tearoom at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. 
If it's the aroma of freshly baked scones and piping-hot tea pulling in reams of showgoers, it's the warmth of the CWA ladies serving up delicious treats with jam and free cream. Take a tea stop at this traditional favourite. 
When: Daily
Where: Arts and Crafts Pavillion

Grand Parade

The Grand Parades celebrate the best-of-the-best in agriculture at the Show. The three parades showcase competition winners, including animals, producers and champion woodchoppers in a procession around Spotless Stadium. 
The first Grand Parade was held in 1907 and has been a Show favourite ever since. Don't miss the opportunity to cheer on the best that Australia agriculture has to offer and be part of one of the Show's richest traditions. 
When: 
Saturday March 28 at 5.25pm
Tuesday March 31 at 4.20pm
Friday April 3 at 4.15pm


Arts and Craft

The Sydney Royal Arts & Crafts Show has been a feature of the Sydney Royal Easter Show almost continuously since 1869. It is the biggest Arts & Crafts Competition in Australia, attracting over 4,500 entries, across almost 300 classes. Entries include portraits, rural landscapes, photographs, sculptures, pottery, cake decorating, silverwork, sugar art and more, all of which are on display in the pavilion throughout the Show. New classes this year include Digital Artwork, Woven Tapestry and Lace.
Leather work will be the Feature Display in the Arts & Crafts Pavilion at the 2015 Show. Showgoers can see amazing demonstrations of craftsmanship that goes in to creating saddles, corsets, belts, whips and bags.
Visitors to the pavilion should not miss the Standard of Excellence Cabinet, featuring the ‘best of the best’ from the craft sections, and the hotly-contested Perishable Cooking Competition on 26 March at 1pm.
When: Daily 9.30am-8.30pm
Where: Arts and Crafts Pavilion 


Woodchop

The Sydney Royal Woodchopping & Sawing Competition has been a feature of the Sydney Royal Easter Show for over a century. Attracting over 220 male and female competitors from Australia and overseas who compete in 65 different classes, this is the only Show competition that is also a World Titles event. It is for this reason that the Sydney Royal Woodchop Competition is widely recognised as the ‘Wimbledon of Woodchopping’.
The 2015 competition will feature increased prize money for all 5 World Championship events, and a new Veteran Teams Relay between NSW and Tasmania for axemen over 60 years of age.
Do not miss these World Championship events:
  • The Manny McCarthy Memorial 375mm World Championship Underhand - Saturday 4 April 2:10pm
  • 375mm World Championship Standing Block – Monday 6 April 2.40pm
  • 325mm World Championship Tree Felling Contest – Friday 3 April 3pm
  • 375mm World Championship Sawing Contest (Single handed) – Saturday 28 March 12.30pm
  • 600mm World Championship Sawing Contest (Double handed) – Sunday 29 March 1.30pm
Woodchop will also feature every night in Spotless Stadium from 7.30pm as part of the all-new Woodchop Showcase.
When: Friday 27 March – Monday 6 April 2015, from 9am
Where: Channel 9 Woodchop Stadium


Showgirl

Every year, The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition shines the spotlight on the brightest young women across country NSW. The event attracts high-calibre competitors who display confidence, rural knowledge, ambition and a passion to represent country Australia and has made a significant contribution to the advancement of women in regional and rural areas ever since the first Showgirl crown was awarded to Margaret Mackay of Dungog in 1962.
More than 500 women enter each year in the hope of becoming a young female ambassador for rural NSW. Brodie Chester from Bega, NSW, was selected as the winner of the 2014 competition over 16 finalists. The winner, who will become an ambassador to promote the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the agricultural show movement across NSW, will be announced at the conclusion of the event.
When: Sunday March 29 at 2pm
Where: Big Top Amphitheatre


Rodeo

The country’s best Bull Riders, Steer Wrestlers, Bareback Riders and Barrel Racers will be performing each night as part of the Sydney Royal Rodeo Series. Rodeo will feature a National Allstars competition comprised of the 2014 and 2015 top-ranked riders in the country, as well as a rookie wildcard for each competition over two nights.
When: Every evening from 6.30pm
Where: Spotless Stadium



Flower and Garden

Judging of the Sydney Royal Flower & Garden Show takes place every second day of the Show, with a new competition with different varieties of flower and plants judged, that then stay on display for the day after judging. Flowers are judged on their condition, colour, freshness and overall presentation.  New this year is the NSW & ACT Dahlia Championships, which will be judged on Good Friday, 3 April.
Showgoers can also purchase or order flowers to be sent anywhere within Australia, at the Florist Shop in the pavilion.
Kids can take part in the Flora Kulchas activities, dress a scarecrow at the Scarecrow activity, or try their hand at planting seeds at the Little Diggers activity outside the pavilion. 
When: 9.30am-8.30pm. Judging from 8am every second day of Show.
Where: Flower and Garden Pavilion

Source: http://www.eastershow.com.au/explore/Show-Traditions.aspx




Monday, February 9, 2015

Cosentino | The Grand Illusionist Tour Australia

Cosentino | The Grand Illusionist Tour Australia

Australia's world-renowned entertainer, Cosentino the Grand Illusionist, will be taking his spectacular new live show 'TWISTED REALITY' across the country in April - May 2015.

Join Cosentino as he performs never before seen death-defying escapes that will thrill your senses, mind boggling stage illusions and cutting-edge street magic that twists your view of reality.

Cosentino's trademark blend of dance and magic with a touch of hilarious audience participation will take you on a journey that will captivate fans, new and old, until the very last mind-bending moment.

"I've been working on my new live show 'TWISTED REALITY' for over a year. It's going to have even bigger stunts, crazier escapes and the best magic I've produced so far. I'm really proud of what we have created and I can't wait to hit the road and perform it live for my fans across the country", said Cosentino.

Tour Dates:

Thu 23 Apr Jupiters Hotel & Casino Gold Coast, QLD
Fri 10 to Sun 12 Apr The Palms at Crown, VIC
Sat 18 to Sun 19 Apr The Star Event Centre, NSW 
Fri 1 to Sat 2 May Regal Theatre, WA

Sunday, February 8, 2015

Liverpool Confirms Australia Tour, Will Play Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar

Liverpool confirms Australia tour, will play Adelaide United and Brisbane Roar

Premier League giant Liverpool has confirmed it will play A-League clubs Adelaide United and the Brisbane Roar in July as part of its preseason tour.

The Reds will kick off their Australian tour against the Roar at Lang Park on July 17, before facing Adelaide United in Adelaide on July 20.

It follows Liverpool's hugely successful tour Down Under in 2013, where it played against Melbourne Victory at a packed-out MCG.

"We visited Australia for the first time two years ago and the support we received from our Australian fans was incredible," Liverpool chief executive Ian Ayre said in a club statement.

"Liverpool FC have more than 600,000 supporters in Australia and we look forward to meeting as many of them as possible while we are in the country."

Liverpool's arrival will add to an already packed July of football for Australian audiences, with Manchester City playing Real Madrid and AS Roma in the friendly International Champions Cup tournament in Melbourne.

However, Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard will not be part of the trip as he leaves for MLS team LA Galaxy at the end of the season.

Brisbane Roar managing director Sean Dobson said it would be a proud moment for the club to host Liverpool.

"To be on the same field with Liverpool FC, one of the true giants of world football, reinforces Brisbane Roar’s standing as Australia’s premier football club," he said in a statement.

"It will be a special night for all our members and fans as they cheer on the Roar against such legendary opponents playing on our home ground."

South Australia's acting tourism minister Tom Koutsantonis says hosting Liverpool at Adelaide Oval is a coup for the state.

"A stadium packed with Reds fans from throughout Australia and the world will be a magnificent showcase for the Adelaide Oval and South Australia," he said in a statement.

"Such world-class sporting events are huge draw cards, and we also anticipate a global TV audience for the game, so it is the perfect platform to showcase Adelaide to the rest of the world."

Show is gold for Ipswich ABBA fans

Show is gold for Ipswich ABBA fans
SWEDISH SENSATION: The Ultimate ABBA Show will hit Ipswich Civic Centre on March 6.
MAMMA Mia - ABBA is back.
Fans of the 70s Swedish pop sensation will be given the opportunity to brush the dust off of those platform shoes, short skirts and ridiculously tight white flares when GOLD: The Ultimate ABBA Show hits Ipswich on March 6.
Kathleen Malony, who performs as blonde bombshell Agnetha Fältskog, said The New Arrival Tour would celebrate the 40th anniversary of the release of the 1975 album, ABBA.
"It's as close as you can get to how ABBA performed in the 70s," she said.
"After the show last year we had people telling us that they felt just like they did when they saw the real band live, which is very flattering.
"There are a lot of die-hard ABBA fans out there and we want to make sure they get the real experience."
The show will feature internationally recognised ABBA performers who have rehearsed singing, talking, dressing and performing exactly like the band for months.
"I've really done my research," Ms Malony said.
"We've watched old videos and have been rehearsing for months.
"People can expect amazing musicians, intricate costumes, live singing and even Swedish accents."
Ms Malony said that the group always made a point of getting out into the audience and chatting to the crowd after each and every show.
"We're always trying to improve and get as close to the original as we can," she said.
"I've been doing this for three years now and this year we will be really taking it to the next level.
"We're excited, I just can't wait to take this on the road."
To book tickets for the show or for more information visit ipswichciviccentre.com.au or phone 3810 6100.

Source: http://www.qt.com.au/news/show-is-gold-for-ipswich-abba-fans/2535163/


Metro Hotel Ipswich International is located next to the Civic Theatre and offers excellent value accommodation - to book visit: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/queensland/metro-hotel-ipswich-international




Monday, January 26, 2015

Billy Idol with Cheap Trick | Australia 2015



Billy Idol with Cheap Trick | Australia 2015

Rock icon BILLY IDOL is returning to Australia and New Zealand for his first concert tour of Australia since 2002.

Billy Idol’s tour announcement coincides with a flurry of new Idol projects that have fans around the globe in a heightened state of excitement!

Idol’s long-awaited and riveting self-written autobiography Dancing With Myself was released worldwide on October 7 via Touchstone/Simon and Schuster and his first album of new material since 2005, Kings & Queens of the Underground, is out on October 17 on BFI Records/Kobalt Label Services.

Written by Idol himself, in his inimitable, searingly honest voice, Dancing With Myself offers an all-access pass to Billy Idol’s journey to fame.

His tale is an extraordinary one, from a transient childhood divided between the United States and England, to Idol’s time as a seminal member of the 1970s London punk scene fronting the band Generation X, to his meteoric rise to stardom, propelled by a distinctive sound combining punk’s energy and ethos with a danceable, driving beat.

Beyond adding his uniquely qualified perspective to the story of the evolution of rock, Idol is a brash, lively chronicler of his own career. Delivered with the same in-your-face attitude and fire his fans have embraced for decades, Dancing With Myself offers eye-opening anecdotes full of drugs, sex, and rock ‘n’ roll that only Billy Idol can tell.

Idol’s new album Kings & Queens Of The Underground was primarily produced by Trevor Horn, with Greg Kurstin also contributing as producer to two songs, including the anthemic lead single, ‘Can’t Break Me Down’.

Special guests are Cheap Trick.

Tour Dates

MARCH 14 (SAT) PERTH, WA AN EVENING ON THE GREEN KINGS PARK & BOTANIC GARDENS
MARCH 18 (WED) WOLLONGONG, NSW WIN ENTERTAINMENT CENTRE
MARCH 19 (THU) SYDNEY, NSW QANTAS CREDIT UNION ARENA
MARCH 21 (SAT) YARRA VALLEY, VIC A DAY ON THE GREEN ROCHFORD WINES
MARCH 22 (SUN) FLEURIEU PENINSULA, SA A DAY ON THE GREEN LECONFIELD WINES
MARCH 24 (TUE) MELBOURNE, VIC MARGARET COURT ARENA
MARCH 28 (SAT) HUNTER VALLEY, NSW A DAY ON THE GREEN BIMBADGEN WINERY
MARCH 29 (SUN) MT COTTON, QLD A DAY ON THE GREEN SIRROMET WINES

Ipswich Needs a Beating Cultural Heart

Ipswich needs a beating cultural heart

A NEW $90 million Ipswich Performing Arts Centre (IPAC) seating up to 1500 people in the main theatre has been identified as a key driver in revitalising the city in both a cultural and economic way.

The Ipswich Regional Centre Strategy of 2008 identified the IPAC as "a catalytic project to stimulate revitalisation" of the region.

The strategy outlined the need to "develop a multi-purpose performing arts complex incorporating a public square to celebrate significant occasions with usages including conventions, exhibitions and multicultural events".

A subsequent 2011 needs analysis and feasibility study of the IPAC determined the required building size, usage, concept designs and possible sites for the centre.

Ipswich Mayor Paul Pisasale said council had identified three sites in Ellenborough St, South St and at the Ipswich Railway Workshops as possible locations for the IPAC.

"The key is the positioning of it - to make a strong CBD," he said.

"My preferred location is in Ellenborough St where the old rail yard is because it is close to the CBD.

"Where we are standing (in the council offices in South St) is another preference because we can take the whole of council to the Icon 2 building and the library to the CBD.

"We achieve that and we will have one hell of a vibrant CBD.

"CBDs are all about performing arts and having an entertainment base. Culture is at the heart of a thriving city."

Council is seeking $300,000 from the State Government to fund a feasibility study.

The facility would include multi-purpose performing spaces that are flexible enough to meet a vast array of needs with a main theatre seating 1200 to 1500, a secondary theatre with a capacity of 400 to 600 and a function space to seat 600 diners.

Cr Pisasale has identified Port Macquarie's performance and exhibition arts facility known as The Glasshouse as an example of what he hopes to replicate in Ipswich as it boasts a theatre, performance studio, an international-standard regional gallery, conference facilities, heritage displays and a Tourism Information Centre.

The council's project brochure highlights how the current Ipswich Civic Centre "does not meet the functionality requirements and does not have sufficient capacity to meet current or future demand".

Since the civic centre was built, the population of Ipswich has doubled and is expected to more than double again by 2031.

The civic centre's dated appearance, design limitations and inadequate capacity mean a new facility to cater for the Ipswich region's needs is long overdue.

Cr Pisasale said acts and functions were currently being held in Brisbane and other centres and Ipswich people were missing out on entertainment options.