Darts Invitational Challenge 2015

Simon "The Wizard" Whitlock was pipped in the grand final 2014

Get your tickets now for the exciting Darts Invitational Challenge where fans and dart enthusiasts come together for this huge annual event!

When: 9 - 10th Jan 2015
Where: Etihad Stadium - Docklands, VICTORIA
Tickets: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Darts-Invitational-Challenge-tickets/artist/1889078

Recap of the 2014 event:

Fans enjoy costume drama of a night at the darts

THOUSANDS of fans - many in fancy dress - transformed Etihad Stadium on Saturday night for the finale of an international darts tournament.

Fred Flintstone, Where's Wally and fans dressed as Australian cricketers sat on white plastic chairs on turf usually reserved for AFL and soccer stars.

But unfortunately the fans were not treated to a local triumph after Dutch master Michael "Mighty Mike" van Gerwen pipped Australian top seed Simon "The Wizard" Whitlock in the grand final showdown of the Invitational Darts Challenge.

Fans dressed as cricketers at the darts tournament at Etihad Stadium 2014

Orange and purple smoke briefly filled the stadium as a rowdy contingent set off flares during the showdown.

Fans cheered, sang and even raised their chairs aloft as the world's best darts players performed on a makeshift stage in the centre of the oval.

Announcer John McDonald - the world's leading darts MC - dubbed the spectacle "magnificent".

"(The crowd) really understand it," he said.

"You could be anywhere in Great Britain now and it would be exactly the same."

Mr McDonald said there had never been a bigger exhibition of darts anywhere in the world.

Etihad chief executive Paul Sergeant estimated the crowd would reach 8000 across the two-day event.

He said the stadium attracted a capacity crowd of 1000 when it held a smaller darts tournament in one of its function rooms in August - a success which gave him confidence to host a bigger event.

"(Darts) is huge in Europe, and it's getting a significant following in Australia," he said.

"People in Australia don't usually get to see top class darts players."

Joining "The Wizard" and "Mighty Mike" at the tournament were English-born world No. 5 Andy "The Hammer" Hamilton and Australian 2012 World Cup finalist Paul "The Asset" Nicholson.

Fans were delighted to see the world's best players in action up close.

"We only get to see this on TV, on the other side of the world," one said. "It's amazing."

"It's a great atmosphere," Angela Parker agreed.

"It's definitely bigger than I thought - I didn't expect this many people."

About 4500 attended Saturday night's event, bringing the total crowd over two days to 8000.

Source: http://www.heraldsun.com.au/news/victoria/fans-enjoy-costume-drama-of-a-night-at-the-darts/story-fni0fit3-1226799811021?nk=0b37bee270a89676325370d660377fa0

Perth festival 2015: from intimate to epic – and high on puppetry

The Giants by French theatre masters Royal de Luxe is set to be a highlight of the Perth international arts festival. Photograph: Pascal Victor

Perth will host Royal de Luxe’s giant marionnettes, the Australian premiere of Anthony Minghella’s last production Madama Butterfly and a phone in from Hilary Mantel.

From 30ft marionettes roaming the city’s streets to a teeny tiny love story played out on a miniature paper set, the Perth international arts festival is mixing up large and small in 2015.

In what will be his final program of a four-year tenure as artistic director, Jonathan Holloway says he hopes the festival will offer “experiences both intimate and epic”.

The Giants, by French street theatre masters Royal De Luxe, will tell the story of a girl in an Albany lighthouse who buoys the spirits of troops departing for Gallipoli. First seen in Liverpool, the marionettes almost didn’t make it into the Perth program but for a last-minute letter from Holloway to festival partners and a front page campaign by the West Australian newspaper that raised the final $5.4m from sponsors needed to fund the spectacle.

But it won’t be the only puppetry on show come February. The late Anthony Minghella’s final opera production, Madama Butterfly, gets its belated Australian premiere at His Majesty’s theatre, featuring the award-winning stagecraft of Blind Summit.

Anthony Minghella’s Madama Butterfly will receive its Australian premiere in Perth.Photograph: Robert Piwko

The Paper Architect, a tale of a model-maker whose designs come to life, will show in secret locations in Perth and Albany. And Handspring, the puppetry company behind the UK National Theatre’s international hit, War Horse, brings its South African story, Ubu and the Truth Commission, to the Heath Ledger theatre.

Also premiering at the State Theatre Centre will be The Rabbits, the long-awaited adaptation of John Marsden and Shaun Tan’s Australian picture book of the same name, adapted and directed by John Sheedy with a libretto by Lally Katz.

Meanwhile, Cut the Sky, by the Western Australian Marrugeku company, will weave the poetry of dream catcher Edwin Lee Mulligan and the music of Ngaiire and Nick Cave into a story about Indigenous land rights and our wider custodianship of nature.

Dance highlights include New York’s Mark Morris Dance Group whose Mozart Dances sets modern American choreography to the master composer’s music; Zip Zap Zoom from the West Australian Ballet at the Quarry amphitheatre; and Rising, showcasing emerging British talent Aakash Odedra, choreographed by Sidi Larbi Cherkaoui, Russell Maliphant and his mentor Akram Khan, most recently at Brisbane festival.

Perth has also announced a killer musical program headlined by London Grammar and featuring multi Aria-award nominated Chet Faker among an international lineup that includes Sinead O‘Connor, First Aid Kit, Mogwai, Neneh Cherry and Charlie Musselwhite.

The key draw at the Perth writers’ festival, Hilary Mantel, will appear by video link from London alongside Eat Pray Love author Elizabeth Gilbert.

• Perth festival 2015 runs from 13 February to 7 March – see the full program here: https://2015.perthfestival.com.au/

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/culture/2014/nov/10/perth-international-arts-festival-2015-program

Ricky Martin - Live in Sydney

THE GRAMMY WINNING GLOBAL SUPERSTAR AND CURRENT COACH ON THE VOICE WILL MAKE HIS HIGHLY-ANTICIPATED RETURN TO ALLPHONES ARENA IN APRIL 2015.

Nine Live and Sony Music Entertainment are proud to announce that GRAMMY winning music superstar Ricky Martin will return to Allphones Arena next year for his One World Tour.

Ricky Martin delighted sold-out audiences with his first Australian tour in more than 10 years last October, and fans will sure to be delighted with the One World Tour.

“I am so excited to bring my new One World Tour back to Australia next year and see all of my loving & loyal Aussie fans once more,” says Martin. “I am looking forward to playing some new material that I have been working on this year, some of my classics and perhaps a few surprises!”

Ticket Prices:

Platinum $169.90
Gold $119.90
Silver $99.90

Event Venue:  All phones Arena

ALLPHONES ARENA is situated in Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney’s newest suburb (created within Homebush Bay). It is located in the geographic and demographic heart of Sydney, approximately 17km west of Sydney’s CBD. 

It is on Olympic Boulevard and is well sign posted when you reach Sydney Olympic Park.

Buy Tickets - http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=RICKYMAR15&v=SSD

Queensland’s best Irish dancers to present Dance an Irish Dream at Ipswich Civic Centre

Watkins Academy of Irish Dance dancers Jacinta Reberger and Finn Conway are ready to perform at the Ipswich Civic Centre. Picture credit: Peter Cronin

By Rebecca Danslow

Dancers from Queensland’s top Irish dance school will take audience members on a magical journey this month when they present Dance an Irish Dream at the Ipswich Civic Centre.

Almost 60 performers from Watkins Academy of Irish Dance will take part in the end of year performance on November 30 which will offer an afternoon of dynamic music, song and dance.

Principal teacher Sheryl Watkins said the performance tells the tale of a group of young Irish Dancers who are on a journey to become the best in the world.

“The dancers showcase their journey from those first dance steps through to the tough audition process and finally to being part of the world’s best Irish Show,” Ms Watkins said.

Ms Watkins said performers aged from four years to early thirties had rehearsed for many months to perfect award-winning choreographies.

“Our dancers know if they are willing to work for it, they can achieve anything,” she said.

“Dance an Irish Dream is a fitting tribute to the dedication of these committed and passionate dancers.”

Ms Watkins said Irish dance is an innovative and different technique that continues to intrigue.

“It’s such a passionate, athletic yet graceful art form,” she said.

“Our discipline is constantly evolving as new tricks in footwork, jumps and rhythms are introduced, keeping Irish dance fresh.”

Dance an Irish Dream will be held at 2.45pm on November 30.

Tickets on sale from November 11 from the Ipswich Civic Centre Ticket Office, Ipswich City Council Customer Service Centre or online at ipswichciviccentre.com.au

Source: http://www.couriermail.com.au/questnews/south/queenslands-best-irish-dancers-to-present-dance-an-irish-dream-at-ipswich-civic-centre/story-fni9r1nj-1227115897470?nk=0b37bee270a89676325370d660377fa0

DUGONG ISLAND - Now open at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium

Come & play in the new Dugong Island at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium these school holidays! Great school holiday fun for the whole family.

What is Dugong Island?

Kids and parents young at heart will use their senses to explore the mysterious underwater world of Dugongs in the new Dugong Island. The all-new interactive experience allows guests to walk amongst an underwater shipwreck while admiring the only pair of Dugongs on display in the world! 

Visitors can "Do like a Dugong" plus:

• Hear like a Dugong
• See like a Dugong
• Speak like a Dugong
• Smell a Dugong
• Learn more about these amazing mammals

Who are the only pair of Dugongs on display?

Meet Pig: Affectionately named after his eating habits, Pig was rescued from North Queensland when he became separated from his mother at a very early age. After rehabilitation, Marine Biologists released him into the wild to find him yet again washed ashore so he now calls Dugong Island home.

 

Meet Wuru: Wuru, was also orphaned early. And although she's much younger than Pig, at over 400kg she's actually twice his size - as is the norm for female dugongs.

SCHOOL HOLIDAY DEAL #1

Make the most of our great school holiday activities with a Merlin Annual Pass, on sale now at 30% off!

With a Merlin Annual Pass you enjoy 12 months' unlimited entry to SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium plus 10 other top attractions in Australia and New Zealand! Get sorted for summer and grab a Merlin Annual Pass from just $56 per person!

Book this deal now at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium website: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/news/dugong-island-now-open/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Facebook+banner&utm_content=Dugongs&utm_campaign=Sept+School+Holidays

SCHOOL HOLIDAY DEAL #2

Get Sydney's best combo pass deal in time for the school holidays with 5 great attractions for just $63 for adults, $36 for kids and families for $180 - saving up to $382!

You get entry to ALL 5:

• SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium
• Madame Tussauds Sydney
• WILD LIFE Sydney Zoo
• Sydney Tower Eye
• Manly SEA LIFE Sanctuary

For a limited time, you can get a 4 or 5 attraction pass for the same price as a 3! Plus you get 30 days to visit them all - perfect for school holiday activities.

Book this deal now at SEA LIFE Sydney Aquarium website: http://www.sydneyaquarium.com.au/news/dugong-island-now-open/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Facebook+banner&utm_content=Dugongs&utm_campaign=Sept+School+Holidays

Hot Deals at Metro Group of Hotels and Apartments for 2015 Sydney Festival

Every January, Sydney Festival transforms the city of Sydney with a bold, cultural celebration of the highest quality and ideas. Sydney Festival has a rich history spanning back 38 years. In 2015, the Festival will run from 8th to 26th January and will feature hundreds of events throughout the city.

Metro Group of Hotels, and official partner of the Sydney Festival 2015, is offering great value ‘Hot Deals’ at four of its Sydney properties for the duration of the festival, starting from as little as $150.

Aspire Hotel Sydney in Ultimo is offering one night’s accommodation in a standard room with own private balcony and free parking from $150 per night. A free bottle of wine will be presented on arrival. Aspire Hotel is Sydney’s best kept secret, conveniently located in a quiet street with Darling Harbour and the City within walking distance. Attractions nearby include the Powerhouse Museum, Paddy’s markets and Chinatown.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour will appeal to families and those wanting a little more space with fully serviced loft style apartments and views over Darling Harbour. Apartments start from $199 and include free WiFi and a complimentary pack of glow bracelets to get into the Festival mood. During the Festival, don’t miss trying out the Waterfall Swing – this perfect summertime playset creates a cascading curtain of water that miraculously opens just in time to allow the rider to pass through .Suitable for all ages and a free ‘must do’ for families.

Metro Hotel Central Sydney is offering one night’s accommodation including hot buffet breakfast, complimentary WiFi and chocolates on arrival with prices starting at $155. The hotel is minutes away from everything Sydney has to offer, located directly opposite the Capitol Theatre and walking distance to the main shopping area in George Street. It would not be summer in Sydney during the Festival without the Domain free concert series. Within walking distance from the hotel or a local bus to the Domain, this year features one of Brazil’s hottest artists, singer and dancer, Seu Jorge. Concerts are held on Saturday evenings and also include Symphony in the Domain with the Sydney Symphony Orchestra and Opera Australia presenting ‘Traviata’ and ‘Madame Butterfly’.

Metro Hotel on Pitt has a package offering accommodation for 2 in a Superior Deluxe room, full buffet breakfast and complimentary WiFi with prices starting at $170. This boutique style hotel offers extraordinary value and has everything at your door step. Located in the very heart of Sydney, Metro on Pitt is a short walking distance to Hyde Park where the Festival Village is set up.. An oasis of arts, eats and other treats, it is also home to the Famous Spiegeltent – the ultimate cabaret and music salon. Be sure to catch ‘Limbo’- a circus cabaret act that sold out at the Festival in 2014. Camille O’Sullivan, the well-known Irish chanteuse, will be performing from her recent album, ‘Changeling’. Or light up the night combining music, comedy and dance with ‘Blak Cabaret’. There is also a special week for the family at the Festival Village – from January 20 to 25 where all outdoor activities are free.

Regardless of which hotel or apartment you chose, all properties offer quality accommodation and facilities, and all within a short walk to the hundreds of festival event performances.’ Hot Deals’ for all Metro Hotels can be booked online at www.metrohotels.com.au. Or phone reservations on 1800 004 321 toll free. ‘Hot Deals’ do not include tickets to any Sydney Festival events. For further information on events and tickets visit www.sydneyfestival.org.au.

Source: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/hot-deals-metro-group-hotels-apartments-2015-sydney-festival/

Twilight Food Fair 2014

Twilight Food Fair

Date: From 12 December 2014 - on every Friday (except Boxing Day)
Time: 5pm on wards
Venue: Civic Park, 200 Miller St, North Sydney

A popular Friday evening 'hot food' market with international food stalls, noodles, and good music!
Bring a rug, a friend and a bottle of wine and enjoy a relaxed start to the weekend.

Held in Civic Centre Park, North Sydney, Twilight Food Fair - formerly known as the "North Sydney Noodle Market" - has been operating since 1990. It's a highlight of the lower North Shore’s cultural events calendar each year.

It features a range of international cuisines and entertainment each week, making it a firm favourite for both families and individuals looking to make the most of their balmy-summer evenings. With good food, relaxed dining and great entertainment at its heart, The Twilight Food Fair attracts lots of people to Civic Park each Friday night.

Friday 12 Dec 2014 at 05:00 PM
Friday 19 Dec 2014 at 05:00 PM
Friday 02 Jan 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 09 Jan 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 16 Jan 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 23 Jan 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 30 Jan 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 06 Feb 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 13 Feb 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 20 Feb 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 27 Feb 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 06 Mar 2015 at 05:00 PM
Friday 13 Mar 2015 at 05:00 PM