The Victorian Government has announced that the ever popular White Night Melbourne will once again take place, as well as return to Ballarat for a second time, in 2018.
Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren made the announced earlier today that Melbourne’s streets, laneways and gardens will come alive for a sixth straight year – with the city promising to shine brighter than ever before.
Almost 600,000 people took to the streets of Melbourne for this year’s White Night – our largest crowd to date. Over the last five spectacular years, more than 2.5 million people have filled the city, with Melbourne hotels reporting a surge in bookings and retailers staying open longer – injecting millions of dollars into the economy.
The Government is also taking White Night back to regional Victoria next year, giving Ballarat another opportunity to turn their city into an all-night gallery. “The first ever regional White Night was a big success,” said Minister Eren. “It had Ballarat buzzing like never before, with hotels booked out and restaurants full. We plan to take things up another level next year.”
More than 40,000 people flocked to the centre of Ballarat to witness the historic event in March, generating more than $3 million for the local economy. Around 8,500 people travelled from outside of Ballarat for this year’s event, boosting business for local pubs, hotels, restaurants and bars.
Celebrated producer David Atkins OAM will again lead the charge, working with Victoria’s cultural institutions, independent artists and the best creative minds to deliver both events.
“White Night is part of what makes Victoria the cultural capital of the nation,” said Minister for Creative Industries Martin Foley. “We look forward to giving our talented local artists the chance to make these showstoppers even more special.”
Local artists, performers and organisations can register their interest in participating in White Night Melbourne 2018 from now until midnight Friday 8 September. Expressions of Interest for Ballarat will open on Monday 11 September 2017.
White Night Melbourne will take place on Saturday 17 February 2018, before returning to Ballarat on Saturday 17 March 2018. For more information, visit: www.whitenightmelbourne.com.au for details.
Image: White Night Melbourne 2017 Pyrophone Juggernaut – photo by Rohan Shearn