Brisbane Tourism News

Sam Smith Australian Tour 2015

2015-11-18T19:35:00.001-08:00

Frontier Touring are thrilled to announce that four-time Grammy award winner Sam Smith will be returning to Australia this December for his biggest tour yet. Performing in arenas across the country, demand has been so strong for his shows that second shows have been added to both Sydney and Melbourne tours.

With the voice of an angel, and rich vocal tones that are deep, soulful and melancholic, Smith's appeal and vocal repertoire shows no bounds with both fans and critics alike in awe of his live performances. His debut show this year at New York's Madison Square Gardens was sold out in just half an hour. Smith's emotion-filled vocals and warm persona fill the biggest of rooms without the need for special effects, pyrotechnics or gimmicks commonly associated with other arena-sized productions.

His debut album "In The Lonely Hour" has hit 4x platinum certification in Australia, and his single "Stay With Me" is close to approaching a 5x platinum. Smith's album has recently made UK music chart history - holding the longest consecutive run ever for a debut album in the Top 10 Official Albums Chart. The album has spent 67 weeks in the Top 10 charts since its release in May 2014, breaking a record held only previously by The Beatles.

After a whirlwind year of record breaking and achievements, Smith has announced that he has recorded the new James Bond theme song - ‘Writing’s On The Wall’ for feature in the forthcoming film Spectre - with fellow Grammy winner Jimmy Napes.

Sam Smith’s Aussie tour is aleady shaping up to be one of the biggest of the summer with both Sydney and Melbourne shows already sold out! Adding to the anticipation, Smith will be joined once again on tour by Australia’s very own, the talented Emma Louise.

"I’m unbelievably excited to get back onstage and perform for you all again, and I promise it will be so much better than it would have been before when my voice was damaged. The past few months have been incredibly difficult, but the support, love and patience my fans have shown me is absolutely unreal. I am so grateful to every one of you. I can’t wait to see you all xxxx" - Sam Smith

Tour Dates: Ticketek is selling for the following venues only

Sat 28 Nov - Perth Arena, WA
Tue 1 Dec - Adelaide Entertainment Centre, SA
Fri 4 Dec - Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney, NSW
Sat 5 Dec - Qantas Credit Union Arena, Sydney, NSW
Tue 8 Dec - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Wed 9 Dec - Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC
Sat 12 Dec - Brisbane Entertainment Centre, QLD

Ed Sheeran returns to Australia November 2015 for his biggest tour!

2015-11-12T22:46:00.000-08:00

FIRST EVER ARTIST TO PLAY AUSTRALIAN + NEW ZEALAND STADIUMS COMPLETELY SOLO!

With special guests Rudimental, Passenger & Foy Vance.

Australian and New Zealand fans can't get enough of Ed Sheeran! Frontier Touring is thrilled to announce that Ed Sheernan will be returning with his solo tour to Australia and New Zealand this November and December, after selling out his previous tours in March and April this year.

This tour will see Sheeran play his biggest venues to date, whilst becoming the very first artist to perform both an Australian and New Zealand stadium tour entirely solo. Sheeran will produce every single sound on stage, either using his voice, his guitar and a series of loop pedals to fill each stadium with melodically hypnotising layers of music.

The tour will be Sheeren's second in 2015, and his fifth visit to Australia in four years. The sold-out March/April tours witnessed him perform live in front of approximately 190,000 fans across both countries to incredible reviews:

‘IT TAKES A SPECIAL KIND OF COURAGE TO WALK ONTO AN ARENA STAGE WITH NOTHING BUT A GUITAR, A LOOP PEDAL AND YOUR VOICE, BUT AT THE AGE OF 24, NOT ONLY DID ED SHEERAN TAKE ROD LAVER ARENA WITH THE CONFIDENCE OF A VETERAN SONGWRITER, HE SINGLE-HANDEDLY BLEW THE ROOF OFF... SURELY SHEERAN'S MOST AMBITIOUS TOUR TO DATE, BUT EVIDENTLY HIS BEST.’ – THE AGE

‘…SEEMS TO GET BETTER AND BETTER AT COMMANDING ATTENTION AND FILLING THE BIGGEST OF ROOMS, ALL ON HIS OWN.’ – SYDNEY MORNING HERALD

‘SEEING SHEERAN CONSTRUCT EACH SONG RIGHT BEFORE YOUR EARS FELT LIKE WATCHING SOMEONE WEAVING A MUSICAL TAPESTRY.’ – THE NEW ZEALAND HERALD

The November/December tour follows over a year of non-stop touring around the world in celebration and promotion of his Grammy-nominated sophomore album "X". The popular Brit's tour schedule includes more than 170 shows - from Glastonbury Festival, to selling out both London's Wembley Stadium and New York's Madison Square Gardens more than three time over.

His album "X" - featuring hits such as "Sing", "Bloodstream (ft. Rudimental) and fan favourites like "Don't", "Thinking Out Loud" and "Photographs" - became highest-selling album of 2014 in Australia and hit the number 1 spot on the ARIA Album Chart for six weeks.

According to Spotify, the 24-year-old performer is currently the most-streamed musician in the world! Adding to the impressive list of accolades and achievements he has already received in the past four years is the fact that Sheeran's songs have made over 860 million streams in 2014 alone.

Performing to sell-out shows around the world with nothing but his voice, a guitar and a loop pedal, Sheeran's ability to command the stage to make incredible live music, soulful raps and perfect harmonies, on his own is a testament to his prodigious musical talent.

Regardless if this is the first time or the fifth time you've watched his live show, his performance will guarantee to move you, to have you on your feet and singing along from the start to the finish. The love for Ed Sheeran is so profound in Australia and New Zealand that tickets are almost always instantly sold-out upon release!

2015 TOUR DATES:

Saturday 28 November | Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (All Ages)
Wednesday 2 December | nib Stadium, Perth (All Ages)
Saturday 5 December | AAMI Park, Melbourne (All Ages)
Sunday 6 December | AAMI Park, Melbourne (All Ages)
Wednesday 9 December | Allianz Stadium, Sydney (All Ages)
Saturday 12 December | Mt Smart Stadium, Auckland (All Ages)

Ed Sheeran's official website: http://www.edsheeran.com/splash/jumpersforgoalposts

Taylor Swift 1989 World Tour - Australia 2015

2015-11-12T20:25:00.001-08:00

Taylor Swift 1989 World Tour - Australia 2015 with special guest: Vance Joy

FIRST FEMALE SOLO ARTIST TO PLAY STADIUMS ON BACK TO BACK AUSTRALIAN TOURS

Taylor Swift has been enjoying an impressive year of breaking records, and now will add to that by becoming the first artist to perform three consecutive concerts at Melbroune's AAMI Park - and will achieve this impressive feat on a single tour!

Due to overwhelming demand, Frontier Touring has confirmedd that mega superstar Swift will be adding a third and final Melbourne show to The 1989 World Tour on Thursday 10th of December, following the sold out Friday 11th and Saturday 12th shows.

This will be Aussie fans' last chance to watch the biggest performer in the world at the peak of her career, and no further dates will be added to the tour. "..almost feels as if you are in a different world" said Swift of the tour experience.

The 1989 World Tour has garnered excellent reviews across Europe, Asia and North America since it began in Tokyo earlier this year:

'NEVER ONE TO DO THINGS HALFWAY, SWIFT HAS MADE THIS A POP SHOW — OR RATHER THE POP SHOW, AS FAR AS 2015 IS CONCERNED.' - ROB SHEFFIELD, ROLLING STONE MAGAZINE

‘PLAYING TO 65,000 PEOPLE, TAYLOR SWIFT'S 1989 WAS EVERYTHING WE WANTED IN A CONCERT… A SHOW OF LIGHTS, GLITTER AND KICK-ASS SISTERHOOD, SWIFT TOLD THE AUDIENCE SHE WOULD "REMEMBER THIS NIGHT FOR THE REST OF [HER] LIFE" AND, WELL, AFTER THAT PERFORMANCE TAYLOR, SO WILL WE.’ - ALICE HOWARTH, GLAMOUR MAGAZINE

'[THE 1989 WORLD TOUR] IS THE OBVIOUS END RESULT OF OPERATION 1989 WORLD DOMINATION' - ERIN STRECKER, BILLBOARD MAGAZINE

Taylor Swift is now one of the biggest pop icons on the planet - and has made over 140 million album sales and sold over eight million copies of her fifth album "1989".

Currently, she is the only artist to have had three albums sell in excess of more than a million copies in the first week of release: 1989, Red and Speak Now. Swift was also the only artist to have two consecutive singles take the number one spot on Billboard's Hot 100 Chart in 2014, dethroning her own hit "Shake It Off" with "Blank Space". This year, Swift's single "Bad Blood" became the fourth-consecutive number 1 release from album 1989.

On top of that chart success, Swift has also received seven Grammy Awards, 16 AMAs and 22 Billboard Music Awards, along side Country Music Award's Entertainer of the Year and Billboard's Woman of the Year. Her album 1989 was awarded iTune's Album of the Year in 2014.

Special guest Vance Joy (Melbourne's own singer-song writer) will be the supporting act for the tour. The gifted musician has been on tour with Swift for the whole leg of the show, which sees him performing to a huge fan base across the world for the remainder of the year.

Don't miss your chance to watch the world's most popular and admired performer on stage this summer!

TOUR DATES:

Saturday 28 November - ANZ Stadium, Sydney (All Ages)
Saturday 5 December - Suncorp Stadium, Brisbane (All Ages)
Monday 7 December - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (All Ages)
Tuesday 8 December - Entertainment Centre, Adelaide (All Ages)
Thursday 10 December - AAMI Park, Melbourne (All Ages)
Friday 11 December - AAMI Park, Melbourne (All Ages)
Saturday 12 December - AAMI Park, Melbourne (All Ages)

Official website: http://taylorswift.com/

Hugh Jackman Announces Broadway to Oz National Tour

2015-08-24T19:18:00.001-07:00

HUGH Jackman is returning home for a national concert tour.

The Hollywood star has announced a five-city arena concert tour in November and December, Broadway To Oz, based on his hit Broadway show, Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway.

The Golden Globe, Emmy and Tony Award winner promises a high-octane show taking audiences on a journey through his life so far, performing along with choirs, dancers and musicians.

“Anybody who knows me knows that keeping secrets is not my forte ... today is the announcement of a true bucket list moment for me,” Jackman told reporters in Sydney on Monday.

The production will showcase some of his biggest hits, including The Boy from Oz and Les Miserables, as well as a nod to his role as Wolverine in the X-Men film franchise.

“Broadway To Oz is a dream come true. This is THE show I’ve always wanted to bring home,” he said, promising fans, “You will get to know the real me.”

Jackman’s wife Deborra-Lee Furness and daughter Ava were present for the big announcement.
The eight-date concert tour will kick off in Melbourne on November 24, continuing on to Sydney, Perth, Adelaide and Brisbane.

TOURING NOV & DEC 2015

Tickets go on sale on Monday August 31 from Ticketek.

Shatner Show Coming To Australia - Shatner's World

2015-08-03T22:37:00.001-07:00

William Shatner has announced that his Broadway show, Shatner’s World…We Just Live In It, is coming to Australia.

The first show will begin Sunday, October 11, in Brisbane.

“I’ve done this one-man show on Broadway and in many cities across the United States,” said Shatner. “At the curtain call, the audiences’ reaction, their love and appreciation, moved me to tears. This show has been one of the highlights of my life.”

Other cities where Shatner’s World will be performed include Adelaide, Perth, Sydney, and Melbourne.

Tickets go on sale July 27 (pre-sale) and August 3 (general public).

ABOUT SHATNER'S WORLD

In SHATNER'S WORLD…a one man force of nature delivers a larger than life performance complete with his laugh-out-loud humor, signature storytelling and select musical selections in his inimitable style.

Through anecdotes, songs, jokes and even some poignant moments, you will experience William Shatner 's phenomenal path from classically trained Shakespearean actor to cultural icon, brilliantly creating the larger-than-life and most important character he has ever played, William Shatner.
Who Am I, Really?

I haven’t saved the universe countless times (or even once), but a part of me is Captain Kirk.

I’m not a hard-bitten, L.A. cop, but a part of me is T.J. Hooker.

I’m not an addled (well, maybe), high-powered attorney, but a part of me is Denny Crane.

I’ve had many other roles, on-screen and off…

Husband, father, friend. Horseman, Singer, Philanthropist, NEGOTIATOR.

All of the parts contribute to the whole,

AND IT MAKES FOR ONE HELL OF A STORY!

I’ve been kissed hundreds (maybe thousands) of times on screen, yet only loved a few.

And perhaps most importantly, I’ve been killed 19 times, and yet I am still standing here in front of you ready to go another 80 years.

Metro Hotels Has Accommodation in:

Brisbane
Melbourne
Perth
Sydney

An Evening With Oprah - 2015 Australia Tour

2015-07-29T16:32:00.001-07:00

Oprah Winfrey comes to Australia this December 2015 to headline a multi-city arena tour "An Evening With Oprah", presented by Swisse. Oprah will take to the stage, bringing her personal story and insights to life in a one-of-a-kind intimate evening.

"I can't wait to see everyone again in Australia," said Oprah Winfrey. "It is hard to believe it has been five years since I was there, and I look forward to being reconnected, rejuvenated and reinspired about what is possible for our lives. I am also excited to visit New Zealand for the very first time!"

TOUR DATES:

Wed 2 Dec Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne VIC
Fri 4 Dec Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA
Mon 7 Dec Perth Arena, Perth, WA
Thu 10 Dec Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD
Sat 12 Dec Allphones Arena, Sydney, NSW

Get Tickets at Ticketek

ABOUT THIS EVENT:

Oprah Winfrey fans will have the chance to watch the talk show mogul dish out self-help advice in the flesh when tickets to her Australian arena tour go on sale at 1pm today. But it won't come cheap.
The 61-year-old last month announced she would return to Australia after a five year absence for her headline show An Evening With Oprah, which is due to tour the country in December.

Pre-sale tickets sold out within hours last week and fans hoping for cheap tickets will be disappointed to hear the most affordable seats ($99) have already been snapped up.

In Brisbane, Sydney and Melbourne the cheapest seats available when general admission tickets go on sale this afternoon will set fans back $264.

If money is no object, then Oprah fans can fork-out a staggering $2499 for the the "'O' VIP Photo + Soundcheck Experience" which includes a seat in the first 10 rows, a group photo with Oprah and a 15-minute group Q&A session.

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Brisbane Festival Hot Deal

2015-07-26T22:14:00.001-07:00

Brisbane Festival is a world class arts festival with an electrifying line up of music, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, circus and much more.

Stars including Bernard Fanning, Megan Washington, Tim Winton, Martha Wainwright, & Marcia Hines will join exciting emerging talents in Brisbane between 5 and 26 September.

To celebrate, Metro Hotel Tower Mill are offering this Brisbane Festival Hot Deal during September, with rates starting at just $126.00

For more information on Brisbane Festival, click here

Book Now - Brisbane Festival Hot Deal (at Metro Hotel Tower Mill)

http://www.brisbane-metro-hotel-tower-mill.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/brisbane-festival-hot-deal-accommodation

About the Brisbane Festival

Brisbane Festival is an annual, international arts festival held in Brisbane, Australia.

Its presence dominates the city for three weeks in September and its line-up of classical and contemporary music, theatre, dance, comedy, opera, circus and major public events like Sunsuper Riverfire attracts an audience of more than one million people every year.

The combination of local, national and international acts has fostered strong community involvement and publicity for the Queensland city.

Strictly Ballroom Brisbane Show Package at Metro Hotel Tower Mill

2015-07-23T17:14:00.001-07:00

Strictly Ballroom The Musical will tango, sashay and bogo pogo its way on to the stage at the QPAC Lyric Theatre in Brisbane on September 9th and Metro Hotel Tower Mill in Brisbane is offering a sizzling ‘Hot Deal’ to coincide with the opening – Brisbane Show Package

Strictly Ballroom is the inspiring story of a championship ballroom dancer who defies all the rules to follow his heart. It has been made into a musical by the original creative team behind the classic 1992 film, including director and co-writer Baz Luhrmann, set and costume designer Catherine Martin, choreographer John ‘Cha Cha’ O’Connell and co-writer Craig Pearce.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill’s Brisbane Show Package Hot Deal has prices starting from $153.00 including accommodation and breakfast for 2 adults, complimentary WiFi and an extended check-out at 11am. Tickets to the show are still available from QPAC Lyric Theatre online or phoning 136246.

All guestrooms in the hotel have a balcony with views and secure keycard access. Roma Street station is a five minute walk from the hotel or there is a free city loop bus to the CBD which departs directly from the front of the hotel.

For further information on Metro Hot Deals and bookings phone central reservations on 1800 004 321 or visit www.metrohotels.com.au/hot-deals/

View Metro Hotels News Release

View Metro Hotels News

WWE Live 2015 Australian Tour - Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney

2015-07-15T23:43:00.001-07:00

WWE Live returns to Australia this August. Here's your chance to see your favourite WWE Superstars and Divas Live in action.

Hulkamania will run wild when WWE Hall of Famer HULK HOGAN joins the WWE Live tour in Australia this August for the very first time!*

Hulk will be the acting General Manager of ALL WWE Live events in Brisbane, Melbourne and Sydney! He will be calling all the shots and will be bringing the following Superstars and Divas down under for shows unlike any other!

WWE World Heavyweight Championship Match:

Dean Ambrose vs Seth Rollins

Champion vs Champion Match:

John Cena vs Kevin Owens
Randy Orton vs Sheamus

Intercontinental Match:

Ryback vs Luke Harper
Neville vs King Barrett
Emma and Natalya vs Brie Bella and Nikki Bella
R-Truth and Fandango vs Stardust and Adam Rose w/Rosa
Finn Balor vs Bo Dallas

When & Where

Thursday 6 August 2015

Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane QLD

Friday 7 August 2015

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC

Saturday 8 August 2015 7:30pm – 10:30pm

Qantas Credit Union Arena, 35 Harbour Street, Sydney NSW

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=WWELIVE15&utm_source=ticketek&utm_medium=friendlylink&utm_campaign=WWELIVE

An Evening with Neil deGrasse Tyson 2015

2015-06-24T20:38:00.000-07:00

Get your Cosmic Calendars out – we got a badass coming over here!

In August 2015, Australian audiences will be treated to the highly-anticipated Australian return of astrophysicist, author, and all-round favourite person, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson!

A strong proponent for the importance of scientific education and rational thinking in society, Dr. Neil deGrasse Tyson is bringing the wit and wonder of his genius to Australia in August 2015, courtesy of Think Inc. – the team behind the 2014 Australian tours of Dr. Michio Kaku and The Amazing James Randi.

Since 1996, he has been the Frederick P. Rose Director of the Hayden Planetarium at the Rose Center for Earth and Space in New York City. The center is part of the American Museum of Natural History, where Tyson founded the Department of Astrophysics in 1997 and has been a research associate in the department since 2003.

Tyson served on a 2001 government commission on the future of the U.S. aerospace industry, and on the 2004 Moon, Mars and Beyond commission. He was awarded the NASA Distinguished Public Service Medal in the same year. From 2006 to 2011, he hosted the television show NOVA ScienceNow on PBS. Since 2009, he has hosted the weekly podcast Star Talk. In 2014, he hosted the television series Cosmos: A Spacetime Odyssey, a reboot of Carl Sagan's 1980 series Cosmos: A Personal Voyage. The U.S. National Academy of Sciences awarded Tyson the Public Welfare Medal in 2015 for his "extraordinary role in exciting the public about the wonders of science"

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=NEILDEGR15

Dates & Location:

Fri 7th Aug 2015 - VIC: Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre
Sun 16th Aug 2015 - QLD: Brisbane Event at Courier Mail Piazza
Sat 22nd Aug 2015 - NSW: Hordern Pavilion Sydney

Madonna Announces Australia Shows - March 2016

2015-06-21T22:32:00.001-07:00

Madonna announces first performances in Australia in over two decades & first ever appearance in New Zealand!

Madonna will make a historic return to Australia performing live for the first time in 23 years as well as her first ever shows in New Zealand, with her Rebel Heart Tour.

The tour will kick off at Vector Arena on March 5th and 6th in Auckland, followed by the Australian dates presented by Telstra Thanks® and including concerts on March 12th & 13th in Melbourne, March 19th & 20th in Sydney and March 26th & 27th in Brisbane.

Tickets and VIP Packages go on sale Monday, July 6th at 10am.

Icon is Madonna's official fan club. In celebration of Madonna's return visit to Australia, Icon will host a pre-sale for current registered Icon members. Lifetime Legacy members of Icon will receive first access to tickets and VIP Packages starting Tuesday, June 23rd at 10am local times.

Members of Icon from Australia and New Zealand, registered before June 15th 2015, will receive a special code to access to Icon pre-sales beginning on June 23rd at 12-noon local times. Details at http://www.madonna.com/

Madonna’s Rebel Heart Tour in Australia is presented by Telstra Thanks. Telstra Thanks will be offering customers the chance to jump the queue for tickets to the Australian leg of the Rebel Heart Tour through a pre-sale starting at Tuesday, June 30th at 11am and running until Thursday, July 2nd at 5pm. Telstra customers can register for a unique code NOW at http://telstra.com/music.

In both New Zealand and Australia Citi® Cardholders will be eligible for a pre-sale opportunity beginning Wednesday, June 24th at 10am through Friday, June 26th at 5pm.

My Live Nation members can access tickets during the pre-sale commencing Friday July 3rd at 10am through Saturday, July 4th at 5pm. To register to be a My Live Nation member, go here: http://lvna.co/registerN

For more information about VIP Packages available via VIP Nation Australia & New Zealand, go to the Rebel Heart VIP page:http://lvna.co/RebelHeartVIP

Ticket prices:

Platinum: $499.90 + transaction and credit card fees
Gold: $299.90 + transaction and credit card fees
Silver: $199.90 + transaction and credit card fees
Bronze: $99.90 + transaction and credit card fees

TOUR DATES:

Melbourne:

12th March Rod Laver Arena - Melbourne, Victoria
13th March Rod Laver Arena - Melbourne, Victoria

Sydney:

19th March Allphones Arena - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney
20th March Allphones Arena - Sydney Olympic Park, Sydney

Brisbane:

26th March - Brisbane Entertainment Centre Boondall, QLD
27th March - Brisbane Entertainment Centre Boondall, QLD

Metro Hotels have ideal Australia Show Hotel and Apartment accommodation:

Brisbane Accommodation

Bed & Breakfast Hot Deals at Metro Hotels & Apartments

2015-06-12T01:41:00.000-07:00

Snuggle in and be well fed when you book a Metro Hotels' bed and breakfast package. For a limited time, these special offers include complimentary breakfast* and WiFi!

Winter B&B Hot Deal from Metro Hotel Perth includes a full buffet breakfast daily for 2 guests - from $149* per night: http://www.metro-hotel-perth.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/winter-b-and-b-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Hotel Perth

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast for 2 guests with this Bed & Breakfast Hot Deal from Metro Apartments on Bank Place Melbourne - from $215* per night: http://www.melbourne-metro-apartments-bank-place.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/bed-and-breakfast-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Apartments on Bank Place

Book this Free Brekkie Hot Deal with Metro Hotel Ipswich International and receive a delicious full buffet breakfast for 1-2 guests in Platform 9 Restaurant, plus undercover car parking and WiFi - from $140* per night: http://www.metro-hotel-ipswich-international.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/free-brekkie-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Hotel Ipswich International

Enjoy a daily plated breakfast from the al a carte menu in The Mill restaurant when you book this Bed and Breakfast Hot Deal at Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane- from $150* per night: http://www.brisbane-metro-hotel-tower-mill.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/bed-and-breakfast-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Hotel Tower Mill

Start your day off the right way with this Bed & Breakfast Hot Deal from Metro Hotel on Pitt, Sydney. Enjoy a full buffet breakfast daily, in Metro Brasserie - from $137* per night: http://www.metro-hotel-on-pitt.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/bed-and-breakfast-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Hotel on Pitt

Start your day off the right way with this Bed & Breakfast Hot Deal from Metro Hotel Marlow Sydney Central! Enjoy a full hot buffet breakfast daily in the hotel restaurant - from $135* per night: http://www.metro-hotel-central-sydney.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/bed-and-breakfast-hot-deal-accommodation

Metro Hotel Marlow Sydney Central

Enjoy a full buffet breakfast for two, overnight car parking and complimentary WiFi with this Deluxe Package from Aspire Hotel Sydney - from $144* per night: http://www.aspire-hotel-sydney.bookings.metrohotels.com.au/index.site.packages.package.1566.html

Aspire Hotel Sydney

* Please check each package page for terms & conditions

Brisbane Festival 2015: Tim and Jeff Buckley's Music to be Celebrated

2015-06-03T17:02:00.001-07:00

A musical tribute to the life and times of Tim and Jeff Buckley, overseen by the man who co-wrote 'Mojo Pin' and 'Grace', will close this year's Brisbane Festival.

Produced by legendary New York Guitarist Gary Lucas, A State of Grace: The Music of Tim and Jeff Buckley will head to Brisbane as part of its world premiere tour for two performances at QPAC's Concert Hall on the 25th and 26th of September.

Lucas not only helped write some of Jeff's most iconic songs but was also a close friend and confidant to the 90's crooner, making this concert a definitive portrait of two of the most beloved voices in alternative music.

The show brings together images and stories of the pair and will include performances from folk songstress Martha Wainwright, The Church frontman Steve Kilbey and Casper Clausen of Danish indie-rockers Efterklang, all backed by Lucas' own band Gods and Monsters.

Brisbane Festival Artistic Director David Berthold said the concert was sure to appeal to a very wide range of music lovers.

"The opportunity to experience the matchless music of Tim and Jeff Buckley, through the remarkable gifts of the artists we've gathered, is one many people will be thrilled by. It will be a profoundly poignant show," Mr Berthold said.

"The artists we've assembled are legends in their own rights. Martha Wainwright is a glorious singer with her own complex family heritage, and Irish-French chanteuse Camille O'Sullivan and Australian rock legend Steve Kilbey are unrivalled in their fields. It's not hard to see why this show is set to create a stir".

The cult status of both father and son's careers has only grown since the release of Jeff's Grace in 1994, a masterpiece which cut through the sea of mid-nineties Grunge and introduced a whole new generation to the Buckley family's charm.

While never quite gaining mainstream recognition during his lifetime, Tim produced 8 studio albums between 1966 and 1974 with the most commercially and critically successful being 1969's Happy Sad.

But the father and son legend was sealed once and for all in 1997 following the tragic drowning of Jeff at the age of 30 – just two years older than his father who died of a heroin overdose in 1975 aged 28.

A State of Grace joins the Brisbane Festival alongside Congolese musical theatre productions Coup Fatal and Prize Fighter as well as Simone Young, Renee Fleming and Paul Lewis.

The festival runs from September 5 to 26 and will culminate in Brisbane's ever-popular Riverfire event. More information and tickets are available via brisbanefestival.com.au.

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KISS - 40th Anniversary World Tour Australia

2015-06-01T18:35:00.001-07:00

Ready for one of THE greatest bands in rock'n'roll history with one of THE most spectacular shows Australia will see this year?

Ready for a stage production called 'The Spider', moved by 38 computer controlled winches, featuring 220 automated lights, weighing in at 43,000 kgs, incorporating 900 pieces of pyrotechnics and powered by 400,000 watts of sound?

Add in showmanship that continues to thrill audiences around the world, some of the best damn rock anthems in music history and there's only ONE band we can be talking about....... KISS!

Get your face paint ready Australia because Paul Stanley, Gene Simmons, Eric Singer and Tommy Thayer are on their way Down Under in October as part of their 40th Anniversary world tour.

Special guests are The Dead Daisies, a powerful musical collective created by a rotating line-up that features some of the world's best rock musicians. This tour features Richard Fortus (Guns N'Roses, The Psychedelic Furs), Marco Mendoza (Thin Lizzy, Whitesnake), John Corabi (Mötley Crüe, RATT), Dizzy Reed (Guns N' Roses, Hookers & Blow), David Lowy (MINK, Red Phoenix) and Brian Tichy (Ozzy Osbourne, Billy Idol).

KISS TOUR DATES:

Perth Arena, Perth, WA Sat 3 Oct

Adelaide Entertainment Centre, Adelaide, SA Tue 6 Oct

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC Thu 8 Oct

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne, VIC Fri 9 Oct

Allphones Arena, Sydney, NSW Sat 10 Oct

Newcastle Entertainment Centre, Newcastle, NSW Mon 12 Oct

Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Brisbane, QLD Tue 13 Oct

Get Tickets to Kiss & Find Out More

Robbie Williams Adds Extra Shows To Australian Tour

2015-05-27T22:26:00.001-07:00

Tickets for Robbie Williams' October tour of Australia are drying up swiftly around the country, resulting in the British crooner adding a further two dates to his impending antipodean sojourn to help meet demand.

Williams will now perform additional shows for his Let Me Entertain You tour in both Adelaide (Wednesday, 14 October, Adelaide Entertainment Centre) and Melbourne (Friday, 23 October, Rod Laver Arena) to complement his existing first shows at the city's respective venues on 13 and 22 October.

Organisers have advised that tickets for further tour stops Perth (9 October), Brisbane (17 October) and Sydney (27 October) are all selling with haste, so you may want to get onto that sooner rather than later, because — as always — there are no guarantees of more shows.

Dirty Dancing Hotel Hot Deal Brisbane

2015-05-14T16:59:00.001-07:00

Metro Hotel Tower Mill Brisbane is offering a sizzling ‘Hot Deal’ to coincide with the opening of the musical, ‘Dirty Dancing’ at the QPAC on May 27th.

Dirty
Dancing is a wonderful Australian success story. The stage musical
gives audiences the chance to hear songs from the hit film performed
live and to experience the breathtaking dance routines. Around the world
people have flocked to this stage show smashing all records for a musical performance.

Metro Hotel Tower Mill has a Show Package Hot Deal
with prices from $142 for a twin room, hot buffet breakfast for two,
complimentary WiFi and extended check-out at 11am. The hotel is
conveniently located close to the City’s CBD, opposite one of Brisbane’s
most famous landmarks, the old ‘Tower Mill’.

Brisbane show package at Metro Hotel Tower Mill

All guestrooms in the
hotel have a balcony with views and secure keycard access. Roma Street
station is a five minute walk from the hotel or there is a free city
loop bus to the CBD which departs directly from the front of the hotel.

For further information on Metro Hotels Hot Deals and bookings phone 1800 004 321 or visit www.metrohotels.com.au/hot-deals/

See this Press Release at Metro Hotels In The News

See All Metro Hotels News

Spandau Ballet - Soul Boys of The Western World Australian Tour 2015

2015-05-12T21:53:00.000-07:00

One of the most successful and influential British bands of the 1980s, Spandau Ballet, will bring their ‘Soul Boys of the Western World Live’ Tour to Australia in May next year. Kicking off in Brisbane on Wednesday 13 May and playing shows in Sydney, Melbourne and Perth.

All five original band members of Spandau Ballet, Tony Hadley, John Keeble, Gary Kemp, Martin Kemp and Steve Norman will come together to perform their smash-hit anthems for Australian audiences for the first time since their 2010 Reformation World Tour which saw the band reunited.

Having sold over 25 million records worldwide, scored numerous multi-platinum albums and amassed 23 hit singles across the globe including Gold and True, which have endured for more than three decades.

Spandau Ballet's debut single "To Cut a Long Story Short", which reached No. 5 in the UK in 1980, was the first of ten UK Top 10 hits, including a No. 1 single in 1983 with the song "True", a No. 2 single "Gold" and a No. 3 single "Only When You Leave". The band has had eight UK Top 10 albums, including three "greatest hits" compilations and an album of re-recorded material.

Tickets and Official VIP Packages on sale: http://www.ticketmaster.com.au/Spandau-Ballet-tickets/artist/1400100

Sydney, NSW:

Qantas Credit Union Arena, Haymarket

Brisbane, QLD:

Brisbane Entertainment Centre, Boondall

Melbourne, VIC:

Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne

Perth, WA:

Perth Arena, Perth

Backstreet Boys Australia Tour May 2015

2015-05-04T23:05:00.001-07:00

Backstreet Boys Australia Tour May 2015

It's time to clear your schedule for May – Backstreet's back and they're bringing Kevin!

One of the most successful groups of all time - BACKSTREET BOYS - are bringing their ‘In A World Like This Tour' to Australia this autumn.

After reuniting with original member Kevin Richardson in 2013, all five original members recorded a new album, In A World Like This, filmed a revealing documentary ‘Show ‘Em What You're Made Of', while embarking on a sold out tour across Europe and North America to rapt crowds celebrating 20 years making music… and now it's Australia's turn!

Last spotted on our shores in 2012 as a four-piece, this time all of the boys are back live onstage, doing what they do best, entertaining the fans with smash hit after smash hit including ‘Everybody (Backstreet's Back)', ‘Incomplete', ‘I Want It That Way' and ‘Larger Than Life'.

Selling more than 130 million albums worldwide, Backstreet Boys have been dominating the music scene for two decades. True entertainers, masters of some of the greatest pop songs ever recorded, their concerts are not to be missed!

Backstreet Boys - Tour Dates:

- Rod Laver Arena, Melbourne Fri 8 May

- Allphones Arena, Sydney Sat 9 May

- Brisbane Entertainment Centre Sun 10 May

- Perth Arena Fri 15 May

Get Tickets and Find out more

About the Backstreet Boys:

The Backstreet Boys (sometimes referred to as BSB) are an American vocal group, formed in Orlando, Florida in 1993. The group consists of A. J. McLean, Howie Dorough, Nick Carter, Kevin Richardson, and Brian Littrell.

The group rose to fame with their debut international album, Backstreet Boys (1996). In the following year they released their second international album Backstreet's Back (1997), and their U.S. debut album which continued the group's success worldwide. They rose to superstardom with their third studio album Millennium (1999) and its follow-up album, Black & Blue (2000).

After a two-year hiatus, they regrouped and released a comeback album Never Gone (2005). After the conclusion of the Never Gone Tour in 2006, Richardson left the group to pursue other interests. The group then released two albums as a quartet: Unbreakable (2007) and This Is Us (2009).

In 2012, the group announced that Richardson had rejoined them permanently. In the following year they celebrated their 20th anniversary and released their first independent album, In a World Like This (2013). The group also released their first documentary movie, titled Backstreet Boys: Show 'Em What You're Made Of in January 2015.

The Backstreet Boys have sold over 130 million records worldwide, making them the best-selling boy band in history, and one of the world's best-selling music artists. They are the first group since Sade to have their first nine albums reach the top 10 on the Billboard 200, and the only boy band to do so. They also received a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame on April 22, 2013.

The Official Blues Brother's Review Ipswich

2015-05-03T18:34:00.001-07:00

A reverent replication of the musical, comedic and cinematic legends - The Blue Brothers'

The Official Blues Brother's Review Ipswich

The Blues Brothers are what can only be described as the stuff of
musical, comedic and cinematic legend. They have become an inextricable
thread woven into the fabric of our culture and the images of Jake and
Elwood are universally and instantaneously recognisable throughout this,
and quite possibly, other solar systems.

Featuring Wayne Catania as Jake and Kieron Lafferty as Elwood, The Official Blues Brothers™ Revue and
their eight‐piece intercontinental rhythm and blues revue band pay
homage to the humour, music and mayhem of the Blues Brothers and to
Chicago’s rich musical history of blues, gospel and soul music.

Produced
by Dan Aykroyd, Judith Belushi and original Blues Brothers musical director Paul Shaffer, The Official Blues Brothers™ Revue features all the Blues Brothers classics including Soul Man, Rubber Biscuit, Sweet Home Chicago, Rawhide and Gimme Some Lovin’ among many others.

Event Details:

Sunday 17th of May 2015 at 6.00 PM

Adult $55.00

Concession/Student $49.00

Group 6+ $49.00

Group 10+ $45.00

IN ASSOCIATION WITH LENNARD PROMOTIONS AND
IPSWICH CIVIC CENTRE, DAN AYKROYD AND JUDITH BELUSHI PRESENT : THE
OFFICIAL BLUES BROTHERS™ REVUE

View the official site for more information

Keywords: The Official Blues Brother's Review Ipswich, blues brothers ipswich, ipswich shows, civic theatre shows, ipswich hotels, accommodation ipswich, metro hotel ipswich international

CATS to Return to Australia in 2015

2015-04-26T22:24:00.001-07:00

CATS the show to Return to Australia in 2015

Following its triumphant season in London’s West End, the acclaimed revival of Andrew Lloyd Webber’s record-breaking musical CATS comes to Australia for a strictly limited season, opening in Sydney on 30 October 2015 then touring to Hobart, Melbourne and Brisbane. Tickets go on sale on Friday 24 April. CATS is touring to Adelaide and Perth in 2016 with dates and booking information to be released at a later date.

The hit revival, which was reworked for the most recent season in the West End by the original creative team - Director Trevor Nunn, Choreographer & Associate Director Gillian Lynne, Set Designer John Napier and Composer Andrew Lloyd Webber – received excellent reviews and extended its season due to overwhelming demand.

The 2015 Olivier Award-nominated CATS introduces a rapping ‘street cat’ in the famous Rum Tum Tugger role, who performs some serious breakdancing moves.

“I’ve come to the conclusion that having read Eliot again, maybe Eliot was the inventor of rap”, says Lloyd Webber.

Based on T. S. Eliot’s Old Possum’s Book of Practical Cats, the show is set amongst a larger-than-life junkyard playground and is alive with our favourite feline characters including Rum Tum Tugger, Mr. Mistoffelees, Macavity, Jennyanydots, Old Deuteronomy, Grizabella and Skimbleshanks.

The Jellicle Cats come out to play on one special night of the year – the night of the Jellicle Ball. One by one they tell their stories for the amusement of Old Deuteronomy, their wise and benevolent leader, who must choose one of the Cats to ascend to The Heaviside Layer and be reborn into a whole new Jellicle life.

CATS, one of the longest-running shows in West End and Broadway history, received its world premiere at the New London Theatre in 1981 where it played for 21 record-breaking years and almost 9,000 performances. The production was the winner of the Olivier and Evening Standard Awards for Best Musical. In 1983 the Broadway production became the recipient of seven Tony awards including Best Musical, and ran for 18 years.

Since its premiere, CATS has been presented in over 30 countries, has been translated into 15 languages and has been seen by more than 73 million people worldwide. Both the original London and Broadway cast recordings won Grammy Awards for Best Cast Album.

The musical score composed by Andrew Lloyd Webber, includes the hit song ‘Memory’, which has been recorded by over 150 artists from Barbra Streisand and Johnny Mathis to Liberace and Barry Manilow.

CATS Australian Tour 2015

Sydney, Capitol Theatre from 30 October, 2015
Hobart, Derwent Theatre from 10 December, 2015
Melbourne, Regent Theatre from 18 December, 2015
Brisbane, Lyric Theatre from 29 January, 2016

The Script feat Labrinth touring Australia April-May 2015

2015-04-23T19:20:00.001-07:00

Frontier Touring are proud to welcome back multi-platinum selling band The Script to Australia and New Zealand to play a string of arena shows in April and May 2015!

The Dublin-raised, London-based trio – Danny O’Donoghue, Mark Sheehan and Glen Power – are no strangers to Australia, having sold out multiple arena shows on their previous visits and currently in the country on a whirlwind visit promoting their new album No Sound Without Silence(out now through Sony).

The band has not lost an ounce of momentum since the release of their debut self-titled album in 2008. The album shot straight to the top of the charts in Ireland and the UK and features iconic hits like ‘The Man Who Can’t Be Moved’ and ‘Breakeven (Falling to Pieces)’.

Science & Faith, featuring the heart wrenchingly beautiful chart topper ‘For The First Time’, was released in September 2010 and once again landed the #1 spot in Ireland and the UK, debuted at #3 on the ARIA album chart and peaked at #3 on the US Billboard 200.

Their last studio album #3 followed suit to its two predecessors and was certified multi-platinum throughout the world. The album well and truly cemented The Script as a diverse and world-leading band, especially with global mega hit ‘Hall of Fame’ which featured lead singer Danny O’Donoghue’s co-judge on The Voice UK will.i.am and was used in Channel 10’s promo for the 2014 Winter Olympics.

‘Hall Of Fame’ peaked at #1 across the globe and has now garnered almost 139 million views on YouTube, 138 million streams on Spotify and is six times Platinum in Australia!

The band’s YouTube channel boasts close to a million subscribers and has racked up over a massive 400 million views with the number growing rapidly as the band continues to dominate the charts with latest offerings like ‘Superheroes’.

The ‘Superheroes’ clip clocked almost 1.5 million views in under a month, with 724,000+ of those views in the first three days! The track is the lead single from the band’s fourth studio album No Sound Without Silence. The album debuted at #5 on the ARIA Albums Chart and landed the very top spot in the UK.

Despite having been handpicked to open for the likes of U2 and Paul McCartney, The Script have well and truly proved why they deserved to be headliners in their own right. Confirming the band’s identity as a strong stadium band, their 2013 tour spanned across 11 months, four continents and included 63 arenas and 18 festivals – selling out a number of shows including London’s O2 Arena along the way.

TOUR DATES

Friday 24 April  Perth | Perth Arena (All Ages)
Monday 27 April  Adelaide | Entertainment Centre (All Ages)
Wednesday 29 April  Melbourne | Rod Laver Arena (All Ages)
Friday 1 May  Sydney | Allphones Arena (All Ages)
Saturday 2 May  Brisbane | Entertainment Centre (All Ages)

Two Major Conferences in Brisbane to Attract 3,900 Business Visitors

2015-04-19T17:25:00.001-07:00

Brisbane expects to welcome 3,900 business visitors this month when it hosts two major conferences.

The first of these, the RCOG World Congress 2015 – a joint event being co-hosted by the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RCOG) and the Royal Australian and New Zealand College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists (RANZCOG) – was held over several days earlier this week.

Meanwhile, the 40th IEEE International Conference on Acoustics, Speech and Signal Processing (ICASSP) 2015, starts Sunday (19 April).

The combined number of more than 3,900 delegates and conference exhibitors exceeded the combined target of 3,000 for both events.

The RCOG and RANZCOG events attracted participants from 47 countries, while ICASSP will see 90% of its delegates arriving from overseas.

General manager of Conventions and Business Events, Rob Nelson from the Brisbane Convention Bureau said the combined economic impact of both events would generate nearly AUS$12m for Brisbane.

“The convention bureau worked closely with the conference organisers to help attract more delegates to their events and ensure they have a memorable experience of our city,” Nelson said.

“We offered in-kind destination marketing support which included assistance promoting Brisbane to potential delegates, Brisbane Airport welcome signage, pre and post-event touring information, onsite tourist information at both conferences and Airtrain travel discounts for delegates to travel into the city.

“With the Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre hosting both events, the RCOG/RANZCOG Event and ICASSP has offered another opportunity to showcase Brisbane’s excellent conference facilities.”

Brisbane Convention & Exhibition Centre General Manager Bob O’Keeffe said the economic, knowledge sharing, investment and tourism benefits of hosting such events presented enormous value to Brisbane and Queensland.

“BCEC works with local experts and organisations such as RANZCOG and the IEEE Queensland community to win these large bids for Australia and to ensure that it is Brisbane that reaps the benefits," O'Keeffe said.

“BCEC works with its key convention partners, Tourism and Events Queensland and Brisbane Marketing, to secure these high-calibre conferences for Brisbane and Queensland.”

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Metro Hotel Ipswich International showcase for weddings, parties, gala dinners and formals

2015-04-12T23:40:00.001-07:00

Metro Hotel Ipswich International functions showcase for weddings, parties, gala dinners and formals!

When: 2nd May 2015 from 11am to 4pm
Where: 43 South Street, Ipswich QLD

Enjoy a FREE glass of bubbly and a selection of canapes from our Head Chef Guy Farrow!

Experience a selection of themed room perfect for your next event. Come and enjoy how we can enhance your next special occasion or even and meet our experienced event team at Metro Hotel Ipswich International.

Go in the draw for your chance to win the Sunset Flight Overnight Experience for two people valued at $980! To enter, fill in your entry form at Metro Hotel Ipswich International.

Website: www.metrohotels.com.au/hotels/queensland/metro-hotel-ipswich-international

Fishers Spoiled for Choice in Gladstone Region

2015-03-29T16:03:00.001-07:00

FOR those who know this region and the different spots to wet a line there is such a vast number of places to go and also species to catch.

From the harbour with the barra and the enormous king salmon out to the reef with those magic reds, trout, sweetlip, and mackerel, through to the inland systems like Awoonga, Callide, Monduran, and Cania Dams, for barra, mangrove jack, saratoga, bass, and in some spots we are seeing some pretty big longtoms being caught in Awoonga and in the Dawson River.

The local fishing pages on Facebook have seen some pretty good catches of black jew, mangrove jack and a snodger of a grunter measuring 69cm, which Thimoteus Newland caught and released this week, on a humble prawn bottom fishing.

I see Steven Strathdee spent some time out at Cania, and decided to walk the banks flicking stick baits around the snags and had a ball with the perch and bass.

The same thing applies with walking the banks of the Boyne - in "stealth mode" I call it - and targeting those snags which will hold barra, and jack.

In fact, you really don't need too much water for neither species, as the more shallow you get (Kermit the frog "knee deep") the more the little surface poppers, and walk the dog lures, come into play.

These predators will tend to sit, and wait in the lee of a rock, or gravel bank, as the water or tide comes in over the top, bringing with it some dinner, and it's these places you need to target.

To add another dimension, try fishing very light, say down to a 4-6 lb line, with an 8-10 lb leader, and only then the challenge commences.

This weekend is new moon Friday, with huge tides, nice balmy northerlies, and reasonably flat seas.

Tomorrow morning it looks as though the breeze could be down to 10 knots or a little less, from about sun up till around 2-3pm at the time of writing this.

It will swing around to the east after lunch, providing a very nice ride home if you venture out wide.

Sunday looks as though it'll be 10-15 easterlies all day, but that won't bother some.

The low tide around 4ish Saturday arvo is a big one though, and the likes of the Boyne Entrance will be practically unusable from 1 or 2 pm, and those using this access need to plan ahead.

For those chasing a feed of crabs, then this weekend should be awesome with some big chocolate bucks around at the moment, and coupled with the big tides you should be able to access some of those creeks, and drains which can't normally get to.

For those new to the region and keen to get into some crabbing, learning how this whole line of fishing works can be quite tricky and a good start to learn about the "art" of crabbing is to pick up a DVD of Johnny Mitchell's called the Mud Crab, at most tackle shops or via his website.

This year's Boyne Tannum HookUp being the 20th year, has now been open for entries for a little while and there is a steady flow of those booking their spot in this incredible event.

Having it back on the original weekend, being Queen's Birthday long weekend in June (6,7,8 ) is very cool.

And the committee, many of whom have been volunteering there time for many years now to bring you this extravaganza, are planning to blow you away beginning with that major prize boat from Curtis Coast Marine, Haines Signature, Suzuki, and Garmin.

You can't win this, nor any of the other nine boats if you aren't entered.

Entry is easy by simply going on line to www.boynetannumhookup.com.au and following the instructions.

Remember once it's full, it's full, but numbers are only restricted with senior entrants to 3000, whereas with the kids they are open to as many as they can get.

Finally share a thought for those at VMR Gladstone who diligently man the radios and the rescue boats, to help us out when things don't go the way we plan.

They are in constant need for volunteers on the radios. If you aren't a member then my best advice is to be one.

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Ipswich Festival 2015 Highlights

2015-03-26T19:01:00.001-07:00

The spectacular Ipswich Festival is back in 2015 bigger than ever! Packed with fantastic shows, events, parades and concerts to suit the whole family.

Fire on the River launches the festivities with a spectacular explosion of colours lighting up the night sky. Join us for an enthralling display of fireworks synchronised to a dedicated soundtrack that is sure to delight the whole family. This spectacular pyrotechnic display has become a festival favourite with a stunning showcase of the very best "feature" fireworks and fire canons.

Best vantage points are at Riverlink Shopping Centre and David Trumpy Bridge.

Date: Thursday April 16th @ 7pm
Location: Riverlink Shopping Centre, Upper Level, Ipswich Central

Parade of Light - Cheer on the cavalcade of our spirited community groups, classic cars, lively marching bands, local businesses, festival characters, schools, and energetic dancers.

For the first time, the Ipswich Festival Parade moves into the night creating high excitement and a colourful carnival atmosphere. Be amazed as giant, magical lanterns journey along Ipswich's inner city streets creating a night of spectacular surprises.

Themed "Our People, Our Culture", the parade celebrates Ipswich's rich history and diverse community and will be an impressive display that is sure to entertain. The annual parade is a must-see highlight of the festival.

Date: Saturday May 2nd
Location: Brisbane St - Between Waghorn and Bell St

Lunchtime Sessions - Revolutionise your lunchtime routine! Festival LunchTime Sessions feature five exciting days of free live entertainment in Ipswich City Mall. This is a FREE event!

Dates: April 21st, 22nd, 23rd, 29th, 30th
Location: Ipswich City Mall, Ipswich Central
Shows: See below

The Magic Parlour
A day of monumental magical mayhem! Two incredible shows so close up and interactive - they will delight and amaze you. The Super Steph Magic Show and Damien the Magician. Plus balloon art, live bunny and magical tricks galore. This one is for the kids as well as the young at heart.
Tuesday April 21st 11am - 1.30pm

The Romance of Strauss, Bach and Bluegrass
Lunch with over 20 musicians from the strings section of Ipswich City Orchestra. Come and be swept away to old Vienna with Strauss Waltzes played by the professional Orchestra's String section. Then get your hands clapping for some good old fashioned bluegrass with the Suzuki Students of Ipswich.
Wednesday April 22nd 11am - 1pm

That's Entertainment!
Let us take you on a journey of timeless music and history, with 'Back to Basics' recreating the era of the Andrew Sisters, followed by a mash of your favourite hit pop rock songs of the 70's, 80's, 90's and beyond with live band Shriners Park. Tea & light refreshments early or BYO lunch.
Thursday April 23rd 11am - 2pm

Big Band Brassy
Swing and sway to the smooth and brassy sounds of the amazing C17's Amberley Brass Band and the gold medal award winning Redbank Plains State High School Marching Band. Sit back and relax or dance to the beat of big band swing, classical, new world symphony, and so much more.
Wednesday April 29th 11am - 2pm

Swing it!
With a double scoop of comedy and a generous serving of musical mayhem the Swingin' Martinis belt out the best of Frank Sinatra/Dean Martin classics through to the Proclaimers via ABBA and Tom Jones - all fused together to bring you some good old high energy and cracking entertainment.
Thursday April 30th 12noon - 1pm

Night Time Sessions:
Latin Dance with Brazilian Soul
Join in the fun or opt in the free dance class when Brazilian Soul perform a variety of Latin dance styles, all authentic from South America.
Wednesday April 22nd 5pm - 6pm

SwingaBilly Ray
It's a revival of the golden age of swing jazz. Kick up you heels doing the lindy hop, the Charleston, St Louis shag, or shim sham and jitterbug - all this to the sounds of your favourite swing tunes from yesteryear. Everybody welcome. Free Swing Dance Class.
Thursday April 30th 5pm - 7.30pm

To view more Ipswich Festival highlights visit their official website: www.ipswichfestival.com.au/2015/browse.php?cat=1