The Sydney Architecture Festival to Start Tomorrow

The 2011 Sydney Architecture Festival commences 20 October, focusing on how to create a sustainable, healthy and culturally rich built environment.

Its stated aim is to stimulate debate and offer fresh perspectives about what constitutes good architecture and design.

The Festival offers the chance to engage with ideas and architectural inspirations from around the world, and this year promises several new ways to engage in conversations about the city with events in venues across Sydney - tours, talks, workshops, exhibitions, lectures, films and children’s activities.

The Sydney Architecture Festival is a joint venture between the Australian Institute of Architects (NSW Chapter) and the NSW Architects Registration Board.

And for more information, to download the Sydney Architecture Festival 2011 program and to book for Festival Events visit: www.sydneyarchitecturefestival.org

Big Appetite? Visit the Sydney International Food Festival

After months of brisk winter weather, Sydney welcomes spring with open arms throughout the month of October by hosting the internationally acclaimed Crave Food Festival- the perfect dawn on a summer season ready to rise over Australia's biggest city. According to DialAFlight, one of the UK's leading travel operators, there's still time to book cheap flights to Sydney and join in the festivities- however you'll have to hurry.

Always popular within the local community and visiting tourists alike, the festival annually draws thousands of food lovers to its vast range of stalls, bars and specially organised events. This year's festival has so far lived up to its high expectations, with hundreds of extraordinary food events taking place across much of Sydney and the wider New South Wales region.

But there's still so much more to come- and great restaurant offers available too.

The most popular events at the festival are the night noodle markets- held weeknights from 5pm to 9pm. Here thousands congregate amongst dozens of fabulous food stands to taste different delicacies from around the globe. From the hot spices of India to classic sausage and mashed potato in the UK, the festival proudly provides an extensive range of cuisines fit for every tummy.

New for the 2011 festival: Breakfast on Bondi will see thousands hit Sydney's most famous beach, early at dawn on Sunday 23rd October, to celebrate..... eating breakfast. This 'bring your own breakfast' picnic event will host live orchestral music besides the waterfront and include food markets and appearances from guest celebrity chefs too.

With the gloomy British winter weather looming ever nearer, there's no better time to book a flight down-under and visit one of the world's most popular food festivals in one of the world's most famous cities.

Shows Australia: Madonna To Tour Australia

Madonna will tour Australia in April, 2012 according to a leaked Live Nation document.

Live Nation is the touring company Madonna signed with after leaving Warner Music.

Fansite drownedmadonna.com published a scan of the document. It include the following dates:

April 5, Sydney, ANZ Stadium
April 12, Brisbane, Suncorp Stadium
April 15, Adelaide, AAMI Stadium
April 18, Melbourne, Etihad Stadium
April 24, Perth, Patersons Stadium

According to the document Madonna will also play Auckland, New Zealand on March 31, 2012.

Madonna has only toured Australia once before. She was last here in 1995 for The Girlie Tour

Shows Australia: Madonna To Tour Australia

Songs from the Summit to Celebrate 13 Years (Sydney Bridge Climb)

BridgeClimb Sydney has celebrated their 13th anniversary with songs from the summit of the Sydney Harbour Bridge by Australia's leading choral organisation, Sydney Philharmonia Choirs.

The Choir's beautiful serenade rang through the air from 134 metres above Sydney Harbour as they sang the 'Hallelujah Chorus' and 'Happy Birthday'.

In a double celebration, one lucky Climber who shares the same birthday as BridgeClimb, David Lawrence from Epping, was surprised with a very unique 50th celebration as the choir welcomed him to the summit in song.

David climbed with his wife Elizabeth and two children Clare, 14 and Nick, 13, having received the BridgeClimb experience as a surprise for his special day.

"Being surprised with a BridgeClimb for my 50th was one thing, but getting serenaded at the summit was another experience altogether, and will be a birthday I will never forget!" David said.

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs also had a reason to celebrate; the 500 strong chorister body has recently celebrated their 90th anniversary. Over the years Philharmonia has performed with Pavarotti and Barbra Streisand, sung on film sound tracks such as Happy Feet, at the opening of the Sydney Olympic Games in 2000 and in the London Proms in 2002 and 2010. Regularly appearing in concert with the Sydney Symphony, Philharmonia welcomes new members throughout the year.

"It's a privilege and delight to help our friends at Bridgeclimb celebrate their birthday" said chorister Dr Carolyn Lowry who has been singing with Philharmonia for 22 years.

"Both our award-winning organisations are unique, strive for excellence and both make an important contribution to the cultural life of Sydney. What better way to celebrate nine decades of choral singing and the Bridge's 13th birthday than by singing on top of the Bridge overlooking our sensational city?"

Over the past thirteen years BridgeClimb has made remarkable developments from the initial Day Climb, with Climbers now having the choice to experience a Dawn, Day, Twilight or a Night Climb. Climbers also now have the choice between three Climbs; The Bridge Climb, The Discovery Climb and The Express Climb.

BridgeClimb are currently in preparations for the upcoming 80th anniversary of the Sydney Harbour Bridge on March 19th, 2012, with celebrations to pay homage to the famous coathanger and the heroes of its past and present.

Whether it is watching the city awake, capturing the energy of the city during the day, taking in the romance of twilight, or the city at night, BridgeClimb offers a unique and memorable Sydney experience. For booking enquiries call (02) 8274 7777 or book online at www.bridgeclimb.com

Sydney Philharmonia Choirs: www.sydneyphilharmonia.com.au

Sydney to Host Screen Producers

The annual Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) conference is to be held at the Hilton Hotel in Sydney from 16th – 19th November 2011.

Held over three days, the SPAA Annual Conference is the premier business and networking event for film, television and new media producers. Past attendees include key Australian and international industry practitioners involved in all aspects of production, creation, distribution and financing of screen content.

The program offers a mix of interviews, panel discussions, pitching events, master classes, demonstrations and social events with opportunities for business development and networking in a relaxed environment.

The Screen Producers Association of Australia (SPAA) represents the interests of Australian producers on all issues that affect the business and creative aspects of independent screen production.

SPAA members include television, feature film, animation, documentary, TV commercial and interactive media production companies, as well as services and facilities providers, such as post-production, finance, distribution and legal companies.

Hall & Oates - Dinner Show Package at the Sydney Entertainment Centre

HALL & OATES

Featuring Special Guest ICEHOUSE

DINNER & SHOW PACKAGE

WEDNESDAY 8 FEBRUARY 2012 5:45pm

HALL & OATES, the pioneers of rock 'n' soul, return to perform at the

Sydney Entertainment Centre.

These two legendary trail-blazers will be joined for this show with Australia's beloved

and most revered act, ICEHOUSE.

Racking up a phenomenal 34 American Billboard chart-hits during their peak success, the Hall & Oates hit making machine will be attuned to firing up their long-time fans on the night. And where to even start with all those hits.... Rich Girl, Kiss On My List, Private Eyes, I Can't Go for That (No Can Do), Maneater, Out Of Touch, along with Sara Smile, One On One, You Make My Dreams and She's Gone are just some of the timeless classics from their comprehensive career.

The Sydney Entertainment Centre will be offering a pre-dinner show package consisting of a 3 course dining experience along with premium seating to compliment this double headlining concert. This package will provide you with access and exclusive use to a private function room featuring live music entertainment on the night.

Also included is a beer, wine and soft drink package, souvenir lanyard, along with your

GOLD ticket for $240.00 per person.

Click here to view the seating chart
* Reserved seats are in the first few rows of Sections 8, 9 or 10

to book call 02 9320 4200 or email

concertplus@sydentcent.com.au

Crave Sydney Food Festival Set to Sizzle

Some of the best Australian and internationally renowned chefs will come together to demonstrate their dishes and behind-the-scenes insights into the best restaurants on the planet. The Australian talent includes Peter Gilmore, Mark Best, Neil Perry, Martin Benn and Matt Moran, who will join up-and-coming chefs and international stars such as Alex Atala, Francis Mallmann and Gaston Acurio. The Showcase will be a culinary event your delegates will love.

During the Sydney Morning Herald Crave Sydney International Food Festival, presented by Citibank, Hyde Park in central Sydney will be transformed into an Asian food frenzy. The Night Noodle Markets are a major highlight and, the perfect way for your delegates to sample delicious Asian cuisine while soaking up the Sydney atmosphere. The Night Noodle Market runs from 10-14 and 17-21 October 2011. Entry is free.

Roxette LIVE in Sydney FEB 2012

2ND SHOW - ROXETTE



CANAPE AND SHOW PACKAGE



THU 16 FEB 2012 - 6:30pm



So I guess you heard that the first Roxette Sydney show sold out in a mere couple of hours and you weren't quick enough huh? We can't let you fret...



An extra Sydney show has been added to the Roxette itinerary, Marie & Per are adamant they couldn't leave us disappointed...



And there are premium house seats now available when you purchase with one of the Sydney Entertainment Centre's special Canape & Show packages.



We're delighted to offer a designed package which includes a delicious and inviting array of substantial canapes catered inhouse by our Executive Chef and his team. This VIP package also gives you exclusive access and use of a private function room featuring live music entertainment. Also included is a beer, wine and soft drink package, souvenir lanyard, along with your ticket for



$175.00 per person!



*The Reserved seats are in the first few rows of Sections 8, 9 or 10



to book call 02 9320 4200 or email



concertplus@sydentcent.com.au

SYDNEY SECURES ANOTHER WORLD PREMIERE MUSICAL - AN OFFICER AND A GENTLEMAN

NSW Premier Barry O’Farrell today announced the stage musical of the Academy Award- winning film An Officer and a Gentleman will have its world premiere season in Sydney in 2012.



Mr O’Farrell made the announcement aboard HMAS Sydney at Garden Island with Minister for Major Events George Souris and Producer John Frost.



“It is with great pleasure that I am able to announce another world premiere musical for Sydney, An Officer and a Gentleman, opening at the Lyric Theatre on May 24 next year,” Mr O’Farrell said.



“This is another major theatrical coup - Sydney was chosen over London and New York for the world premiere of this new stage production.



“Sydney is now officially the number one city for first run musicals in Australia.



“The NSW Government is getting on with the job of securing and hosting major events as part of our plan to rebuild the State’s economy – and there is no doubt with this most recent addition, the NSW Events Calendar is stronger than ever before.”



Minister for Major Events George Souris said pursuing major events, including blockbuster musicals, forms a key part of NSW Government’s strategy to rebuild the NSW economy.



“The Events team at Destination NSW estimate that internationally renowned musicals can generate close to $20 million over a six month run in direct economic impact,” Mr Souris said.



“With our list of musicals just getting longer, this is great news for the NSW economy. We expect people to travel from across Australia and the Asia Pacific to see these shows.



“Let’s not forget Sydney was chosen for the world premiere of Strictly Ballroom – The Musical over London and New York, the world premiere of Doctor Zhivago held earlier this year and the Australian Premieres of The Addams Family and Legally Blonde coming in 2012.



“This is in addition to the outstanding success of Mary Poppins, Jersey Boys and Hairspray and the highly anticipated upcoming productions of Rock of Ages and Annie.”



The 1982 film was recently listed by the American Film Institute as one of the top ten love stories of all time. This new production has been adapted for the stage by the original screen writer, Douglas Day Stewart, and co-writer Sharleen Cooper Cohen, with music and lyrics by Ken Hirsch and Robin Lerner.



It will be produced by Sharleen Cooper Cohen and John Frost, and directed by Simon Phillips (Priscilla Queen of the Desert The Musical).



Producer John Frost said he is thrilled to be able to bring this classic tale to life in musical theatre form.



“When we held a workshop of the musical in 2009, I knew instantly that I wanted to produce this wonderful show. It is a timeless tale of struggle, success, friendship and love, based on one of the most popular films of all time. We had offers to produce the show in London and in New York, but I’m very thankful that with the assistance of the Events team at Destination NSW, I can produce the World Premiere right here in Sydney,” Mr Frost said.



“After the success of the premiere of Doctor Zhivago earlier this year, Sydney has proven its credentials as the theatre capital of Australia and the ideal city to premiere Broadway bound musical productions.”



Sharleen Cooper Cohen said she was excited her musical is opening in Sydney.



“The fact that Sydney is home to Australia’s most beautiful naval base is only one of the reasons that’s it’s a perfect place to premiere the show that celebrates a Navy officer,” she said.



Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP said Sydney is again establishing itself as Australia's centre of musical theatre.



"Apart from the delights such shows offer, they encourage local, interstate and overseas visitors to Sydney, providing support to the City's hospitality, accommodation, retail, transport and fine dining industries.”

Latest Events News for Sydney

Over the past few weeks, a range of event-related announcements have been made for Sydney, highlights include:



The second annual Sydney International Art Series was launched today. The Art Gallery of NSW will present the biggest Pablo Picasso exhibition to ever come to Australia (November to March) and an exhibition by Mexican-Canadian artist Rafael Lozano-Hemmer will be held at the Museum of Contemporary Art (December to February).



Football Federation Australia announced a four-year partnership with the NSW Government that features the hosting of three 2014 FIFA World CupTM Asian qualifiers in Sydney.



The first game under the new agreement will see the Qantas Socceroos play Oman on 11 October 2011.



Royal Sydney Golf Club at Rose Bay will host the Davis Cup World Group Play-off between Australia and Switzerland from 16 to 18 September 2011.



Tiger Woods will head to Sydney in November to play in the Australian Open. He will join defending champion Geoff Ogilvy and Greg Norman at the event which is on 10 to 13 November at the Lakes Golf Club in Sydney.

Fireworks at Darling Harbour Sydney on Saturday the 6th August 2011

Fireworks at Darling Harbour Sydney on Saturday the 6th August 2011

Kate Moss's Big Night Out in Sydney

KATE Moss has finally surfaced. After much speculation that the model was in Sydney with her new husband, Jamie Hince, she was spotted downing drinks at a trendy pub.

Moss was seen leaving The Flinders Hotel in Darlinghurst last night with Hince and a group of friends, on what is believed to be her first visit to Australia.

Wearing black calf-length pants and a black top with a black jacket, Moss left the hotel at 9pm to attend a performance by Hince's band The Kills at rock venue the Metro, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The Kills played at the On The Bright Side festival in Perth last weekend but Moss was a no-show in WA and chose to join her husband on the east coast only.

Moss and Hince dined at the hotel's boutique upstairs eatery and "ordered pretty much everything on the menu", according to a diner. "They seemed in a good mood and were ordering a lot of drinks and a lot of food."

Bar manager Alen Nikolovski said he didn't realise at first it was Moss sitting at his bar.

"She was just really down to earth, just a normal person. She was outstanding, the nicest person,'' he said.

Moss, who was with an entourage of about seven people, came downstairs from the bistro with a female friend for a drink. She was sipping a vodka and cranberry drink.

Mr Nikolovski said she was in the main bar for about five to 10 minutes. "She had a laugh at two bartenders mucking around behind the bar.''

On Tuesday, sources said that she enjoyed some low-key shopping in fashion hot spot Paddington.

It was understood that Moss plans to accompany Hince to the Splendour In The Grass music festival on Australia's northeastern coast this weekend.

Mick Fanning and Sally Fitzgibbons amongst expected starters for world surfing tour event at Manly

Sydney will host a major lead-in event to next year's world surfing tour with a bumper $500,000 contest to be held at Manly Beach.



The inaugural Australian Open of Surfing will run from February 11-19, and will include Association of Surfing Professionals (ASP) six-star events for men and women.

Two-time world champ Mick Fanning said the event would be a good warm-up for next year's ASP tour opener on the Gold Coast in February-March.

"I've been going to the US Open for years and the job they do over there makes the athletes feel super special," he said.

"So I think this event will be on my radar ... it's a good lead-up event to the world tour."

The Australian Open will also absorb the final event of the world junior championship, which will move from from its traditional home at Narrabeen.

The event will be open to all world-ranked professional surfers, with big names Fanning and Sally Fitzgibbons all likely starters.

Katy Perry Set to Play the Logies

THE list of nominees for this year's Logie Awards is pretty bland, but we can reveal that at least the night will start with a bang.
Katy Perry is confirmed to open the awards ceremony at Melbourne's Crown Casino complex on May 1, performing her chart-topping hit Firework.

Perry will be in Australia as part of her California Dreams World Tour, with sold-out performances at the Sydney Entertainment Centre on May 4 and 14.

Classical music superstar Andre Rieu is tipped to attend the Logies, with 'tween heartthrob Justin Bieber also in Australia.

Shane Bourne will be the host, and awards will be presented by Chris Lilley, Karl Stefanovic, Sarah Murdoch, Lisa McCune, Deborah Mailman, Shane Jacobson and Megan Gale.

Sydney Accommodation at Metro Hotels