Darling Harbour New Years Eve 2013

 

New Year Eve Apartment

On the final night of 2013, Darling Harbour will be hosting a New Year's Eve celebration of enticing performances, delicious food, light shows, and of course: fireworks!
 From 7:30pm, there will be family-friendly entertainment at the Harbourside Amphitheatre, and on the barge stage at the southern end of Cockle Bay.

Bands will be performing live music around Darling Harbour.
Leo Bonne's team of stunt experts will perform an array of fiery acts for the evening including;

• Fire juggling.
  
• Fire twirling.
  
• Fire eating.
  
• Flame throwing
  
  The sounds of drums and cymbals will beat where Chinese Lion Dancers and a Electric Dragon will dance along the Harbour Foreshore to the rhythm. The performances are believed to bring luck and happiness to audiences.
  
  A spectacle of pyro lights will also swarm over Darling Harbour with gas jets.
  
  And many other features will be sure to entertain including a 9pm and 12am fireworks show.
  

Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks to be intergalactic: Reg Mombassa

New Year's Eve plans: the event's creative ambassador Reg Mombassa with Sydney's lord mayor Clover Moore. Photo: Ben Rushton

Sydney Harbour Bridge will put on its biggest midnight display yet when more than a billion people cast their eyes to the harbour city on New Year's Eve.

But artist and musician Reg Mombassa, the event's creative ambassador, said its logo of an "all-seeing eye" was not a hint that crowds might see one staring back.

"If I gave the slightest bit of information away I'd be locked up for treason," the Mambo artist and Mental As Anything rocker said.

What was revealed on Monday was news that the much-anticipated bridge effect, thanks to 16 kilometres of rope light, will be twice as big as previous years – stretching 12 storeys high and 72 metres wide.

Mombassa, who confirmed that this New Year's Eve would be his first work in pyrotechnics, said he was reliably informed Sydney's display would stand out.

"Apparently the fireworks, the Sydney fireworks, are actually visible from the closest galactic supercluster, the Virgo Supercluster, which is 65 million light years from earth.

So there will be some insect-faced aliens enjoying the fireworks display, which is nice to know," Mombassa said.

"Unfortunately the pathetic displays from the other cities won't be visible from that distance.”


Also joining the party will be the Sydney Opera House, which will launch more than 1000 fireworks from its sails as it marks its 40th birthday.

It is the first time the world famous building has been incorporated into the fireworks display in more than a decade, using specially developed pyrotechnics that will not damage its exterior.

Sydney's lord mayor Clover Moore said the $6.8 million fireworks display was the city's gift to Sydney.

About 1.5 million people are expected at the harbour and another 1.1 billion will watch a broadcast of the harbourside festivities, Cr Moore said.

“We are marking the 40th anniversary of Sydney Opera House in the best way that Sydney NYE knows how – brilliant, specially-designed fireworks, firing from the world-famous sails," Cr Moore said.

"I expect this year's event to have one of the most creative fireworks displays Sydney has seen.”

Fortunato Foti, now in his 14th year as the director of the fireworks, said this year was again a challenge to create a display bigger than in previous years.

"Inspiration for this year's fireworks display has been taken from Reg Mombassa's work which, as always, is very colourful and unique. It's been a challenge pulling it together, but I think the crowds will be impressed on the night," Mr Foti said.

And revellers will also have the chance to take home more than photos and memories, for $120.

In an Australian first, a collector's coin featuring a coloured hologram depicting the bridge effect, will be available for sale.

The "Shine" Logo by local artist: Reg Mombassa

Christmas Eve Fireworks

Great Family Christmas Apartment  

Darling Harbour will add an extra special night of fireworks to its December schedule in order to celebrate Christmas when a spectacular tribute to Santa Claus takes place 9.00pm over Cockle Bay on Tuesday December 24.

As well as being the night before Christmas, the evening also marks the final day of Santa Fest, a month-long series of free festivities held in Darling Harbour in the lead up to the big day. This event included inflatable Santas on the water, the Variety Santa Fun Run, a Christmas tree and more.

Some of the Santa Fest activities will still be taking place on Christmas Eve, including Carols by the Tree, when some of Sydney's best a capella groups perform from 7.00pm to 9.00pm, just before the start of the fireworks.

The entire event is free and a great activity for families, so why not brig your kids down? A late night on Christmas Eve should mean they're not waking you up too early on Christmas Day.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour Fact Sheet

Biggest Production to Date Heads Down Under as Sydney Festival Countdown Begins.

With just a month to opening night preparations are well underway for Sasha Waltz’s iconic production of Dido and Aeneas, the centerpiece of January’s Sydney Festival. The much applauded, 

spectacular rendering of the oldest love story in English opera famously commences with a prologue that is danced underwater in a giant fish tank to be mounted on the stage of Sydney’s Lyric Theatre (the only stage strong enough to support the show).

The set travels in four 40-foot shipping containers and will arrive on December 29. Once installed at The Star, the 9 metre long aquarium will be filled with a staggering 7,500 litres of (mercifully heated) water. To accommodate the tricky set changes, pumps are used to empty the water quickly from the aquarium after the dancers have finished performing in it.  The tank is then split in two and moved into the wings.

The German director and dancer’s choreographed version of Purcell’s baroque masterpiece is due to be accompanied by one of the world’s leading baroque ensembles, the Academy of Ancient Music Berlin. 

The cast list is headed by mezzo soprano Aurore Ugolin as Queen Dido and British baritone Reuben Willcox as her vacillating lover Aeneas. The cast also includes experienced singers of the likes of British soprano Deborah York as Dido’s confidant Belinda and tenor Fabrice Mantegna in the travesty role of the sorceress.

With flying dancers and a special role for the choreographer’s eight-year-old daughter, this is one of the biggest productions ever to come to an Australian festival and is similar in size to Théâtre du Soleil’s Flood Drummers, which was presented at Sydney Festival 2002.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris is leading the cheers for Waltz’s latest Australian outing and was keen to stress a possible special resonance for Sydneysiders. “Dido & Aeneas by Sasha Waltz will provide the kind of unique and cutting edge cultural experience for which Sydney Festival is renowned,” he said. 

“The aquatic theme, retelling the ancient and tragic tale of unrequited love involving Dido the Queen of Carthage and the Trojan hero Aeneas, is sure to resonate with Sydney audiences given our own love of the water.”

Dido and Aeneas plays The Lyric Theatre at the Star from January 16-21.

Carols In The Domain 2013

 Great Family Apartment near the carols

Now in its 31st year, Carols in the Domain is set to become an unforgettable Christmas experience for Sydney siders. The actual event itself commences at around 8pm on the 21st of December. TV coverage will still be available on Channel 7 for those who cannot make it to the actual event.

 Come as early as you can. Many groups and families usually arrive at The Domain at each event from around 2:30pm onwards, in order to locate the best spots. There will be free entertainment prior to the main event. The kids carnival includes face painting, of which will be available at the Disney Frozen marquee. The kids carnival commences at midday. Additional activities for the kids include a jumping castle, as well as a merry go round.

Food and merchandise will also be available for sale at this event, including santa hats and glow products. The Carols Candle Bags will also be on sale at this year's event. For only $15 a pop, you'll receive over $100 worth of groceries and snacks to enjoy at the event. The proceeds of the sale of these show bags will go to charity. Each bag comes with matches, and about four candles. The adults will also enjoy some free cheese samples at the Mainland stand.

The final cast line up is yet to be finalised for this year's event, as at the time of writing this. The organisers of this event promise a line up of quality entertainers. The Wiggles are expected to be performing again for the kids. Fireworks displays are also expected

 The organisers advise all attendees to bring a comfortable picnic rug to sit on. Chairs will be available for hire at ground seating level. Umbrellas and high chairs are not allowed at this event.

A great night out all round

St Mary's Cathedral Christmas Lights

St Mary's Cathedral will be turned inside out with projections of stained glass windows and the nativity, usually seen in the church's interior, projected onto the sandstone structure's 75-metre southern facade in the annual Christmas light show.

 Great Family Accommodation close to the Xmas Lights

This year's theme is inspired by a number of cultures, creative director at AGB events Anthony Bastic said. ''We're celebrating … how light is used to celebrate Christmas around the world,'' he said.
''It's a really nice way to celebrate this traditional story and then we're juxtaposing that with the spirit of Christmas.''

Music and animations tell a story of Santa, who creeps into a child's dream and brings toys to life. Planes string tinsel, toy cannons shoot brightly coloured baubles and toy soldiers march past to help decorate the Christmas tree.

The rich hues are illuminated by 12 projectors shining 26,000 lumens of light onto the cathedral.
''They use the very latest in digital technology so the machines they have are extremely bright … it's almost like daylight you're putting onto the building,'' Mr Bastic said. The light display will run daily from 8.30pm to midnight until it closes on Christmas Day.

Christmas Night Market

One Night Only Event

Paddington Markets is hosting a 'Christmas Night Market' event on Thursday 19th December 2013 from 4pm.

Come along with family and friends and enjoy the festive atmosphere. There will be 65 quality boutique market stalls to peruse throughout the evening.

A diverse range of gift ideas will be on offer; choose from vintage, up-cycled and designer fashion for men, women and children; creative hand-crafted jewellery and accessories; a stunning range of homewares to brighten up any room and much, much more.

 Accommodation for the Christmas night markets

Like all bustling Paddington Markets events, there will also be great live entertainment on offer.

The line-up for the Christmas Night Market includes young duo, Betty & Oswald, Squeeze Box Trio, and Bel a Capella will perform on the Church steps at 7.30 pm.

There's also a rumour that Santa will make a special appearance at around 6:30 pm!

After gift shopping, settle in and enjoy supper at one of the celebrated food stalls; Spuntinella Cafe will be serving up healthy delights, Belly Bao will have a delicious range of Asian fusion dishes, and Wild Fox will have an amazing selection of organic wines to sample.

All are welcome to attend this special edition of Paddington Markets.

Entry is free!

For more information on this event, please visit the Paddington Markets website and Facebook profile.

Darling Harbour all set to float pontoon designed by fabric architect

By David Wheeldon

A new floating pontoon venue has been approved for Darling Harbour, Sydney, designed by fabric architect Warwick Bell from Fabric Structure Systems.

Named Dockside Pavilion, the contemporary, fabric-draped structure will be located on an anchored floating pontoon, where it will serve as a substitute venue for events while the Sydney Convention Centre is being redeveloped.

The pavilion is a partnership between Dockside Group, the Darling Harbour Alliance and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

The designers behind the pavilion are internationally recognised, including for Louis Vuitton's 150th Anniversary Trunk, a suitcase shaped venue which has toured various cities worldwide, and for The Cloud in Auckland, which featured prominently during the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Christopher Drivas, managing director, Dockside Group said the Dockside Pavilion will play an important part in attracting locals and tourists to visit the Darling Harbour area during the redevelopments.

“With capabilities to host numerous and diverse events, including conferences, business events, charity gala events, festivals and public events, the Dockside Pavilion will offer event organisers an exciting new option,” Drivas said.

He added: “We felt it was important for us as long-term tenants of Darling Harbour to support the industry and the businesses around us during this time of transition. We are looking forward to hosting many exciting and wonderful experiences.”

Source: http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/darling-harbour-all-set-to-float-pontoon-designed

Carols Under the Bridge 2013

An authentic carols event beneath the Sydney Harbour Bridge

One of Sydney's biggest and fastest growing Christmas events, Carols under the Bridge (that's the Sydney Harbour Bridge, in case you were wondering) is a relaxed carols event that's all about the festive season. There's no celebrity host, no showbiz singers, just music, food, activities for the kids, and 4000 fellow revellers.

Kids Stay FREE at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

The event will take place on Saturday December 14 at Bradfield Park in Kirribilli. It's organised by the local Church by the Bridge, and co-presented with Anglicare, who will be running a stall and selling candles to raise money for their Christmas appeal.

Two concerts will be taking place over the course of the day. The first will start at 5.00pm, with performances from Dave Halls Band, who are a seven-piece jazz band. While they are playing, there will be face-painting and games for the kids.

Children are encouraged to attend the event

At 7.30pm the more traditional Christmas carols concert will begin. It will run until 9.00 and everyone is encouraged to sing along to classic carols like Silent Night, The First Noël and O Holy Night. Free songbooks can be collected as you arrive.

Throughout the evening there will be food stalls selling all sorts of beverages, snacks and meals on the Milsons Point side of the event. You may also choose to get something to eat at one of the local cafes and restaurants.

If you're thinking of attending this year's Carols Under the Bridge, public transport is the recommended way of getting there, as the thousands of people who are expected to attend should make your chance of finding a place to park your car pretty slim.

Sydney Secures Another Mega Incentive from China+

Business Events Sydney (BESydney) has secured the Pro-Health China Annual Conference 2014, another mega incentive from China, worth an estimated $22.5 million in economic impact (EI) to New South Wales (NSW). 

It also follows the hugely successful Perfect China Leadership Seminar 2013, which was worth close to $21 million and welcomed more than 3,000 delegates to the harbour city in July.  

BESydney CEO Lyn Lewis-Smith said that the growth in the number of incentive events secured for Sydney over recent years is a result of the state’s targeted strategies to attract business from this important market.  

“Over the past decade, we have developed strong relationships in Asia. This has played an important part in the success that Sydney is now enjoying in the region,” Ms Lewis-Smith highlighted.  

“We know that Asia is a relationship-driven market and the long-term strategies we’ve invested in, including being the first Australian bureau to establish an in-market presence in Asia (2004), have enabled us to build networks and trust, and convert business for Sydney. 

We now have representatives in Singapore, China and India (in partnership with Destination NSW), along with Mandarin-speaking staff across key departments in our Sydney office. Together, these strategies are paying dividends!”  

Ms Lewis-Smith added that Sydney’s success could also be attributed to its ability to deliver real returns for companies that chose to reward their high achievers with a trip to the harbour city.  

“Incentives create a performance culture within companies, motivating staff to achieve results for a chance to be rewarded with an overseas trip. Sydney is an aspirational destination and  it certainly inspires teams to achieve!   

“Perfect China reports that it saw a 20% increase in sales following the company’s announcement that the 2013 incentive would be held in Sydney." 

Pro-Health China President, Mr Jason Li said that he looked forward to working with BESydney over the next year to ensure his high-achievers enjoyed a rewarding and authentic Australian experience in Sydney.  

“Sydney is a dynamic city with many attractions that will give our distributors quite a unique travel experience. This is not only an incentive trip, but also a heart-to-heart interaction between Pro- Health and Sydney. Our delegates will be eager to learn the attractions, culture, and everything there is to experience in this metropolitan city,” said Mr Li.

“With help from Business Event Sydney, we are confident that the government  and city will render tremendous support to our group to ensure our distributors return home with unforgettable memories of Sydney in 2014!”    
 
Last financial year, BESydney secured 33 Asian corporate incentive events worth an estimated $57 million in EI. This represents over 50% of revenue secured by BESydney during 2012/13.  There is no doubt that Asia continues to become an increasingly important market for Sydney.  

In the first quarter of the new financial year, the bureau has already secured six Asian incentive events. Five of these events (see list below) will take place in Sydney by the end of December, reflecting the short-lead nature of the Asian incentive market.   

• ACE Life Indonesian Incentive: 29–31 July  2013, with 73 delegates and an estimated EI of $ 219,000 
• Estee Lauder China Incentive: 23–26 August 2013, with 152 delegates and an estimated EI of $606,000 
• Confidential incentive from India: 4–7 September 2013, with 174 delegates and an estimated EI of $695,000 
• Great Eastern Singapore Bancassurance Incentive: 27–30 September  2013, with 130 delegates and an estimated EI of $519,00 
• MCIS Zurich Insurance Malaysia: 19–23 September 2013, with  152 delegates and an estimated EI of $758,000 
• Joymain China Top Distributor Incentive Trip 2015: 3–8 March 2015, with 700 delegates and estimated EI of $2.8 million.

Tyrannosaurs Exhibition - Australian Museum Sydney

Tyrannosaurs' is the first exhibition in the world to shine a light on this legendary dinosaur family. If you thought you knew tyrannosaurs, guess again. 

While the most famous member of this family was the mighty T-Rex, tyrannosaurs come in all shape and sizes, including Guanlong, the 'Crown Dragon' and the diminutive Dilong, the 'emperor dragon', with a skeleton that is only 1m long. 

With fossil specimens from China and North America that have never been seen in Australia and stunning life sized skeletons and models, Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using cutting edge technology, 

Tyrannosaurs is the first exhibition in Australia to feature augmented reality, and hands on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike. 

Tyrannosaurs tells the story of this celebrated dinosaur family in a completely new way. Using 'cutting-edge' technology, augmented reality, hands-on and multimedia experiences that will engage and excite children and adults alike.

Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum! Stay and see packages from $86*per person per night
From prices based on twin share midweek ticket   at 3-star property. Prices cannot be guaranteed.

Exhibition from: Sunday 23 November 2013 - Sunday 27 July 2014
Block out day applies for Christmas Day.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour Special Apartment Accommodation
Don't be late. Book now! Exclusive to Sydney for a limited time at the Australian Museum!

For more information: tyrannosaurs.com.au

Where:

Australian Museum

6 College StreetSydney, 

NSW  2000 

tyrannosaurs.com.au 

Phone: (02) 9320 6000

Sydney Japanese Festival 2013

Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
メトロ・アパートメンツ　オン　ダーリングハーバー
www.MetroHotels.com.au
Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour メトロ・アパートメンツ　オン　ダーリングハーバー
アドレス： 132-136 Sussex St, Sydney NSW 2000 Australia
電話番号： (02) 9290 9200 | ファックス： (02) 9262 3032

予約電話番号： 1800 11 4321
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ホテルの評価： 三ッ星半
チェックイン： 2.00pm | チェックアウト： 10.00am
ハーバービュー　短期・長期滞在
ダーリング港の都市側に位置するメトロ・アパートメンツ　オン　ダーリングハーバーは仕事や観光などに理想な場所です。ビジネス街やシドニー・コンベンション＆エキシビジョン・センターまで徒歩で数分。シドニーのショッピング街や観光名所もすぐそこです。
ダーリング港の絶景が見渡せるバルコニーに快適なお部屋、設備完備のキッチンや洗濯施設は短期・長期滞在どちらにおいてもメトロ・アパートメンツ　オン　ダーリングハーバーが理想的な選択です。

The Sydney Japanese Festival is a cultural event in Darling Harbour that's organised by JETAA NSW, an alumni association for former participants of the Japan Exchange and Teaching Programme. It will take place on Saturday December 14, at Tumbalong Park.

A feast for all the senses, the festival will give you the chance to enjoy the delicious taste of yakitori, sushi, sashimi, edamame, udon, yakisoba, gyoza, along with beverages like Japanese beer, sake or green tea. You'll also get to listen to traditional Japanese folk music and modern Japanese punk sounds.

As well as the music, a range of activities and shows will provide hours of entertainment, whether you want to be a spectator or a participant. These include sumo, karate and taiko demonstrations, origami and Japanese language classes, green tea ceremonies, folk dancing, street theatre and and an anime parade.

If you want to be part of a show yourself, you're encouraged to don your summer kimonos (Yukata) and join the Yukata Hunky and Beauty Contest. Men, women and children can all participate and some very special VIP judges will select the best-dressed contestants.

For more activities for the kids, head to Japan Club of Sydney, where there will be face painting, gold fish scooping and also fairy floss. A tourist information booth will also be at the festival to offer holiday ideas should all the Japanese fun makes you want to visit the country.

Six Free Christmas Events in Sydney 2013

Metro Apatments Darling Harbour LoVeS Christmas and you SAVE with a FREE upgrade

1.           21 Santas on the Bay 

 Situated right in the heart of Darling Harbour is twenty one massive five metre Santa Clause's right on the bay. So bring the family along and of course don't forget the cameras to see them in real life... they are a must see at night as they glow in the dark.  

Where: Darling Harbour, Sydney

When: now to 24 December 2013

Time: All day and night – 24 hours

 

 

 2. Carols by the Tree

At Darling Harbour the amazing Christmas Tree of Light and Laughter returns again this year along with acapella groups delivering Christmas classics and songs as well as a performance on Christmas Eve.
Where: Darling Harbour – outside the Convention & Exhibition Centre
When: 24 December 2013
Time: 7pm -9pm

 

 3. Harbourside Fireworks

No day will be complete without fireworks, especially during the Christmas season. It is the perfect way to finish your evening with the spectacular fireworks display over Cockle Bay every Saturday including a special display on Christmas Eve.
Where: Harbourside, Darling Harbour
When: 14, 21 & 24 December 2013
Time: From 9pm

 4. Martin Place Christmas Tree

Sitting at twenty one metres high, around fifty eight thousand LED Lights, more than three hundred stars and topped by a 1, 500mm seven-point shimmering star is the Martin Place Christmas Tree. Every year the tree draws huge crowds and this year even bigger by taking the tree to a whole new interactive level. The Christmas tree comes alive with fun by giving you the option of texting your message and watching it being displayed across the tree. (It is free to see the tree, however if you would like to send a text message charges apply; standard SMS charge)
Where: Martin Place, Sydney
When: now till 25 December 2013.
Time: At day & night 

 5. QVB Swarovski crystal Christmas Tree

Adorned with 144,000 Swarovski crystal ornaments, around sixty thousand twinkling lights, taking over forty hours to install and spanning three levels.... the Queen Victoria Building Christmas tree is a must see. To make it even more spectacular it is renowned worldwide.
Where: QVB (Queen Victoria Building), 455 George St. Sydney
When: now till 31 December 2013.
Time: All Day 

 6. Christmas Projections
This year George St, Sydney added a whole new look to the beautiful sandstone walls of Sydney Town Hall with exciting new digital animation. The images come alive to celebrate the spirit of the season. Every fifteen minutes a 5 minute light and sound show is projected onto the southern facade of Sydney Town Hall.
Where: George St. Sydney
When: now until 25 December 2013
Time: 8:30pm – 1:00am

 

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour Celebrating Christmas 2013 David Jones Christmas Windows 2013

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour Celebrating Christmas 2013  

 

Getting into the Christmas Spirit for Free

A glimpse into David Jones Food Hall on this Christmas window display for 2013

The David Jones Christmas Windows at David Jones, on the corner of Elizabeth and Market Streets, has endured a long-term tradition every Christmas. This year, the event coincides with the department store's 175th anniversary celebrations. A different theme comes out of hiding every year, and the crowds stop while passing by on their way to either nearby Hyde Park, or to catch the train at St James station. These windows are certainly worth stopping by for.

Something for the kids here too

The theme for Christmas at David Jones this year is - simply put: WOW. After the fashion fanfare to the likes of Collette Dinnigan and similar, the Christmas spirit is amplified.

The Christmas theme for 2013 - at David Jones as part of their Christmas window display

Firstly, the ladies in David Jones colours are just divine to look at and admire. These Christmas windows have something for both adults and kids alike. Love the black dress with white polkadots. Class that never runs out of style.

The Christmas Choir inside the windows

Furthermore, a kid like theme of exotic charm comes out of hiding with bright, smooth and colourful pastels. Questions are placed on the windows, to incite some 'audience participation' and divine interactivity. Stop by these windows to work out the following:

How many soldiers are there inside the window?

What musical instrument is the bear playing?

For the food halls area, how many sausages are hanging?

How many pink cakes can you see?

How many pink cakes can you see?

Another window focuses on the Christmas Choir, of which is run by a team of David Jones staff members from the 12th of December right until Christmas Eve.

The David Jones colours shine through

The last window is quite lovely. It gives you a glimpse of life in Level 7, normally reserved for private functions such as weddings. Lovely, elegant and beautiful. Then again, can we find another department store in the country that has been around for 175 years? Impossible.

Such a joy to watch

The Christmas Windows are exquisite once more. For further information on other Christmas activities at this iconic retailer in Sydney, please click here.

What this brand is all about

So cool

Creativity reigns at David Jones Elizabeth Street this Christmas

These Christmas window displays are popular every year in Sydney

The essence of the beautiful private sanctuary on level 7