Sydney Darling Harbour War Horse Event

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War Horse Gallops onto the Australian Stage

 

 

 

War Horse, labelled a "Landmark Theatre Event" by Time Magazine USA, with its magnificent, life-sized puppets, is touring Australia this December. Melbourne, Sydney and Brisbane will host the production, presented by The National Theatre of Great Britain & Global Creatures. The puppets in War Horse were created by South Africa's Handspring Puppet Company (based in Cape Town) who bring "breathing, galloping, charging horses to life on the stage, their flanks, hides and sinews built of steel, leather and aircraft cables".

Steven Spielberg saw the show at the National Theatre and turned it into a film (which was nominated for six Academy Awards). The Show, and in turn film, were based on the novel by Michael Morpurgo. It's a great read and does what Morpurgo does best and tugs at your heart strings, with a central character weaving in and out of intertwined stories and lives, coming full circle at the end.

We follow the story of the horse Joey, broken in by a young farmer's son by the name of Albert and sold to the cavalry at the outbreak of WW1. Both horse and young man embark on extraordinary journeys, made all the more remarkable by the work of the puppeteers who hold the audience spellbound.

 

The World Tour takes in America, Canada, Germany, the UK & Ireland, Australia & NZ, captivating audiences around the globe. To read more about the creative talents of the many people who have been a part of the War Horse story, whether in book, stage show or movie form, click here. There's also an interactive world map featuring original wartime footage concerning the role of the horse in WW1 here. Having lived in South Africa I was interested to watch the video of the puppet makers. Check it out here.

 

The Melbourne season at the Arts Centre runs from 23 December, 2012 to 3 March, 2013. The premiere is on New Year's Eve and includes a party, view of fireworks, drinks and canapés (package costs $350 – click here for more info). Previews are 23 Dec to 30 Dec, 2012. Ticket prices are: $79.90 - $129.90 (there is also a fee for credit card bookings). To book click here.

Approximate runtime is 2 hrs 15 mins with a 20 minute interval. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with afternoon performances on Wed (1pm), Sat (2pm) & Sun (3pm). For parking information, click here.

From Melbourne, War Horse will travel to Sydney in March 2013. The Sydney season at the Sydney Lyric Theatre begins in March, 2013, with previews starting on the 16th, opening night on 21 March and performances through to 28 April. Ticket prices are: $89.90 - $134.90 (there is also a Handling Fee from $7.75 per transaction). To book, click here.

Approximate runtime is 2 hrs 15 mins with a 20 minute interval. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with afternoon performances on Wed (1pm), Sat (2pm) & Sun (3pm). For transport information, click here.

The final leg of the Australian tour is in Brisbane, at The Lyric Theatre, QPAC, from 6 – 21 July, 2013. Ticket prices are: $69.90 - $132.90 ($5.95 fee per transaction). Bookings can be made here. Approximate runtime is 2 hrs 15 mins with a 20 minute interval. Evening performances start at 7.30pm, with afternoon performances on Wed (1pm), Sat (2pm) & Sun (3pm). For parking information, click here. The Lyric Theatre is located on the Melbourne Street/riverside corner of QPAC. Enter from the Melbourne Street entrance (Level 1 Stalls or Level 2 for Balconies 1 and 2).

 

PS: Forewarned is forearmed - War Horse is a genuine tearjerker so take some tissues.



Sydney Royal Easter Show

Easter Special Darling Harbour Apartment

 

The show that Sydney has come to love

 

Hotel Reception staff can book show tickets direct, if you stay at the apartments.

An annual event that many Sydney families and others do not want to miss. That's right the Sydney Royal Easter Show held at the Sydney Showgrounds at Sydney Olympic Park. There is plenty to do, and yes, you do need to plan ahead. From personal experience a ShowLink package is the way to go, especially as your return train ticket to Olympic Park station also includes entry into the show.

If you're a cat or a dog lover, there are opportunities to view the beautiful pets on show for medals. Depending on the time of day you come to the show, you might get a chance to watch these pets being judged. Otherwise there are many other judging opportunities and farm animals to view. For families, The Sunday Telegraph Animal Walk is rather a hit. A chance beckons to milk a cow in the Dairy Farmers Milking Barn. Aren't those yellow chicks adorable? Watch them waddle and swim. Watch sheep being sheared. Other activities in this animal land include pigs, goats, cats, dogs, a food farm and a working dairy with a farmyard nursery.

Image: Sydney Royal Easter Show Facebook page.

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There will also be a variety of different activities for the kids where they can ride a pony. Meet and greet opportunities come with some popular children's characters such as Shaun the Sheep, Puss in Boots, Bananas in Pyjamas as well as Alvin the Chipmunk. The evening program for kids includes Darcy's Quest.

What about those rides? Some of you may feel a little sick, yet the show isn't the show without going on at least one of them. The Rainbow? Colourful yet it can make you feel a little dizzy.

 

The weird and wonderful will also be performing at this year's show. Think the Psycho Sideshow at the Big Top Amphitheatre.

Never a dull moment.

Of course, wood-chopping performances for awards will be seen and show jumping in the main arena. Plus see a variety of foods being judged.

 

For the adults and foodies alike, it will seem like MasterChef LIVE and the Good Food and Wine Show meet and become friends at the lifestyle exhibitions. Food showbags are also available, and a chance to sample some delicious foods. The $2 cheese toasties are ever so popular. For those who love their retail therapy beyond the showbags, they will also be taken care of.

For those who are religious, you can still attend a church service on Easter Sunday at the show.

The full showbag list will be announced soon and the Bertie Beetle showbag for 2013 is set to be extraordinary. Why? The Bertie Beetle showbag (a favourite for many Sydneysiders) has been around for almost 50 years. To naturally celebrate there will definitely be a Bertie Beetle anniversary showbag available at 2013's show. This mammoth showbag will contain around 50 (how appropriate) mouth watering chocolates, together with a Bertie Beetle egg cup.

Like always, for the night time sessions the fireworks will be going off. Plus cheaper entry kicks in after 5pm on weekdays. Plenty to do, just be sensible and plan ahead. Ensure you have adequate snacks and water on hand. Early bird tickets are available to purchase online until the 6th of March 2013.

Happy Easter Sydney.

Sydney Darling Harbour Easter

                                           

Click here to get your Best Family

Easter Apartment

 

 

 

Eggscellent Easter activities for families

 

There are plenty of activities to keep your kids entertained this Easter. Of course the Sydney Royal Easter Show is back, and to ensure a great day out for all, I highly recommend planning such days out in advance. Come up with a reasonable budget, so that way your child/children will know how many showbags they're allowed at the show, and which rides they can go on without breaking the family budget. Aside from the entry fee, there are many events for kids at this year's Easter show that are included in the entry price:

Hoopla Darling Harbour

ABOUT HOOPLA AND DARLING HARBOUR

1. What is Hoopla and who produces it?Hoopla is Australia's annual circus, sideshow and street theatre festival at Darling Harbour. The four day festival brings together a world class mix of Australian and international performers and showcases a wide variety of theatrical genres to appeal to diverse audiences.

Hoopla is produced by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

2. Will there be fireworks?No. There will be no fireworks during the Hoopla Festival and no Harbourside Fireworks on the Saturday night.

3. Can I buy food and drinks during the event?A number of food and beverage venues, including takeaway outlets, cafes and restaurants throughout Darling Harbour, will be open during the event. Find out more about places to eat and drink in Darling Harbour.

4. Is alcohol permitted at the event?Please note that Darling Harbour is an alcohol-free area and alcoholic beverages can only be consumed in licensed areas. There are numerous bars at Darling Harbour where you can enjoy the entertainment. Find out more about bars in Darling Harbour.

5. Can I bring my own alcohol?No glass or alcohol can be brought into Darling Harbour.

6. What happens if it rains?The event will proceed as per the advertised program as there are a number of indoor venues. In the unlikely event of a performance being cancelled due to performer or public safety, an announcement will be made at the location of the performance.

7. What time does the event start?The entertainment will run from 12 noon to 9.40pm on Friday 29 March, Saturday 30 March and Sunday 31 March and from 12 noon until 5.45pm on Monday 1 April.

Download a pdf of the full program

8. Where are the venues located?

There are seven main venues for the 2013 event:

• Big Top: Located on the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre forecourt
• Ringside: Located in Palm Grove
• Street Performers' Pitch: Located at Harbourside Amphitheatre, along the promenade outside Harbourside Shopping Centre (near Pyrmont Bridge)
• Tiny Top: Located on the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre forecourt
• Out of the Box: Located at the front of Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre
• Castello: Located on the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre forecourt
• Circusworks: Located in Darling Quarter near Tumbalong Park

View event map
9. How do I get to Darling Harbour?Getting to Darling Harbour is easy with a number of transport options available. Find out more about transport options.
PURCHASING TICKETS FOR HOOPLA
1. How do I purchase tickets?Visit darlingharbour.com, click 'Buy Tickets' on the Hoopla event you want to attend and follow the on-screen instructions. Tickets can also be purchased from the Box Offices on the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre forecourt on each day of the Hoopla Festival from 10.30am.
2. How much are tickets?The ticket prices for this year's Hoopla Festival range from $5 to $25. All ticket prices are listed on darlingharbour.com.
3. How can I pay for my tickets?We accept Visa and MasterCard. Please note that there is a 2% merchant service fee (on credit card purchases), plus a 15 cent booking fee per transaction.
Cash payment is also available at the festival Box Office.
4. How do I get a receipt for my ticket purchase?Following your ticket purchase, you will receive an email confirmation which will include a receipt for your purchase.
5. How do I keep track of my transaction?All details of the transaction will be included in your email receipt.
6. Who is Ticketserv?Ticketserv is the ticketing services company engaged by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, the producer of the event. Your credit card statement will list Ticketserv as the merchant you purchased the ticket through.
7. Do children under 13 still need a ticket?Yes. All indoor events (including Big Top, Castello and Tiny Top) require a ticket for all patrons, including children under 13 who are admitted free. All children under 13 must be accompanied by an adult. Click 'Buy Now'on the event you would like to purchase tickets for and follow the prompts.

8. What does 'general admission' mean?General admission performances have no pre-allocated seating. All seating within the venues is on a first-come, first-served basis. Note that in some venues, standing or sitting on the floor is permitted.
9. Is there a time limit when purchasing tickets online?Yes. Once you have begun the purchase process, your tickets will be held for 10 minutes. After 10 minutes you will be asked if you need more time to complete your transaction.
10. Is there a limit to the number of tickets I can purchase online?Ticket limits may vary depending on the event. There are limits to the number of children any one adult can book per show, as follows:
Maximum of four (4) children per one (1) adult.
11. If I forget to select a ticket for a child under 13 when I purchase an adult ticket, can I order a child's ticket separately?No, all subsequent children's tickets outside of adult purchase transactions will need to be organised with the Box Office at the event.
12. Can I cancel my ticket purchase?Once your transaction is complete, it cannot be cancelled. Purchased tickets cannot be exchanged and any payment made is non-refundable.
13. Are there student/pensioner discounts?No. We aim to keep our festival tickets prices as low as possible for everyone.
14. How can I seek assistance when purchasing tickets for Hoopla on darlingharbour.com?Email us at tickets@darlingharbour.com.
15. What do I do if I don't receive my tickets via email?If you have not received your email and attachments, including your tickets and receipt, check your spam or junk folder. If you still cannot locate your tickets, contact tickets@darlingharbour.com.
16. Is my online purchase secure?Yes. Several unique security features are in place throughout the purchase process, including a complete security payment process with a customised payment 'vault' system.
None of your credit card details will be stored. We will not share your information with any third parties without your consent. View Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority's privacy policy. If you have any questions about your privacy, email privacy@shfa.nsw.gov.au.

HOOPLA - ON THE DAY
1. How do I present my email ticket at the event venue?Print the PDF attachment received via email on a white A4 sheet of paper and present it to door staff. They will scan the unique barcode to allow entry. One ticket is required for each person booked. For example, if there are five (5) people in your party, you will need to print one of each of the five PDF attachments you will have received.
2. How can I find out more about the event?Log on to www.darlingharbour.com/hoopla on a regular basis to check for event updates.
3. If I am unable to attend the event, can I get a refund on my purchased tickets?No. All sales are final and any payment made is non-refundable.
4. What happens if an event is cancelled or postponed?Hoopla is an all-weather event and the festival will continue even if it rains. In the unlikely event of a performance being cancelled due to performer or public safety, an announcement will be made at the location of the performance.
5. If I have any further questions, who should I contact?Email us at tickets@darlingharbour.com.
ACCESSIBILITY
Most shows at Hoopla are accessible.
If you have special requirements, please contact tickets@darlingharbour.com.

Cartoon Characters

Many favourite cartoon characters are coming to life, and these events will be held at the Big Top Amphitheatre: Moshi Monsters Music, Madagascar 3 Circus Workshop, The Lorax and Bananas in Pyjamas. Furthermore, meet and greet sessions will be available with the following cartoon characters in Kids World at the show: Puss in Boots, Shaun the Sheep, Alvin The Chipmunks and Digitalgirlworld.

Kids Carnival

Parents, your chance to also have fun and race with your kids down the popular rainbow super slide. For those who are adrenalin focused, the Jurassic Coaster will purport a fantastic adventure.

The Animals

Pony rides will be available, and your child/children will also enjoy animal activities, including watching sheep being sheared to cows being milked at the Easter show. The Sunday Telegraph Animal Walk is an absolute must, and a free activity book is available for pre-school and primary school aged children to complete during this walk.

Furthermore, if you would like your child to learn where our food comes from, and to try their hand at some cooking, then the Food Farm will be fun and interactive, from pastry rolling and egg collecting.

Apart from the Easter show, the following contains some other kid-friendly events for the Easter period:

The Great Easter Egg Hunt

Those home based Easter egg hunts are super cool, however a public hunt is held at Vaucluse House and Elizabeth Farm. In addition to Easter egg hunting, the kids of Sydney will also have a chance to decorate and paint some Easter eggs. Other fun games will also be available. Recommended for ages 3 . Organisers urge families to wear a hat and bring some sunscreen. Entry is $15 per child, including one adult. $8 extra for another adult to attend. Further information can be found by clicking here. Held on Easter Sunday itself, the 31st of March 2013.

Sydney Family Show

An Easter friendly and kid friendly event held at the Entertainment Quarter at Moore Park from the 22nd of March to the 1st of April 2013. Pony Rides, Lego, games and rides will be available for all kids to enjoy. This event also includes an animal nursery and a dinosaur exhibition. This event is free and open from 10am to 5pm during the events period. Further information can be found by clicking here. Another event where the farm meets the city so charmingly.

Do you want your child to learn how to make Chocolate Easter Eggs?

If you do, and you fancy some pampering yourself, then head to the Park Hyatt hotel on Saturday the 23 March 2013 from 9am to 1pm for Sydney's first Easter cooking class. Each child will learn how to perfect the art of cooking chocolate, and Easter egg painting will also be provided. All meals included. Prices: $65 per child, $75 per adult. Further information, including booking instructions can be found by clicking here.

Happy Easter Sydney.

Unit 704 Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

Click here to get your FREE upgrade to a Executive Apartment

 

Video of Apartment 704

 Down Stairs

 Upstairs

 New Queen Size Bed

 Down Stairs and Kitchen

 All New Kitchen

 New Kitchen

 Down stairs and upstairs Loft style bedroom and bathroom with landry facitlities

 View from Bedroom

Bathroom 

Vivid Sydney

Click Here to get your EarlyBird Apartment for Vivid Sydney

 It going to sell out very quick

Head On, running from 17th May to 23nd June, is the largest photography festival in Australia representing the work of more than 900 photographers at over 200 events across Sydney. Covering all types of photography, from professional to enthusiast and mobile phones, Head On will once again partner with Vivid Sydney, the 18-day festival of light, music and ideas, as a featured event in their 2013 program.
Head On Festival founder and Director Moshe Rosenveig said: “We are delighted to be again part of this exciting showcase of Australia’s creative industries as a Vivid Sydney collaborator. This year’s Head On Festival has a bounty of remarkable shows, the best Australian photographers, stars of the international photography scene and as always, some great surprises.”

For the first time the prestigious Head On Portrait Prize, now in its 10th year, will be at the State Library of NSW alongside several other shows. They include the landmark exhibition Magnum on Set – A Magnum Photos Touring Exhibitionpresented in partnership with the State Library, a captivating collection of 116 iconic images of Hollywood stars like Marilyn Monroe, James Dean and Elizabeth Taylor on film sets by photographers from the legendary Magnum agency.

Joining Head On Portrait Prize this year is the inaugural Head Off Landscape Prize showing at Paddington Reservoir and the Head On Momento Photobook Awards at State Library. These three prizes, which make up the Head On Awards are open competitions attracting thousands of entries and record viewers year on year.

Head On gives audiences a huge range of different shows to choose from and build their own creative trails through Sydney and surrounds, to discover vibrant, exciting and often surprising images. Shows cover everything from convict life, Afghan soldiers to striking landscapes and compelling portraits and innovative uses from high end photography through to mobile phones and plastic cameras.  Head On will continue its popular series of expert talks and workshops.

As the most unique and accessible photographic festival in the world, Head On is the perfect collaborator for Vivid Sydney.

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Trade and Investment, Andrew Stoner, said aligning events like Head On Festival with Vivid Sydney reinforced Sydney’s position as the creative hub of the Asia-Pacific.

“Now in its fifth year, Vivid Sydney features a number of high-profile creative industries events, and I am pleased the event is working with Head On Photo Festival again this year,” he said.
The full Head On Festival program will be launched on Monday 8th April 2013 with key events included in the Vivid Sydney program that is being launched on Thursday 21st March 2013.

Princess Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Pamper yourself like a true Princess. 

Enjoy your complimentary wine and chocolates upon your arrival to your one Bedroom Executive Apartment. With stunning views of Darling Harbour, and see where Princess Mary met here Prince , with the Floor to Ceiling cathedral windows, brand new kitchen and a midday checkout

$229.00* Sunday - Thursday, $349.00* Friday - Saturday

View this Princess Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Visit Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

Terms and Conditions:

• Subject to availability
• Offer valid until 30th April 2013
• Rates are based on 2 adult occupants
• Minimum 2 night stay is required
• Booking is non-refundable

Celebrate Dutch food, beer and a new king in your Princess Apartment

           Click Here to get your Princess Mary Apartement

 

                                               Celebrate Dutch food, beer and a new king

 

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This Easter long weekend, go Dutch at the annual St. Marys Dutch Festival to be held at the Rembrandt Dutch Club. If the thought of dealing with massive crowds, long queues, parking prices and spending way too much money at the Royal Easter Show terrifies you, then the Dutch Festival might be your glass of Heineken. This celebration of Dutch culture is a far, far more humble event.

The festival's focus is very much on eating and drinking. Dutch food is often labelled as stodgy but try the various meat croquets, fricandels (kind of a spicy minced meat hot dog) with lashings of mustard and you won't be disappointed. Dutch chips are made to have with mayonnaise.

Dutch sweets such as ole bollen (Dutch donuts) and the ever present poffertjes (mini pancakes) are eaten with a liberal sprinkling of icing sugar.

If you're brave, try some smoked eel and pickled herring and wash it all down with some classic Dutch beer while listening to a guy playing some traditional Dutch hits on an accordion.

If that's not enough Dutchness for you, you can check out the clog making and Dutch art work for sale.

This year is especially exciting for all Dutch folk and aficionados of the Dutch Royal family. Prince Willem-Alexander will succeed his mother Queen Beatrix as monarch of the Netherlands on the 30th April and will become the first king of the Netherlands since 1890.

And remember, if you can't go Dutch, you'll have to find someone to pay for you.

 

Pamper yourself like a true Princess at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is located directly opposite the Slip Inn in Sydney where Mary Donaldson, now Crown Princess of Denmark met her husband Prince Frederik, when he was visiting Australia during the 2000 Summer Olympics.

To celebrate this modern fairytale romance, the property has released a special Princess Package at $229 per night (Sunday – Thursday) and $349 per night (Friday – Saturday), giving both international and local visitors to Sydney the opportunity to pamper themselves like a true Princess:

Princess Package

§  One night’s accommodation in a one bedroom Executive Apartment with stunning views of Darling Harbour and floor to ceiling cathedral windows from which to see where Mary met her prince

§  Complimentary sparkling wine and chocolates

§  Noon checkout

§  *Minimum 2 night stay

§  Valid until July 31, 2013

Situated in the heart of Sydney directly across from Darling Harbour, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is a popular choice for discerning tourists from both at home and abroad eager to find comfortable, affordable accommodation located in close proximity to all major attractions.

Head west from your apartment and you’ll find yourself at King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay, popular precincts on the shores of Darling Harbour. Enjoy a cocktail in one of the many boutique bars, a meal in one of the harbourside restaurants, or a 3D movie at IMAX. Play tourist at Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World or Australian Maritime Museum, or stroll across the footbridge to try your luck at The Star casino.

If you are looking for world-class shopping, walk east from your apartment and into Sydney’s retail heart, with the Queen Victoria Building, Westfield Sydney and flagship David Jones and Myer stores all a short stroll from your front door.

For unique Asian food and culture, head south to Sydney’s Little Japan, Little Korea and ThaiTown. Be sure to sample Yum Cha or a Chinese banquet from the huge array of restaurants in Sydney’s Chinatown, then keep walking through to the Entertainment Precinct and take in a show at the historic Capitol Theatre.

For sightseeing, head north beside the sandstone walls of the Hungry Mile and Barangaroo, recently marked for redevelopment. Stop at one of the beautiful harbourside cafes at Jones Street Wharf then continue around the harbour foreshore to The Rocks, a must to explore before venturing on to the Opera House and Botanic Gardens. This historic walk will show you the real Sydney but be warned – it is also popular for late-night ghost tours.

Located in two separate buildings in Sussex and King Streets, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour offers a selection of 40 one-bedroom apartments. While the Sussex Street building offers larger, contemporary-styled apartments with views over Darling Harbour, the King Street building has a more exclusive, intimate appeal. With only nine apartments and a rooftop pool for the exclusive use of guests, King Street is perfect for those seeking a quiet getaway and the feel of being in a world class city with all the comforts of home. Stroll out onto your New York style private balcony to complete the picture and watch the cityscape below while contemplating your next direction.

All apartments are priced to be affordable for mid-week and weekend getaways in the city or for interstate guests wanting an extended stay in Sydney. Each apartment is appointed with a fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities, air conditioning and heating. Parking is provided at a discounted rate at the nearby Kings Parking on Sussex Street.

Book the Princess Package at Metro Apartments Darling Harbour by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 004 321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at www.metrohotels.com.au. 

 Metro Hotels is the public face of Transmetro Corporation, an Australian owned public company listed on the Australian Stock Exchange. The Group currently provides a national accommodation network of properties, with over 1000 rooms in key locations and major cities across Australia.

2 For 1 NSW Seniors Week Discount at Key Sydney Attractions

2 For 1 NSW Seniors Week Discount at Key Sydney Attractions

Celebrate Seniors' Week with 2-for-1 entry for seniors between 17-24 March! 

NEW SERVICE for Manly Ferry Very close to Metro Apartments Darling Harbour

Click Here to book your Darling Harbour Apartment


New Services for Darling Harbour to Manly

• 

  Manly - Darling Harbour

  
  
  • Departs Manly Wharf Mon to Fri
    7:00am, 7:25am, 8:15am, 8:45am
    More times on full timetable
  • Departs Darling Harbour Mon to Fri
    4:30pm, 5:30pm, 5:50pm, 6:45pm, 7:15pm
    More times on full timetable
  View Current Timetable

Departure	Arrival	Single		Smartcard
		Adult	Child	Adult	Child
Manly	North Sydney	Refer to Manly - Circular Quay fares
Manly	Darling Harbour	$14.50	$7.50	$10.00	$6.00
Darling Harbour	Manly	$14.50	$7.50	$10.00	$6.00
North Sydney	Manly	$9.00	$6.00	$7.50	$5.00

Jason Mraz Live in Sydney

Love Is A Four Letter Word, released last year, featured the heartfelt single I Won’t Give Up, following its quiet debut on Mraz’s site, quickly proved itself to be an undeniable pop smash of the new year. One week from its release in the US, the song debuted in the #1 slot on Billboard’s Digital Songs chart, with sales surpassing 225,000. Not stopping there, it also garnered over 2.5 million YouTube hits in the first week with numbers now surpassing more than 20 million.

One of the modern era’s most gifted pop troubadours, Jason Mraz’s extraordinary musical journey has taken him from coffee houses to stadiums all over the world, with two GRAMMY® Awards and six nominations already to his credit. His 2008 album, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things was an indelible global blockbuster, earning gold, platinum and multi-platinum certifications in 21 countries around the world. The lead single, I’m Yours, holds the record for being the longest-running song in the history of the Billboard “Hot 100” chart. In Australia, We Sing. We Dance. We Steal Things is certified double platinum, and the hit single I’m Yours is certified three times platinum.

Mraz spent much of 2011 road-testing the songs from his latest album, touring alongside his longtime friend, percussionist Noel “Toca” Rivera. The worldwide trek – which included performances in North America, Africa, Europe, Asia, and Australia – saw Mraz celebrating music’s lasting power to inspire change and help others through global citizenship. Among the journey’s many highlights were multiple sold out shows at such iconic venues as Australia’s Sydney Opera House, New York City’s Carnegie Hall, and Spreckels Theatre in Mraz’s adopted hometown of San Diego.

Joining Mraz at these special shows will be US sensation, Zac Brown Band. With nine hit singles and two platinum-selling records under their belt, the news of their return to Australia comes just days after receiving a GRAMMY® nomination for Best Country Album for their latest release Uncaged.

Tuesday 26 March 2013
Starts at 7:30 PM

Egg-Cellent Easter at Metro Apartments on King @ Metro Apartments on King - Metro Hotels

Metro Apartments on King invite you to book this Egg-Cellent Easter package staying in a one-bedroom apartment including:

• Chocolates
• Late check-out of 12 noon

$189.00 Sunday-Thursday, $289.00 Friday-Saturday

View this Egg-Cellent Easter at Metro Apartments on King 

View Metro Apartments on King

Terms and Conditions:

Prices are based on two occupants 

Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.

Rates are not valid with any other offer.

All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking

Bookings are non-refundable

Offer Valid until 31st March 2013

- See more at: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/297#sthash.6Rt5s1IL.dpuf

• Prices are based on two occupants
• Offer is strictly subject to availability and may not be available for special event dates.
• Rates are not valid with any other offer.
• All other terms & conditions will be provided when making your booking
• Bookings are non-refundable
• Offer Valid until 31st March 2013

2013 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day

 

Click here to get your St Patrick Day Apartment

 

2013 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day

It’s that time of year again and the Sydney St Patrick’s Parade and Family Day Committee would like to invite you to participate in the 2013 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade.  The 2013 Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day celebrations will be held on Sunday 17 March 2013.
We wish to build on past parades to make 2013 an even bigger and better success.  Can you imagine the Parade leading with Ireland of the Past followed by all things Irish Australian and finishing with Ireland of the present– that is our vision. The theme for 2013 will be Sydney Celebrating Its Irishness. 


The Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade provides the NSW community with a vibrant, colourful event which showcases the cultural richness of all things Irish and Irish Australian.  By supporting the Parade, we believe that your presence would not only demonstrate the high level of community engagement and support for the Parade but also, by participating in our proposed narrative, bring a new dimension to the Parade.
Sydney Celebrating Its Irishness
There are seven categories for entrants of the Parade to choose from.
1:  Ireland of the past: Traditions, folklore, literature, historical events, historical places
2:  1788:  The beginning of the Irish in Sydney. First fleet, first Irish in Australia (scope for street theatre)
3:  Convicts and Rebels: Castle Hill Rebellion, Ned Kelly/bushrangers (scope for street theatre)
4:  Free Settlers: Nation Builders: Orphan Girls, Priests and Nuns, Brothers (Possibly getting schools involved)
5: Cultural Connections: Bush music, Aboriginal links, Irish dance, Sport, Universities, Schools, literature, Australian of the year winners
6:  Modern Irish in Sydney: Health Care, Young professionals, politicians, celebrities, education. music, construction, community groups
7:  Ireland of the present: topical events, current themes from Ireland

Our aim is to have perennial narrative running through the Parade.   We want to open it up to street theatre, encourage schools to enter and give scope to groups and counties to invest in a float they can enter year on year and build the quality of the Parade. Some groups invest thousands each year to see their entry dismantled to start all over again. We believe, with a narrative, groups can pick a section of the Parade themselves each year or pick one and improve it year on year.  We also want it to be easy for schools to enter and do a lesson plan around the topic as well as encourage participation by Australians of Irish and non-Irish Heritage.  You don’t have to be Irish to participate in Sydney Celebrating its Irishness!
Many counties and groups put a lot of work and investment into their floats and we encourage them to re-enter past entries and make use of their hard work.
Applications to enter the 2013 Parade close on Friday 1 March.  If you have any questions or require further information please do not hesitate to contact us.

Our Organisation:
The Sydney St Patrick's Day Org Inc. is a not for profit organisation managed by a group of volunteers.  The Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day are made possible thanks to the efforts of the volunteer committee and the team of individuals who give up their time throughout the year. The Committee not only organises the event itself on the third weekend in March each year, but organises fund-raising events, publicity and marketing in the lead up to the St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day. The Committee consists of the President as chairperson, the Vice President as co-chair, the Treasurer, and the Secretary. 

Our Event
It is an absolutely amazing fun filled day and to see Sydney celebrating its Irishness is like nothing else.  From humble beginnings by a group of dedicated individuals over 30 years ago - this event has become a huge day for the Irish Community in NSW with many people only connecting to their heritage on this one day.

• The Sydney St Patrick’s Day Parade and Family Day is the largest Irish Event in the Southern Hemisphere with over 30,000 Irish and Australian Irish Families attending.
• The Sydney St Patrick's Day Event is one of the top five in the world (New York, Dublin, Boston, London and Sydney).  It is the only St Patrick’s Day event in the world this size that is totally organised and funded by the Irish Community.
• The Committee is all voluntary and spends a year organising and fundraising to fund the Parade and Family Day.
• This year there will be pre-parade entertainment, music and dancing on George Street, opposite Town Hall commencing  from 10.20am and finish at 11.50am.  We encourage participants and viewers alike to come into the city and enjoy the fun and atmosphere.
• The parade will commence at midday and will begin at the corner of Bathurst Street and George Street, proceeding along George Street, turning right into Park Street then left into Elizabeth St, finishing up at James Street.  
• The dedicated float decant area will be located on Philip Street to allow participants deconstruct floats.
• The Family Day in Hyde Park North will commence at 1.00pm with the Australian and Irish National Anthems sung on the Main Stage.
• The Main Stage will host several local Irish bands, musicians and the winners of the 2012 Gaels Got Talent competition playing until 6.30pm.
• Other activities in the Park include a Children's area, Citizenship Ceremony, stalls, various groups and all the Irish County representatives.

• The Family Day will finish at 6.30pm.

To continue the tradition and build on the success of previous years, we need your support and participation to help the Parade to continue and grow in the future.  We kindly request entries to donate to the St. Patrick’s Day Committee as generously as you can. No donation is too little.
We  look forward to receiving your entries and encourage you to submit them as soon as possible to allow the Committee plan this amazing day; also please do not hesitate to contact Vice President (Kevin Duffy) with any queries you may have regarding the Parade.
Slan go Foil,

Kevin Duffy

Mobile No: 0439 042 629
Email: parade@stpatricksday.org.au

Feel, drink, eat, dance and sing Irish for a day

It is that time of the year again when everyone goes green and starts speaking with a thick Irish accent while enjoying their pints of Guinness. Yes, Saint Patrick's Day is coming up and Sydney's Saint Patrick's Day celebrations are not to be missed. Especially so when the theme is "Sydney Celebrating its Irish Heritage".

Image taken from www.stpatricksday.org.au

Starting at 12 pm, the parade will start off with "Ireland of the Past", depicting the age old traditions of Ireland including their folklore and history, and move on to the beginning of the Irish in Sydney, from convicts and rebels to the free settlers. The tail of the parade will be represented by "Ireland of the Present". It is an impressive vision of the organizing committee that sounds like it is not to be missed.

Head out and embrace the green (Image taken fro www.stpatricksday.org.au)

After the parade will be an array of events for leprechauns of all sizes. While some may think that nothing can top off the parade which would be shamrock floating on the Guinness, they may be pleasantly surprised when the events rival the parade.

Among the lineup of events are the Saddler Irish Dancers who will entertain adults and children alike. And be prepared to be serenaded by the likes of Brian McFadden and his band and Green Jam Session. The 2013 winners for Gaels' Got Talent will also be performing on the main stage sometime throughout the day to show you why they won the contest this year.

As for the wee ones, their array of events will kick off with an interactive baking demo by Paddy the Baker. They will also have the opportunity to listen to Irish storyteller, Louise Davis, as well as Keira Bellifemine who is described as a "comical young singer" by organizers. In addition to that lineup is the Kevin Kelly bodhran workshop for the wee ones.

Saint Paddy's Day in all its 'coolness' (Image taken from www.stpatricksday.org.au)

So, instead of sitting at home and nursing your Guinness on your lonesome self, head out and experience the Irish life for a day. It is guaranteed that you will be constantly entertained, both by the performers as well as your fellow revelers.

For more information on the day, click here.