Sydney International Rowing Regatta 2015

The Sydney International Rowing Regatta is Australia's largest rowing event. The seven day event will be held from Monday 23 – Sunday 29 March 2015 at the Sydney International Regatta Centre. It will comprise of the following competitions:

• Australian Open Rowing Championships
• Australian Open Schools Rowing Championships
• King’s and Queen’s Cup Interstate Regatta

Australia’s best rowers will be on show in Sydney including our very own Kim Crow – 2012 London Olympic Games silver and bronze medallist and 2013 World Champion and 2013 AIS athlete of the year, Josh Dunkley-Smith – 2012 London Olympic Games silver medallist, Will Lockwood – 2012 London Olympic Games silver medallist and Kathryn Ross – 2013 Para-Rowing World Champion and 2008 Beijing Paralympic Games silver medallist.

Event Details:

Gates Open: 7:00am

Parking is free.

Daily Race Schedule available here

JUNIOR: 12 years and under free.

www.rowingaustralia.com.au
www.rowingdownunder.org

Ten best things to see, do and taste at Sydney Chinese New Year 2015

From food markets to lantern warriors, the Year of the Sheep is bringing quite a bounty.

Get ready for sensory overload — Chinese New Year is here. Time to fill the streets with fireworks and dancing lions while you alternate between inhaling incredible Asian cuisine and watching feats of strength at the Darling Harbour dragon boat races.

For the Year of the Sheep (a sign of creativity and wisdom), the festival will be connecting you with the best of the Chinese creative world, including large-scale performance art pieces with the Yangjiang art collective and fire-breathing puppet troupes, as well giving you the chance to put yourself in the mix, whether walking through an army of glowing terracotta warriors or doing Tai Chi in the sunshine.

With so much to do and see, here are a few highlights from Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival you shouldn’t miss.

Dragon Boat Races - 28 Feb & 1 March

Where? 201 Sussex Street, Sydney

Fast and furious, wet and wild. No, it’s not an ad for a summer roller-coaster ride; it’s the frantic dash in a 12m-long painted boat known as the Dragon Boat Races. Dating back 2000 years, the race was traditionally held on the fifth day of the fifth lunar month of the Chinese Calendar to encourage rains for prosperity — the dragon, the symbol of water, was the object of worship for the ancient Chinese. Today, it’s a heart-thumping sport boasting crews of roughly 20 rowers. Grab a waterside seat and watch some of Sydney’s best dragon boat teams battle it out in this highly competitive, thrilling sport.

Golden Koala Chinese Film Festival - 18 to 23 Feb

Where? Corner of Greek and Bay Streets

This annual festival will once again showcase a selection of critically acclaimed Chinese movies — including multiple Australian premieres. A black comedy about a reformed gangster who decides to open a kindergarten, Uncle Victory won the Grand Jury Prize at last year’s Shanghai Film Festival. Other standouts include Tsang Tsui Shan’s multigenerational documentary Flowing Stories and the critically acclaimed drama Blue Sky Bones (shot by award-winning Australian cinematographer Christopher Doyle). Best of all, because the festival is designed to promote Chinese cinema, all the screenings are absolutely free.

Zhang Huan Sydney Buddha - 8 Jan to 15 March

Where? 245 Wilson Street

Zhang Huan’s Sydney Buddha joins the Chinese New Year celebrations at Carriageworks, if only for a limited life. For this highly-anticipated work, two 5 metre-tall Buddha sculptures made of 20 tonnes of incense ash and its aluminium case, face each other. The incense ash is collected from Chinese temples and set to disintegrate slowly within Carriageworks, acting in the same way a Tibetan Buddhist mandala works and making a stunning, complex, time-consuming artwork to be briefly enjoyed and subsequently destroyed, reminding us of the brevity of life.

Lunar Feasts - 13 Feb to 1 March

Where? Din Tai Fung, Chinese Noodle House, Ma G's, Fu Manchu

Flock to the city’s best Asian eateries to experience some of the seriously tasty set menus they will be serving up as part of the annual Chinese New Year Festival. From as little as $20 per person, you can eat your weight in wontons at favourite spots like Din Tai Fung and Chinese Noodle House. The more money you fork out (or should that be chopstick out?), the more decadence you can expect, with the likes of Ms G’s and Fu Manchu offering multicourse delights of sambal octopus, kimchi and an included sweet treat for about $50. Most restaurants have both lunch and dinner options and some menus include an alcoholic beverage as part of the deal.

Chinese New Year Parade 2015 - 22 Feb

Where? George Street, Sydney

In honour of the Year of the Sheep, this year’s Twilight Parade is going to be particularly woolly and adorable. The parade will be filled with spectacular lanterns, floats and dragons and, as always, will begin with the ancient eye dotting ceremony to awaken the spirit of the lion and end with a display of fireworks in Darling Harbour. This year the parade will feature some particularly home-grown treats, including a giant merino, shearers and knitting grannies, while projections will light up the city’s building with the story of Chinese shepherds in Australia and images celebrating the sheep’s characteristics of creativity and kindness.

Lanterns of the Terracotta Warriors - 13 Feb to 22 Feb

Where? Hickson Road, Sydney

Wander through an army of lanterns against the backdrop of the harbour and Opera House as 90 illuminated Terracotta Warriors take over Hickson Road Reserve, the site of Vivid 2014’s giant bunnies. Designed to inspire the same awe as was sparked by the 1974 discovery of the Terracotta Warriors in the tomb of China’s first emperor, these beautiful multicoloured lanterns stand at more than 2 metres tall and are a miracle of fabric and wire, created for the 2008 Beijing Olympic games and here on their first appearance outside of China and the UK.

Lunar Markets - 12 to 22 Feb

Where? Pirrama Road

For 11 nights the Pyrmont Bay Park will transform itself into a pop-up food festival of Asian cuisine, with over 20 food stalls ranging from Night Noodle Market regulars like Fat Noodle and Hoy Pinoy to the new Japanese rock ‘n’ roll themed Daniel San out of Manly. We highly recommend a taste of Bar Pho’s newly trademarked ‘phumplings’, a miraculous cross breed of Vietnamese pho and dumplings that you might not have caught at the Sydney Festival Village due to them selling out every single night.

Tai Chi Classes - Saturdays in Feb

Where? Chinese Garden of Friendship: 1 Exhibition Place

In a festival full of buzzing crowds and street vendors, the Chinese Garden of Friendship is offering a more calming experience as it hosts $6 Saturday morning Tai Chi classes. Conducted by Fiona Maiyin Thockloth from the Inner Peace & Wellbeing Centre, the lessons take an hour out of your weekend and promote mental clarity in the beautiful garden surrounds. It’s a popular class, so make sure you get there 15 minutes early to sign up.

Lunar Streets - 14 Feb

Where? Dixon Street, Chinatown

For the first time, Chinatown, Thaitown and Koreatown are joining forces for Lunar Streets. Graze like a sheep (it’s their year) down Sussex, Campbell and Pitt Streets from dusk till late on Saturday, February 14. There’ll be long alfresco tables set up for the occasion, so you can commune with friends new and old while chowing down on your dim sum/noodles/curry/sashimi/some glorious mix of the four. Performances by roving entertainers and a mix of Asian pop hits courtesy of PopAsia top off the night, a new high on Sydney’s Chinese New Year calendar.

Twilight Garden Party - 14 Feb

Where? Chinese Garden of Friendship: 1 Exhibition Place

For one very special night the renowned Yangjiang art collective will be taking over the Chinese Garden of Friendship. With DJs throughout the evening and food and drinks by the Grasshopper Eating House, the Yangjiang group will be putting you at the centre of their art with calligraphy, face-painting and intimate performance pieces. In their trademark After Dinner Calligraphy, they will use food scraps from the event to create a large-scale work, and the night will finish with the artists feeding guests an array of tea designed to spark a shift in your physical and spiritual perceptions.


Source: http://concreteplayground.com/sydney/best_of/the-ten-best-things-to-see-do-and-taste-at-sydney-chinese-new-year-2015/

March into Merivale - a festival of the senses 2015

2014 March into Merivale launch party

Back for its seventh year, March into Merivale brings together food, wine, adventure and surprise for a total of 50 events over five weeks. While past years have focussed solely on food and drink, this year’s festival aims to create a holistic Merivale experience, beyond just what’s on your plate – or in your glass. Think detox yoga sessions, pastry master classes and dining with off-duty chefs. “This year, we’ve upped the ante to deliver a jam-packed five week festival of the senses,” says Merivale CEO Justin Hemmes. “I cannot wait.”

There’s plenty to do all week, with a different event offered every day. But if you can only make it to one this year, make it the Launch Party. It’s the crème de la crème of the festival, with over 20 featured venues, including Ms.G’s, Papi Chulo and Coogee Pavilion, set to take over ivy for one unmissable night.

Excitement is also building for the inaugural Coogee Foreshore Festival, set at Merivale’s newest venue, Coogee Pavilion. With a big focus on the local community, Merivale is gathering some of its biggest and best venues for a seaside celebration that will spill out onto the promenade. In the same way Coogee Pavilion prides itself on being accessible to all, games, market stalls and roaming entertainment will ensure there’s something for everyone at the Coogee Foreshore Festival.

If planning ahead isn’t your thing, book you and your friends in for a three-course Mystery Dinner. Running Monday to Saturday every week of the festival, adventurous diners won’t know which Merivale restaurant they’re going to until the morning of. But with venues including est. and Mr Wong on the cards, it’s bound to be a good surprise.

With all these events plus many more, you’re sure to find something that whets your appetite. In past years events have regularly sold out, so book ahead to avoid disappointment.

• Official website and tickets: www.marchintomerivale.com.au
• Full event schedule PDF: http://marchintomerivale.com.au/assets/files/MarchintoMerivale_2015_calendar.pdf
• View full event schedule image: see below

Interview with Dan Hong, Exec chef of Mr Wong:

We chat to Executive Chef Dan Hong about food, hangovers and his top picks for the festival.

M: What do you have in store for the Ms.G’s and Mr Wong stalls at the Launch Party?
DH: We’re making really delicious, tasty dishes that are perfect for standing up at a party – we want each dish to explode with flavour in your mouth. Our menu for the launch is really reflective of the food we serve in our restaurants, so there are some of our signature dishes on there. For Ms.G’s we have the lamb ribs and for Mr Wong the lamb cutlets because they’re just so popular, but there’ll be new things to try as well.

M: Which Launch Party stalls will you be heading to first?
DH: I’ll definitely be going straight for Papi Chulo. I think they’re doing their hot smoked wings… They’re like the best wings in Sydney. I’m also excited to see what Danielle Alvarez has in store [for the Paddington Arms stall]. And Jordan Toft [at Coogee Pavilion] too.

M: What March into Merivale event are you most looking forward to?
DH: I’m really looking forward to my event [At Home with Dan Hong] where I get to cook for 22 people. I’m excited to meet and chat with all the guests. I’ll be keeping it really fun, putting all the food on the table so everybody can just help themselves.

M: We’re pretty excited for the Hangover’s Delight! brunch at Ms.G’s. What’s your fail-safe hangover cure? 
DH: I’d probably go down to Bankstown and smash down a bowl of pho, the Vietnamese noodle soup.

M: Where do you get your cooking inspiration from?
DH: I get inspiration from everywhere really – from travelling overseas, eating something off the street or going to another restaurant. I could be inspired by something I eat in a Chinatown food court, or just by an ingredient itself. I actually just came back from New Zealand where I ate loads of fresh local seafood, and I’m already thinking about how I can use it.


March into Merivale full event schedule: http://marchintomerivale.com.au/assets/files/MarchintoMerivale_2015_calendar.pdf

23 February to 29 March 2015

South Africa vs West Indies | ICC Cricket World Cup

Gayle Returning to Form in time for the Match against South Africa

Returning to Australia after 23 years, the ICC Cricket World Cup 2015 will witness the best players in the world coming together, to create heroic performances and magical memories for friends and family as they battle for cricket's ultimate prize.

South Africa Squad for World Cup 2015

AB de Villiers(Captain), Hashim Amla, Kyle Abbott, Farhaan Behardien, Quinton de Kock(Wicketkeeper), Jean-Paul Duminy, Faf du Plessis, Imran Tahir, David Miller, Morne Morkel, Wayne Parnell, Aaron Phangiso, Vernon Philander, Rilee Rossouw, Dale Steyn

West Indies Squad for World Cup 2015

Jason Holder(Captain), Marlon Samuels, Sulieman Benn, Darren Bravo, Jonathan Carter, Sheldon Cottrell, Chris Gayle, Sunil Narine, Denesh Ramdin(Wicketkeeper), Kemar Roach, Andre Russell, Darren Sammy, Lendl Simmons, Dwayne Smith, Jerome Taylor

Watch Live

The nineteenth match of the ICC World Cup 2015 will be played between two of the best cricket teams of modern times, South Africa and West Indies. 

The match will be played at Sydney Cricket Ground, in the city of Sydney, Australia. With its 48,000 seating capacity, Sydney Cricket Ground is expected to host one of the very best and crowded matches in ICC 2015 World Cup.

As an interesting fact about the ground, Sydney Cricket Ground hosts cricket matches, as well as other sporting events like Australian rules football, rugby league football and rugby union matches.

Of the 14 teams that are participating in the upcoming ICC Cricket World Cup 2015, namely Afghanistan, Australia, Bangladesh, England, India, Ireland, New Zealand, Pakistan, Scotland, South Africa, Sri Lanka, United Arab Emirates, West Indies and Zimbabwe, Afghanistan and Ireland qualified through WCL Championship, while United Arab Emirates and Scotland qualified through World Cup Qualifier. The remaining 10 teams are full members.

Don't miss South Africa taking on the West Indies at the SCG.

For more information Click Here

Event Details:

Sydney Cricket Ground 

Moore Park Rd 

Moore Park 

NSW 2021 

Date 

Fri 27 Feb 2015 at 2:30pm

Sydney Mardi Gras 2015: Our Top Picks

As the city’s annual LGBTQI celebration gets underway, we scan a bumper program and discover there’s something for Mardi Gras fans of all tastes.

Party
It’s the festival centrepiece and the guest list for the 2015 Sydney Mardi Gras parade and party (7 March) is as shimmering and shiny as a disco ball. Singer Dannii Minogue will share top billing with Nick Jonas, while Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears, Jessica Mauboy and Courtney Act will also join in the fun. Those keen to get the party started will enjoy the all-ages fun of Fair Day (22 February) and the spectacular Harbour party (28 February).

Film
This year’s Mardi Gras film festival (19 February – 5 March) features bona fide classics like Oscar winning Brokeback Mountain, cult hit The Set and Switzerland’s 2015 Oscar entry The Circle; festival darlings like Castanha , Kuma Hina and Lilting; and documentaries like Do I Sound Gay, Stories of our Lives and Queens and Cowboys. One of the highlights is sure to be the first Sri Lankan LGBTQI feature film Frangipani.

Music
The world’s best DJs and party people flood into Sydney for Mardi Gras, starting with a Day For Night (20 February) dance party at Carriageworks. Jake Shears will perform his first solo show ever with Shears Unsheared (5 March) at the Beresford, comedian-slash-actress-slash-singer Sandra Bernhard takes over the Enmore (6 March) and the one and only Rufus Wainwright will command the State Theatre (9 March). Those after something a little different may enjoy a performance of 17th century songs, sonnets and scenes by actor/counter-tenor Glenn McKenzie in Evensong (26 to 28 February).

Theatre
All the world’s a stage – or least it will seem so during Mardi Gras. Performer Nick Coyle has created the gayest one-man show with Blue Wizard for Belvoir (19 February to 15 March), UK actor Garry Roost brings his acclaimed play Pope Head (24 February to 26 March) about the life and times of artist Francis Bacon to Sydney, before touring it to Melbourne and Brisbane, the lives of children raised with same-sex parents are explored in Gaybies at Darlinghurst Theatre (6 February to 8 March) and the boy-leaves-boy-meets-girl drama of Cock lands at the Old Fitz (5 February to 6 March). Fresh from her victory on Ru Paul’s Drag Race, the queen of queens Bianca Del Rio will perform her comedy special at Sydney theatre (27 February), while out of towners need not feel left out: Penrith’s Joan Sutherland Performing Arts Centre will have their very own Mini Gras for Western Sydney.

Talks
The festival is about more than sequins and short shorts, with a full schedule of thought-provoking talks. All day event Queer Thinking (21 February) at the Seymour Centre discusses LGBTQI in 2015, followed by a conversation between actress/musician Calpernia Addams and trans-activist and musician Paige Phoenix as Gender Trailblazers. Headliners Chaz Bono and Lieutenant Colonel Cate McGregor OAM will also take to the Seymour Centre stage to discuss being Gender Trailblazers (26 February), erotic readings takes centre stage at Femme Slut (24 February) at Gasoline Pony while Inside / Out - Talking It Out (28 February) will feature an evening of conversation around living with HIV.

Sport
Think Mardi Gras, think … sport? There are fun runs like the Rainbow run (21 February), the little black dress run (1 March) and Frontrunners fun run (7 March). There’s a volleyball tournament (21/2), a Bentstix hockey tournament (1 March) and ten pin bowling tournament (2 March). And for those keen to get out of town, there are cycling events dubbed Love on two Wheels (22 to 28 February), a Wentworth Falls bushwalk (3 March) and a Jenolan Caves bushwalk (4 March).

For further information, visit: www.mardigras.org.au

Source: http://www.theguardian.com/culture/australia-culture-blog/2015/feb/20/sydney-mardi-gras-2015-top-picks

Backstreet Boys in Sydney with Special Guests

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!

“This last year and a half of touring with my bandmates again couldn't have been any better, but I'm so excited to finally get back to Australia and play for our Aussie fans. It wouldn't feel complete without spending time in one of our favorite places!" - Kevin Richardson

Tickets will go on sale at midday on Monday February 23.

Telstra Thanks is bringing an exciting 48-hour pre-sale just for Telstra customers from 10am Wednesday February 18 until 10am Friday February 20. For more information and to register, visit: telstra.com/music

My Live Nation members can also be among the first to secure tickets during the pre-sale beginning next Friday, February 20 at 3pm. For complete tour and ticketing details, visit: www.livenation.com.au

VIP Packages, including Meet & Greets, are also available at:www.backstreetboys.com

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’.

Backstreet’s documentary, ‘Show ‘Em What You're Made Of’, is appearing as a limited release in cinemas across the world, debuting in the US last month and slated for an Australian release from March 28. Watch the trailer here.

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!

EVENT TIME: SATURDAY 9 MAY 2015, 8:00PM

Presented by: Live Nation

Tickets On Sale: Mon 23 Feb 2015

Allphones Arena Sydney

Related Links:

www.backstreetboys.com
www.livenation.com.au

2015 Chinese New Year Twilight Parade - Sydney

The Sheep is a much-loved animal – and what’s not to love? They’re gentle, calm and soft, they feature in our nursery rhymes and they were also the backbone of Australia’s early farming success, and continue to be today.

Join us on a discovery of all things Sheep during this year’s spectacular Twilight Parade, with magical lanterns, floats and projections lighting up our city streets and buildings in a woolly celebration of this special creature.

As dusk descends there’s plenty of sheepish pre-parade entertainment for everyone, and then our story begins against the backdrop of magical illuminations on our city buildings.

Opening at the time of the goldrush with Chinese immigrants leaving the gold fields to work as shepherds, we move into a celebration of each of the Sheep’s special characteristics. Wise, dependable, creative, kind, calm and clever: you will see spectacular floats that weave a story around each of these attributes. There’s giant merinos, shearers and Bo Peeps, knitting grannies, and more sheep than you could possibly count, as the parade weaves its way to Darling Harbour for a closing fireworks display to thrill the entire flock.

With local and international communities that celebrate the Lunar New Year taking part in this much-loved event, this year’s Twilight Parade will be a great night out!

Time: 8:00pm - 11:55pm
Location: Sydney Town Hall George Street (from Sydney Town Hall to Chinatown followed by fireworks at Cockle Bay Darling Harbour)
Price: Free ($66 Limited VIP seating available)

Source: www.sydneychinesenewyear.com/festival-program/chinese-new-year-twilight-parade/

Dragon Boat Races Darling Harbour | Chinese New Year Celebrations

Dragon Boat Races Darling Harbour | Chinese New Year Celebrations

The mythical dragon commands the wind, the mist and the rain, surging through the skies and the seas as part of the Chinese New Year Festival, Celebrating the Lunar New Year.

For more than 2,000 years, Dragon Boat racing has had a special place in Chinese culture, with 12-metre long boats battling it out to the pounding of drums.

The first races were held to commemorate Qu Yuan, the great warrior poet, who drowned himself in a river as a protest against political corruption. Today, the race represents patriotism and group integrity.

Get up close to all the action on the 90 metre viewing pontoon as these spectacular boats race through the waters, each with a carved dragon head and tail, a hull painted with dragon scales, and paddles to represent the claws.

Location: Cockle Bay Wharf

Cost:  FREE

Also - Eye Dotting Ceremony

Come and be part of a unique Taoist ceremony that blesses the waters to ensure a safe weekend of racing and awakens the dragon by dabbing red paint onto the eyes of each boat’s figurehead

When: Saturday 28th February

Time:  9am

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Matilda The Musical | Lyric Theatre

“ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, A SHOW COMES OUT BLAZING AND RESTORES YOUR FAITH IN BROADWAY. MATILDA THE MUSICAL IS THAT SHOW.” - New York Post

Matilda The Musical is the multi-award winning musical from the Royal Shakespeare Company, inspired by the twisted genius of Roald Dahl. With book by Dennis Kelly and original songs by Tim Minchin, Matilda The Musical is the story of an extraordinary little girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
 
Winner of 50 major international awards, including 12 for Best Musical, Matilda continues to delight audiences of all ages both in London and on Broadway before arriving at the Sydney Lyric Theatre from July 2015.

‘EASILY THE STANDOUT MUSICAL OF THE DECADE’ - Sunday Times, (UK)

Get Tickets for Matilda at Ticketek

Find Great Value Sydney Hotel and Apartment Accommodation with Metro Hotels

Les Misérables | Show at Capitol Theatre Sydney

Cameron Mackintosh’s acclaimed new production of Boublil & Schönberg's legendary musical, LES MISÉRABLES, will open at Sydney’s Capitol Theatre in March 2015.

The new production features glorious modernised staging, orchestrations and dazzlingly reimagined scenery inspired by the paintings of Victor Hugo. It has been praised by critics, fans and new audiences, breaking box office records internationally and inspiring filmmakers to make the outstandingly successful movie which went on to win 3 Oscar’s®, 3 Golden Globes® and 4 BAFTAs.

Playing the iconic role of Jean Valjean is established actor and musical theatre star Simon Gleeson. NIDA-trained Hayden Tee will play Valjean’s lifelong antagonist Javert while starring as Fantine is Patrice Tipoki. Playing Madame Thénardier is Lara Mulcahy and joining her in the role of Monsieur Thénardier is Australian theatre and cabaret favourite, Trevor Ashley.

Recent WAAPA graduates Kerrie Anne Greenland and Emily Langridge play Eponineand Cosette respectively. Chris Durling takes on the role of the passionate student leader of the revolution, Enjolras and Euan Doidge plays Marius the love struck revolutionary.

Set against the backdrop of 19th-century revolutionary France, LES MISÉRABLES is a much loved blockbuster musical which has been seen by over 65 million people worldwide in 42 countries and in 22 languages, LES MISÉRABLES is undisputedly one of the most popular musicals of all time. 

Having won more than 100 major awards around the world it has been hailed as the most stirring, moving musical ever. Based on Victor Hugo’s classic novel, it is an epic and uplifting story about the survival of the human spirit. The magnificent score of LES MISÉRABLES includes the classic songs “I Dreamed a Dream”, “On My Own”, “Stars”, “Bring Him Home”, “Do You Hear the People Sing?”, “One Day More”, “Empty Chairs at Empty Tables”, “Master of the House” and many more.

This new production of LES MISÉRABLES made a triumphant return to Broadway earlier this year.

“Refreshing, rethought and every bit as epic.” Chicago Tribune
“A sizzling Les Mis for the 21st century ...” The Huffington Post

Running Time: Approximately 2 hours & 55 minutes including 20 minute interval

See the Capitol Theatre Website for Full Information about the Show Les Miserables

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is located directly opposite Capitol Theatre, so is an obvious accommodation choice when you next require a hotel when catching a show at Capitol Theatre

Palace Hotel Sydney is a nearby Venue for pre and post show meals and refreshments

Baseball and Gridiron Could Come to Sydney with Proposed $123m Funding Boost

A NATIONAL Football League (NFL) game could soon be headed to Sydney with NSW Premier Mike Baird to inflate the state’s major events budget to a record $643 million should the Coalition be re-elected in March.

A Major League Baseball game featuring the Yankees or Red Sox, a National Basketball Association (NBA) game, the President’s Cup golf tournament and stealing Formula One from Melbourne are among other big ticket items on the Baird government major events wish list.

Mr Baird, who will today announce details of a $123 million funding boost to the events budget at the Hurley Australian Open of Surfing event at Manly Beach, will also use the extra funding to bid for world premier concert tours of major artists such as Madonna while extending already successful events such as Vivid Sydney.

The premier said the funding boost would help NSW to secure the state’s reputation as the “undisputed home” of major events in Australia.

“We have the track record that shows when we put on a show, we do it well,” Mr Baird said.

“Since 2011, we have successfully hosted the Major League Baseball Opening Series, friendly matches with football giants Manchester United and Juventus, the British and Irish Lions Rugby Tour, the Sydney International Art Series: Pop to Popism, the first Pop Art exhibition to be showcased in Australia since 1985, and the hugely successful Vivid Sydney.

“More major events will attract more tourists to NSW who will provide a boost to the State economy when they stay at local hotels, eat out at local restaurants and take cabs home.”

The announcement follows a last-minute pitch by the government to organisers of the America’s Cup for races to be held on the Harbour.

The government is evaluating whether to make a multimillion-dollar bid for the qualifier races in February 2017.

Premier Mike Baird wants to increase the state’s events budget.

It is understood an NFL game would top the list of events sought by the government should former NRL star Jarryd Hayne win a spot on a team.

The priority of other event bids is to be kept secret so as not to corrupt the tender process.

The government calculates the increased events budget would increase visitor expenditure by $481 million.

Of the extra $123 million in funding, $73.25 million will be dedicated towards the goal of making Sydney the number one destination for major events in Australia with $22 million set aside for Western Sydney.

Another $40.6 million will go towards growing regional tourism while $9.5 million would be focused on targeting overseas visitors from priority international markets.

Tourism and Major Events Minister Troy Grant said the lower Australian dollar and oil prices would help create economic conditions to boost jobs and growth in the sector.

He said the increased funding would help in moves to encourage tourists to stay longer and visit regional NSW.

“One in five visitors to Sydney also visit regional NSW,” he said.

“Our aim is to encourage more tourists to extend their stay and visit regional NSW and today’s announcement helps achieve this.”

Top 6 things to do at 2015 Sydney Easter Show

TOP SIX THINGS YOU MUST SEE AND DO AT THIS YEAR'S SHOW

• See the "best of the best" in Australian agriculture at over 12,500 world class Sydney Royal Competitions
• See the multi-coloured tapestry of the District Exhibits, created from the finest produce in NSW and South-East Queensland
• Watch woodchips fly in the Wimbledon of Woodchopping
• Take a walk on the cuddly side with the Show's family favourite Animal Walk
• Visit the fun and educational Food Farm to learn where food comes from and take part in Cooking with Kids activities
• The Sydney Royal Beer and Wine Garden is the perfect place relax and savour the finer things

When: 26 March - 8 April 2015
Where: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Showbags

No day at the Sydney Royal Easter Show is complete without a trip to the Showbag Pavilion. Filled with treats, toys and tones of fun, there’s always a Showbag to suit any age, taste and budget. Plus, you can still buy a Showbag at the Show for just $1.

As a uniquely Australian invention, Showbags originated as early as the 1900’s and started as sample bags offering visitors the chance to try something for free. From sample bags to showbags, there has been bags of fun for years.

• In the 1920’s showbags began being sold as the cost of producing bags for free became too much for companies.
• Showbags have contained a variety of contents over the years, but the first ones mainly contained food products, especially confectionery. Stranger products, such as coal and medicinal products, such as laxatives, have also been included in showbags. 
• During in 1950s, showbags featuring toys began to appear. In the 1970’s celebrity bags were popular with the Madonna and Michael Jackson bags introduced into the Showbag Hall. 

Showbags will be available online from February 2015

Source: www.eastershow.com.au

Sydney Royal Easter Show Traditions 2015

WHEN: 26 March - 8 April 2015

WHERE: Sydney Showground, Sydney Olympic Park

Traditions

The Sydney Royal Easter Show is an important annual event for countless Australians in no small part thanks to the traditions and family favourites that can be found every year. These traditions have served to connect generations of showgoers and continue to strengthen the bond between the city and rural Australia.

District Exhibits

The uniquely Australian District Exhibit displays will climb up the walls of the Woolworths Fresh Food Dome providing a creative and colourful tapestry of the country’s best produce. This year, the District Exhibit displays will commemorate the 100th anniversary of the ANZAC Gallipoli landing by recognising ANZAC men and women in the artworks.

The District Exhibit competition consists of five regions that represent Southern, Northern, Western, Central NSW and South East Queensland. The exhibits are the end result of a year of hard work by passionate agriculturalists, farmers and volunteers, who plan, source, collect, design and install the spectacular constructions for pre-Show judging. More than 10,000 pieces of fresh fruit, vegetables, grains, pulses, wool and other produce are used to create each exhibit.

Fresh produce from each region is available for purchase every day at the front of each District Exhibit. On the last day, there will also be a sale of the produce from 3.30pm-5.30pm offering showgoers the chance to grab a bargain and support Australian farmers. 

When: Daily
Daily: Woolworths Fresh Food Dome

CWA Tea Room

Nothing says Australian country hospitality like the Country Women's Association Tearoom at the Sydney Royal Easter Show. 

If it's the aroma of freshly baked scones and piping-hot tea pulling in reams of showgoers, it's the warmth of the CWA ladies serving up delicious treats with jam and free cream. Take a tea stop at this traditional favourite. 

When: Daily
Where: Arts and Crafts Pavillion

Grand Parade

The Grand Parades celebrate the best-of-the-best in agriculture at the Show. The three parades showcase competition winners, including animals, producers and champion woodchoppers in a procession around Spotless Stadium. 

The first Grand Parade was held in 1907 and has been a Show favourite ever since. Don't miss the opportunity to cheer on the best that Australia agriculture has to offer and be part of one of the Show's richest traditions. 

When: 
Saturday March 28 at 5.25pm
Tuesday March 31 at 4.20pm
Friday April 3 at 4.15pm

Arts and Craft

The Sydney Royal Arts & Crafts Show has been a feature of the Sydney Royal Easter Show almost continuously since 1869. It is the biggest Arts & Crafts Competition in Australia, attracting over 4,500 entries, across almost 300 classes. Entries include portraits, rural landscapes, photographs, sculptures, pottery, cake decorating, silverwork, sugar art and more, all of which are on display in the pavilion throughout the Show. New classes this year include Digital Artwork, Woven Tapestry and Lace.

Leather work will be the Feature Display in the Arts & Crafts Pavilion at the 2015 Show. Showgoers can see amazing demonstrations of craftsmanship that goes in to creating saddles, corsets, belts, whips and bags.

Visitors to the pavilion should not miss the Standard of Excellence Cabinet, featuring the ‘best of the best’ from the craft sections, and the hotly-contested Perishable Cooking Competition on 26 March at 1pm.

When: Daily 9.30am-8.30pm
Where: Arts and Crafts Pavilion 

Woodchop

The Sydney Royal Woodchopping & Sawing Competition has been a feature of the Sydney Royal Easter Show for over a century. Attracting over 220 male and female competitors from Australia and overseas who compete in 65 different classes, this is the only Show competition that is also a World Titles event. It is for this reason that the Sydney Royal Woodchop Competition is widely recognised as the ‘Wimbledon of Woodchopping’.

The 2015 competition will feature increased prize money for all 5 World Championship events, and a new Veteran Teams Relay between NSW and Tasmania for axemen over 60 years of age.

Do not miss these World Championship events:

• The Manny McCarthy Memorial 375mm World Championship Underhand - Saturday 4 April 2:10pm
• 375mm World Championship Standing Block – Monday 6 April 2.40pm
• 325mm World Championship Tree Felling Contest – Friday 3 April 3pm
• 375mm World Championship Sawing Contest (Single handed) – Saturday 28 March 12.30pm
• 600mm World Championship Sawing Contest (Double handed) – Sunday 29 March 1.30pm

Woodchop will also feature every night in Spotless Stadium from 7.30pm as part of the all-new Woodchop Showcase.

When: Friday 27 March – Monday 6 April 2015, from 9am

Where: Channel 9 Woodchop Stadium

Showgirl

Every year, The Land Sydney Royal Showgirl Competition shines the spotlight on the brightest young women across country NSW. The event attracts high-calibre competitors who display confidence, rural knowledge, ambition and a passion to represent country Australia and has made a significant contribution to the advancement of women in regional and rural areas ever since the first Showgirl crown was awarded to Margaret Mackay of Dungog in 1962.

More than 500 women enter each year in the hope of becoming a young female ambassador for rural NSW. Brodie Chester from Bega, NSW, was selected as the winner of the 2014 competition over 16 finalists. The winner, who will become an ambassador to promote the Sydney Royal Easter Show and the agricultural show movement across NSW, will be announced at the conclusion of the event.

When: Sunday March 29 at 2pm
Where: Big Top Amphitheatre

Rodeo

The country’s best Bull Riders, Steer Wrestlers, Bareback Riders and Barrel Racers will be performing each night as part of the Sydney Royal Rodeo Series. Rodeo will feature a National Allstars competition comprised of the 2014 and 2015 top-ranked riders in the country, as well as a rookie wildcard for each competition over two nights.

When: Every evening from 6.30pm
Where: Spotless Stadium

Flower and Garden

Judging of the Sydney Royal Flower & Garden Show takes place every second day of the Show, with a new competition with different varieties of flower and plants judged, that then stay on display for the day after judging. Flowers are judged on their condition, colour, freshness and overall presentation.  New this year is the NSW & ACT Dahlia Championships, which will be judged on Good Friday, 3 April.

Showgoers can also purchase or order flowers to be sent anywhere within Australia, at the Florist Shop in the pavilion.

Kids can take part in the Flora Kulchas activities, dress a scarecrow at the Scarecrow activity, or try their hand at planting seeds at the Little Diggers activity outside the pavilion. 

When: 9.30am-8.30pm. Judging from 8am every second day of Show.
Where: Flower and Garden Pavilion

Source: http://www.eastershow.com.au/explore/Show-Traditions.aspx