Southbank set for White Night

Melbourne is upping the ante as the major events capital with the launch of the first ever White Night Melbourne, an all-night celebration that will open the city up to visitors between 7pm and 7am on February 23 and 24.

The streets will be lit up and Southbank institutions such as the Arts Centre, Southgate and Malthouse Theatre will be central to the fun.

Premier and Minister for the Arts Ted Baillieu was on board an oh-so-Melbourne tram to make the announcement with festival organiser Andrew Walsh.

“It’s not every day that a new major event is unveiled on a tram, but White Night Melbourne is an event like no other,” Mr Baillieu said.

St Kilda Rd, Melbourne Recital Centre, Hamer Hall, National Gallery of Victoria, Melbourne Theatre Company and Eureka Skydeck 88 are also featuring throughout the evening.

“Visitors can expect the unexpected. Flinders Street Station will be transformed into a live music amphitheatre, stages set upon rolling tram cars on St Kilda Rd will feature circus and music performers, an inflatable cinema screen will be running at Birrarung Marr, an underground car park will host an art exhibition, and ‘pop-up’ food stalls will tantalise the hungry crowd,” Mr Baillieu said.

“Our city will become a canvas and a playground with many streets turned into pedestrian thoroughfares, projections lighting up the city, and plenty for all ages to explore and participate in,” he added.

White Night creative director Andrew Walsh said the event was a chance for locals to get a different perspective on their surrounds.

“The White Night Melbourne experience aims to challenge people’s perceptions and get people to notice what they see and know in a totally new light,” Mr Walsh said.

“Exhibitions, street performances, fashion installations, film screenings, multimedia projections, concerts, dance, interactive events – the most creative ideas of local and international artists and designers from all disciplines will be on display.”