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.

Lion King crowns Sydney capital of theater

SYDNEY, Dec. 14 (Xinhua)-- Opening this weekend to packed houses and civic excitement, the Lion King stage production has seemingly completed Sydney's ascension as the Asia-Pacific's capital of the stage musical.

Sydney's usually dour Taxis are painted as giant Simba Lions; children are dragging about lion soft-toys and even the local government has been keen to bathe in the warm glow of popularity that the latest in a string of international productions has created in Sydney.

The locally created production of one of the world's most popular stage musicals, The Lion King, opened its Australian exclusive run this week at Sydney's Capitol Theater, seemingly crowning Sydney as a major live performance capital of the world.

A thrilled State Minister for Tourism, Events and the Arts, George Souris, told Xinhua that the show would out perform even the most successful shows to have toured through Sydney in the last years -- and that includes world-beaters like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.

"Fans of this phenomenally successful musical, from Sydney and across Australia, have welcomed The Lion King with open arms, resulting in record breaking ticket sales," he said.

The Minister's office anticipates that the Australian production entirely exclusive to Sydney - will generate about half a million ticket sales, with around 50,000 interstate and international patrons traveling to Sydney to see the show.

The State's tourism and events unit, Destination NSW, told Xinhua that the number of visitors alone means an injection of 28 million Australian dollars into the state economy.

The Disney organization anticipates that the cumulative economic impact to NSW will be about 100 million Australian dollars confirmation that the stage musical sector is booming and only likely to grow in the coming months.

That bodes well for the launch of the musical adaptation of one of Australia's most loved and iconic films Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, which will hit the stage here next year.

The build-up to Strictly Ballroom's long-awaited arrival has reached fever pitch after delays have pushed back the opening night because of Luhrmann's constant tweaking of his Hollywood blockbuster The Great Gatsby; and an already packed stage calendar with the two Kings -- the King Kong musical in Melbourne, and Sydney's Lion King taking precedence.

When Strictly Ballroom was released, it gained 13 Australian Film Institute (AFI) nominations, winning eight categories.

The Lion King by comparison is an international blockbuster and the highest-grossing stage show in the world, with more than 70 million people having enjoyed the musical since its Broadway premiere in 1997.

The highly-regarded live show is the winner of more than 70 major international awards including, six Tony Awards in 1998 and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

Sydney's Lion King is the 22nd production worldwide and the 10th production running concurrently, the highest number in the show's history.

Certainly, this is one of the biggest productions ever to open in Sydney and the capacity of these events to drive tourism, create jobs and grow the local economy is never missed by decision makers.

Now in its 16th year, The Lion King continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.

Since its Broadway premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been watched by more than 68 million people and, cumulatively, run a mind-boggling 96 years.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/entertainment/2013-12/14/c_132967855.htm

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. 

Important Milestone for Sydney International Convention Centre

Artists Impression of the New Sydney convention Centre

Development of the AUD$1 billion International Convention Centre Sydney (ICC Sydney) at Darling Harbour this week moved a step closer following the achievement of another important milestone.

The Australian Stock Exchange has been advised that financial close had been reached with Infrastructure NSW and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority for the Public Private Partnership (PPP) of the NSW Government’s project to revitalise the 20 hectare site.

ICC Sydney will be operated by AEG Ogden, the leading venue management company in the Asia Pacific region and will feature a convention facility capable of holding four fully separated concurrent events of over 12,000 delegates and total exhibition capacity of 40,000 square metres.

Site preparation works will commence this month followed by demolition works in February 2014. Sydney ICC is due for completion due in December 2016.

AEG Ogden’s Director of Convention Centres, Geoff Donaghy said the new venue, featuring waterfront facilities in a prime CBD location in Australia’s leading city, was destined to become one of the most exciting major convention and exhibition facilities in the world.

“Even at this preliminary stage, it is attracting significant interest and strong demand worldwide.

“Business Events Sydney has confirmed that five international events have been secured for the venue and there are a further 60 expressions of interest from national association events as well as major exhibitions.

“In addition, by utilising AEG Ogden’s international operational and marketing experience and global venue network, we plan on taking business events through this venue to a new level,” he said.

Mr. Donaghy, who has also assumed the role as Chief Executive Officer for ICC Sydney said the next step was to establish the pre-opening office and commence recruiting the senior management team in early 2014.

Celtic Women - Live In Concert Australia

With the Sydney show date re-scheduled, our four lovely, warm, strong and very gifted celestial sirens are sure to deliver a stunning evening performance combined with the sounds and sensibility blended with breath-taking renditions of contemporary ballads alongside traditional music from the Emerald Isle. 

Along with the distinct musical direction of Emmy® nominated musical producer, David Downes, the 2014 tour will feature a new stage production and the return of such enduring fan favourites as “You Raise Me Up” and “Orinoco Flow”.

Earlier this year, “Celtic Woman” vocalists Lisa Lambe, Susan McFadden and Celtic violinist Máiréad Nesbitt welcomed new addition - singer Máiréad Carlin - a talented young native of Derry in Ireland who already possesses a prestigious musical resume that includes performing at the 2013 BBC TV Gala concert "Sons and Daughters," a UK and Ireland concert tour with Don McLean and performing for the President of Ireland.

As a further highlight of this tour, “Celtic Woman” will be joined by 50 bright young stars from the Australian Girl’s Choir.  Known the country and indeed the world over for their angelic voices, the AGC is our country's leading performing arts organisation for girls and currently have over 4,000 choristers in training.   They have performed at many memorable events including World Reconciliation Day for Nelson Mandela, Ellen DeGeneres’ welcome party, Queen Elizabeth II and President Barack Obama during official functions at Parliament House, Canberra.

The return visit to Sydney of “Celtic Woman” is sure to be an uplifting mix of timeless tradition and contemporary craft, transcending national and cultural borders to touch the hearts of a very devoted international fan base.

Ticketed Start Time 7.30pm

For VIP Package inclusions please click on the

Buy Tickets tab at the top of this page

Platinum	Cash	$	159.00
Gold	Cash	$	129.00
Silver	Cash	$	99.00

Platinum	Credit	$	162.00
Gold	Credit	$	131.42
Silver	Credit	$	100.83

VIP Package	Cash	$	299.00
VIP Package	Credit	$	304.73

Fri 17 January 2014

Starts at 7:30 PM

2014 Sydney Festival - Metro Hotels Accommodation Partner

Metro Hotels is an official Accommodation Partner of the 2014 Sydney Festival.

Metro Hotels Provides Spiritual Book to Guests as a Source of Inspiration

In a world-first, Australian-owned hotel chain Metro Hotels will place a book called Jing Si Aphorisms in all rooms in its NSW and Queensland properties, to enable guests to learn more about the Buddhist compassionate relief organisation, Tzu Chi Foundation.

The Foundation first came to the attention of the hotel chain when it went unasked to the aid of Ipswich residents, giving out care packages following the devastating 2011 floods. 

The hotel chain’s Ipswich property, Metro Hotel Ipswich International, built a relationship with the Foundation and offered to put books in its rooms so that its guests would learn more about the work and philosophy of the organisation.

Metro Hotels decided to extend this offer to other properties, with Metro Hotel Sydney Central General Manager Earl Muir yesterday accepting a special presentation of the books from Julia Wu, principal of Tzu Chi Foundation, Gold Coast, and Stephen Kan, CEO of Tzu-Chi Sydney.

The book, Jing Si Aphorisms, translates the essence of the Buddha’s teachings to exemplify life lessons. ‘Aphorism’ means original thought, or definition, and rather than being a religious text the book is meant to be an explanation of the Buddhist faith. 

Mr Muir said the Tzu Chi Foundation, which lives by the creed that it is more of a blessing to serve others than be served, believes in service to the community and has demonstrated its commitment to this belief through its actions in Ipswich.

“This organisation has shown tremendous compassion and service to Australian communities when they are in need and Metro Hotel believes it is an organisation which Australians may want to know more about,” he said.

“Placing Jing Si Aphorisms in our hotel rooms gives guests another reading option to the Holy Bible. The book is being supplied as a source of inspiration to our guests. This is not about converting people from one religion to another but rather promoting harmony and diversity.” 

See this press release and more at Metro Hotels News

Coming Soon to Capitol Theatre Sydney: Wicked - The Broadway Musical

Long before Dorothy dropped in, two other girls meet in the Land of Oz.

One, born with emerald green skin, is smart, fiery and misunderstood. The other is beautiful, ambitious and very popular. WICKED tells the story of how these two unlikely friends grow to become the Wicked Witch of the West and Glinda the Good.

When WICKED opened on Broadway, it worked its magic on critics and audiences alike. Winner of 35 major awards including a Grammy®, three Tony Awards® and six Helpmann Awards including Best Musical, WICKED has been described as the “Best Musical of the Decade.” Entertainment Weekly

After its success on Broadway, in North America, London, Germany, Japan and Australia, WICKED will return to Sydney in 2014 for a strictly limited season.

Click on the link and “Add to Favourites” to be the first in line to get tickets for this spectacular show in Sydney! 

Sydney Festival Unveils 2014 Lineup

Mike Patton Performing Luciano Berio’s 1965 composition Laborintus II

Classical performances from Mike Patton and Sonic Youth’s Lee Ranaldo, and a tribute to Big Star’s cult 1978 albumThird/Sister Lovers lead the Sydney Festival program for 2014.

The performance of Big Star’sThird will see the last remaining musician from the band, drummer Jody Stephens, joined by REM’s Mike Mills, The Posies’ Ken Stringfellow and guest local and international artists. Lee Ranaldo will perform his new work Hurricane Transcriptions on a double bill alongside Mike Patton, who will be performing Luciano Berio’s 1965 composition Laborintus III, which is described as “a montage of spoken word, instrumentation and electronics.”

The festival, which will once again take over the city from January 9 – 26, also includes performances from former Battles frontman Tyondai Braxton, solo artist John Grant, post-punk survivor Edwyn Collins (Orange Juice), Daptone’s Lee Fields & The Expressions, electronic duo Matmos, avant-jazz saxophonist and Arcade Fire/Bon Iver collaborator Colin Stetson, punk-cabaret provocateur Amanda Palmer and former Bad Seed Mick Harvey revisiting his albums of Serge Gainsbourg’s interpretationsIntoxicated Man and Pink Elephants.

Other festival highlights include Laneway festival’s Kurt Vile playing two shows – a solo set and a full-band gig – off the back of his recent album Walkin on a Pretty Daze; Bombino, the acclaimed electric guitarist from Niger, playing a Falls sideshow; and Malian duo Amadou & Mariam returning to Australia with their “multi-sensory experience” Eclipse. While the festival has abandoned its traditional free opening-night party, disco star Chaka Khan will play a free show in the Domain gardens on January 11.

MAJOR EVENTS

Lee Ranaldo’s Hurricane Transcriptions / Mike Patton’s Laborintus III with Ensemble Offspring & The Song Company
City Recital Hall – January 16

Big Star’s Third
Enmore Theatre, January 23

Chaka Khan
The Domain – January 11

Amadou & Mariam’s Eclipse
Sydney Town Hall, January 9-11

So Frenchy So Chic in The Park – Lou Doillon, Lilly Wood & The Prick, Féfé and Circus Babylon
St John’s College, University of Sydney – January 18

Tyondai Braxton’s HIVE + Canyons & Daniel Boyd’s 100 Million Nights
Concert Hall Sydney Opera House, January 21

Matmos
City Recital Hall, January 15

Sun Ra Arkestra
State Theatre, January 18

Ambrose Akinmusire
City Recital Hall, January 11
The Spiegeltent, January 12

FESTIVAL VILLAGE

Amanda Palmer
The Spiegeltent, January 9-19

Tom Thum
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 21-26

Ben Caplan & The Casual Smokers
The Spiegeltent, January 8
Parramatta Opening Party, January 10

Bombino
The Spiegeltent, January 9-10
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 11

Chris Thile
The Spiegeltent, January 14 – 15
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 16

Samaris
The Spiegeltent, January 16 – 17

Edwyn Collins
The Spiegeltent, January 19 – 21
The Lennox, Parramatta, January 18

The Staves
The Spiegeltent, January 22 – 23
Sutherland Entertainment Centre, January 24

Sinkane
The Spiegeltent, January 24 & 26

C.R. Avery & The Sojourners
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 9 – 10

Dom Flemons
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 11 – 12

Kurt Vile
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 23

Colin Stetson
Circus Ronaldo Tent, January 25 – 26

Hot Dub Time Machine
The Spiegeltent, January 11, 18 & 25

Donny Benet & The Donny Benet Show Band
The Spiegeltent, January 10, 17 & 24

Lee Fields & The Expressions
The Spiegeltent, January 19

Funki Porcini
The Spiegeltent, January 16

Andrew Weatherall
The Spiegeltent, January 26

PARADISO AT TOWN HALL

John Grant and John Murry
January 16

Modular Night – Juan Atkins, Movement, Roland Tings, Wordlife and Softwar
January 17

Orquesta Tipica Fernandez Fierro
January 18

Mick Harvey: Intoxicated Man
January 19

Kurt Vile & The Violators
January 22

Georgia Anne Muldrow & Dudley Perkins with DJ Romes
January 23

Future Classic – Jacques Renault, Medlar, Touch Sensitive, Wave Racer
January 24

Soil & Pimp Sessions
January 25

The Soft Pink Truth
January 16

Andy Votel
January 19

Tyondai Braxton
January 22

- See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2013/10/sydney-festival-unveils-2014-lineup.html#sthash.1Hh2SQZ4.dpuf

Melbourne Cup Spring Racing Carnival at Aspire Hotel ~ Nov 5th 2013

UPDATE: Event has been cancelled

Aspire Hotel Sydney - A Video Tour

A Video Walk Through of Aspire Hotel Sydney - Courtesy of Grasshopper Travel.
Aspire Hotel Sydney offers guest's the best Sydney has to offer like the Powerhouse Museum, Chinatown, IMAX Theatre, Star City Casino, Paddy's Markets, Sydney Aquarium and Sydney Entertainment Centre; all within walking distance of the hotel.

Aspire Hotel Sydney – The Perfect Base for Aspiring Scientists

Science enthusiasts from all over NSW are preparing to converge on Ultimo in the inner city for the 11 day Ultimo Science Festival, September 12 - 22, with Aspire Hotel Sydney the perfect accommodation choice for visitors.

There will be talks to challenge your perceptions of the world, hands-on activities to puzzle over, startling exhibitions, inspiring science shows and even the chance to share ideas with real research scientists.

The Ultimo Science Festival is a joint initiative of the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Broadcasting Centre, Ultimo TAFE and the University of Technology – all of which are located a short stroll from Aspire Hotel Sydney.

Tucked away in a quiet, tree-lined street in Ultimo, Aspire Hotel Sydney offers 96 spacious standard and deluxe guest rooms, each with its own ensuite with full bath, while some rooms have excellent city views and private open-air balconies looking onto green parkland or the city beyond. Modern conveniences are standard in all rooms, with Internet data ports and ‘smart bars’ which charge any incidentals directly to your hotel account.

Each room is furnished to accommodate a minimum of three people, making the hotel attractive to families seeking a peaceful respite and park-like surrounds within walking distance to all science festival venues and to the city. It is also a short stroll to nearby Wentworth Park where active families or health-conscious couples can run, cycle or enjoy a range of sporting activities at the local sports centre add to the convenience of Aspire Hotel Sydney.

The hotel is also easily accessible to the rest of the city through a myriad of transport options including light rail and city buses. Access to the airport, Blue Mountains and other attractions is from nearby Central Station. 

Not only can families enjoy the Science Festival, they can also visit IMAX Theatre, the Sydney Aquarium, the newly-opened Wildlife World, the Maritime Museum and Chinatown - all just a short stroll from the hotel, while Cockle Bay Wharf and King Street Wharf provide vibrant eating options by day and by night, as well as the place from which to explore the harbour by boat.  

Aspire Hotel Sydney is part of the Metro Hospitality Group, and is located at 383-389 Bulwara Road, Ultimo, at the north western end of Sydney’s Darling Harbour precinct.

Guests can book at Aspire Hotel Sydney and Metro Hotels properties by calling the toll free Central Reservations line on 1800 00 4321. Alternatively bookings can be made online at the new look website, www.metrohotels.com.au. 

Book the Powerhouse Museum Accommodation Package at Aspire Hotel Sydney

See all Metro Hotels Press Releases at Metro Hotels News

Book Now to Enjoy the Biggest Naval Event on Sydney Harbour this Century

The biggest naval event on Sydney Harbour this century will take place from October 3-11, 2013 and Sydneysiders, regional NSW residents and interstate visitors are advised to book accommodation early to avoid missing out.

The Royal Australian Navy is celebrating 100 years since the first RAN ships sailed into Sydney Harbour to great fanfare in 1913 – and it has asked 50 nations to join the party. Called the International Fleet Review (IFR), the celebrations will see 40 warships and 20 tall ships from around the world sail into Sydney Harbour for a week-long celebration.

Commencing on Thursday 3 October 2013 and concluding eight days later, the IFR will be a harbour spectacular no Australian will want to miss. Her Excellency the Governor-General, Quentin Bryce will welcome the fleet from Bradley’s Head on October 4, and officially review the fleet onboard HMAS Leeuwin on October 5 as part of the Ceremonial Fleet Review.

With the world heritage backdrop of Sydney Harbour setting the scene, the Royal Australian Navy band will perform while fixed and rotary wing aircraft fly past in formation overhead. Military demonstrations will be held, the official ceremony will be staged on the steps of the Opera House, and the event will conclude with a fireworks display fit for the occasion.

Other activities being planned include a combined naval march through the Sydney CBD, ships open to the public, inter-navy sporting competitions and a range of community and cultural events.

Whether you’re a navy buff or just keen not to miss the amazing pageantry of this historic event, now is the time to book your accommodation in Sydney to be sure you make the most of the week-long celebrations – and Metro Hotels has a number of properties from which to choose.

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is the group’s flagship property located on the corner of Pitt and Hay Streets in the heart of Sydney’s entertainment precinct. Having recently completed a two year refurbishment, the hotel now offers 220 fully-refurbished Superior and Deluxe rooms, all priced affordably.

Metro Hotel on Pitt is a stylish boutique hotel in the heart of Sydney’s CBD, within easy walking distance of Circular Quay, Darling Harbour, The Rocks, Pitt Street Mall, Queen Victoria Building, Hyde Park and Chinatown, while Metro Apartments Darling Harbour provides easy access to the popular harbour restaurant precinct of King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay, as well as IMAX, Sydney Aquarium, Wildlife World and Australian Maritime Museum and Star Casino.

For those looking for something a little quieter and out of the hustle and bustle of the city centre, Aspire Hotel Sydney in Ultimo is just a short stroll to Darling Harbour, the Sydney Convention and Exhibition Centre and Sydney Entertainment Centre.

Ultimo Science Festival ~ Fun Science for Adults & Kids

Nerds and Geeks Week @ Ultimo
Prepare your mind for one of the biggest science events of the year. For 11 days we’re transforming Ultimo into a nucleus of science. There are talks that will challenge your perceptions of the world, hands-on activities to puzzle over, startling exhibitions, inspiring science shows and even the chance to share ideas with real research scientists. Come with an open mind and lashings of curiosity.

When: 12 - 22 September 2013
Where: All over the suburb of Ultimo NSW (see each event listed below)
How To Get To Ultimo: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/getting-here/

This is A joint initiative of the Powerhouse Museum, Australian Broadcasting Centre, Ultimo TAFE and University of Technology, Sydney.

Here are a list of hand picked scientific activities:

Big Night of Science

Challenge your perceptions with science, maths, magic and myth-busting, while you unwind with drinks and live music. Adam Spencer presents his famous TED talk PRIME NUMBERS and ABC TV’s Ruben Meerman presents the Science of Crowds and Cocktails. Plus, don’t miss the Mystery Investigators (aka the Skeptics Association) as they unravel the reality of the paranormal. Look out for supernatural surprises as we investigate spoon bending, water divining and astrology and relax on a real bed of nails.

When: Friday 13 September, 6pm-8.30pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: $15 per person, $8 for students (for ages 16+ Children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult)
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/event/big-night-of-science/

Stand up Science Comedy Night

For one night only, we’re making science a laughing matter at an evening of stand up comedy with hilarious science comedians at the Powerhouse Museum’s café hosted by Nerd Nite star Justine Rogers. By popular demand, Simon Pampena from ABC’s Catalyst is back. He’s the Angry Mathematician and he’s bringing some frighteningly funny friends along.

When: Thursday 19 September, 6pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: $15 per person, $8 for students (18+ only)
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/event/stand-up-science-comedy-night/

Playing with light

Dive into the colourful world of light, lasers and lenses. Dodge laser beams, build a telescope, freeze your shadow on a wall or paint with Infrared. Playing with Light is a full-body interactive exhibit that takes you into the bright and colourful world of lights, lasers and lenses.

When: 14 September until 9 February 2014, 10am-5pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: FREE event with entry to Powerhouse Museum $30 family, $12 adult, $6 child
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/exhibition/playing-with-light/

Chocolate Masterclass

Journey from cacao tree to confectionary as we explore the world of chocolate! Dive into the magical world of chocolate as we discover how chocolate is made and learn the difference between couverture and compound chocolate. Presented by Galit Segev who’s armed with a Master’s degree in Biochemistry and Food Science and qualifications as a chef, pastry chef and chocolatier.

When: Tuesday 17 September 2013, 6.30pm
Where: Ultimo TAFE, Building E, 651-731 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: $25 per person, bookings essential
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/event/chocolate-masterclass/

Craft punk: Twisted Science

It’s craft but not as you know it. Take a weekend workshop where you can knuckle down and get crafty, turning raw materials into objects of twisted beauty. Learn new skills or brush up on rusty talents. 10.30am – 12.30pm, 1.30pm – 3.30pm. 

When: Saturday-Sunday, 14 and 15 September
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: Workshops $45 adult, $40 Powerhouse member (bookings essential, age 14 years+ and adults)
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/event/craft-punk-twisted-science/

Science on Show (for little kids)

What do burnt toast, melted icy poles and frozen orange juice have in common? Join Cogs, the problem-solving robot, live on stage for a fun-filled kitchen adventure examining the chemistry of change and the nature of matter. Create some home-made lightning, make hair stand on end using the Van de Graff electrostatic generator and create current electricity using a magnet and a coil of wire.

When: 12 - 22 September Monday - Friday 11am & 1pm | Saturday 14 & Sunday 15 11am, 1pm, 3pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: FREE event with entry to Powerhouse Museum $30 family, $12 adult, $6 child
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/show/science-on-show/

UTS Focus Talks – Great White Shark

See how efforts to save the world’s greatest predator, the Great White shark, have led to startling discoveries about its life and habitat. Presented by Barry Bruce and Professor William Gladstone. Barry Bruce, Senior Research Scientist with CSIRO Marine & Atmospheric Research, is a pioneer in the use of satellite tracking and one of the world’s leading experts on Great White sharks.
When: Thursday 19 September, 6pm-8pm
Where: Aerial Function Centre, UTS Building 10, Level 7, 235 Jones St, Ultimo
Cost: FREE, bookings essential. RSVP by Wednesday 18 September, 2013 (For ages 18+)
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/talk/uts-science-in-focus-talks-great-white-sharks-research-for-conservation-of-the-worlds-greatest-predator/

Death, Decomposition and Detector Dogs

Find out how cadaver-detection dogs track down human remains as they hunt for missing persons, victims of homicide and mass disasters such as earthquakes, bombings and tsunamis.
When: Thursday 12 September, 6pm-8pm
Where: UTS Building 1, Level 5, 15 Broadway, Ultimo
Cost: FREE
Book Here: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/talk/uts-science-in-focus-talks-death-decomposition-and-detector-dogs/

Curator Tours: Science Underground –
A taste of medicine

Venture underground into the Museum’s collection storage facility and take an exclusive peek at the collection usually unseen by the public. Join curator Sandra McEwen on a tour looking at intriguing medical treatments from the last two centuries. 

When: Sunday 15 and Sunday 22 September, 2pm
Where: Powerhouse Museum, 500 Harris St, Ultimo
Cost: $35, $31 for Powerhouse members
More Details: http://ultimosciencefestival.com/2013/event/curator-tours-science-underground-a-taste-of-medicine/


As a fan of science, this festival is not to be missed! If you have kids and want to get them interested in science or if you have an interest in how science works, have fun learning and exploring this weird, wacky and wonderful world with the experts.

Staying in SYDNEY for the Ultimo Science Festival? Need a hotel in Ultimo or Central?

Look no further than Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo - only a short stroll to the Powerhouse Museum and many other attractions in Ultimo. 

Website: Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo

We are currently running this hotel special to save you money!

Aspire Hotel Sydney Ultimo is offering this Powerhouse Museum Family Accommodation Package

For the Best Available Rate + $20.00 per room including:

• Accommodation for up to two adults and two children
• DVD Player Rental and 2 DVDs (from our select range only)
• Car Parking (for the duration of your stay)
• Staying in a standard room

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/276
• Or call: 02 9281 6999

If you want to be close to Ultimo but also near the city, Metro Hotel Sydney Central is a fantastic option - only a few minutes bus or taxi ride into the city (or a short light rail ride). 

Website: Metro Hotel Sydney Central

We are currently running this hotel special to save you money!

Metro Hotel Sydney Central is offering this Capitol Theatre Hotel Package

For $165.00 per room per night you get:

• One night's accommodation in a Superior Queen Room
• Hot Buffet Breakfast for 2 adults
• Extended check-out to 12 noon the following day

• Book Online and Terms here: http://www.metrohotels.com.au/special/242
• Or call: 02 9281 6999