Calling all film lovers… The 2015 Sydney Film Festival is coming!

From Wednesday 3 June to Sunday 14 June, 2015, the 62nd Sydney Film Festival will offer Sydneysiders another exciting season of cinema amidst a whirlwind of premieres, red-carpet openings, panel discussions, international guests and more.

Each year the Festival programming team curates 12 days of cinema sourced from world-famous film festivals, including Cannes, Sundance, Toronto and the Berlinale; as well as Australia’s finest local productions.

The Festival tells incredible Australian and international stories; and celebrates world cinema, filmmakers, our city and lovers of film everywhere.

Join Sydney Film Festival for screenings of around 200 films from over 50 countries. A public program of free and ticketed exhibitions, talks, panels, parties and live-music events focuses on enriching the Festival experience.

The Festival takes place at the State Theatre, Dendy Opera Quays, Art Gallery of NSW, Event Cinemas George Street, the Festival Hub at Sydney Town Hall and the Hayden Orpheum Picture Palace Cremorne. New venues, soon to be announced, guarantee greater expansion of the Festival’s footprint with 280 screenings happening across Sydney in both CBD and suburban locations.

Festival Director Nashen Moodleysaid: “With the 2015 Festival drawing closer, we are looking forward to announcing a full film and events program in the coming months. In true Sydney Film Festival tradition, we’ll be offering up a diverse range of films and experiences, with entertainment, culture, creativity and storytelling to feature throughout.”

A sneak preview of the 2015 program will be announced in April with the full Festival program revealed in May. More details at www.sff.org.au

Source: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/entertainment/calling-all-film-lovers-the-2015-sydney-film-festival-is-coming-16999.html

Australian Open Of Supercross To Bring Indoor Racing Back to Sydney

For the first time since 2006, Supercross will return to Sydney in emphatic fashion with the inaugural Australian Open of Supercross (AUS-X Open) event, set to launch at AllPhones Arena, Sydney Olympic Park this year on November 28. 

The AUS-X Open event will be the biggest action sports competition in the Southern Hemisphere; combining an international Supercross racing event with a Freestyle Motocross (FMX) ‘Best Trick’ competition, that will feature some of the world's best riders up against Australia’s best talent. 

FMX ‘Best Trick’ has been notably absent from international competition, since being controversially removed from the X Games in 2013. Three times X Games medalist and renowned Australian hero – Cam Sinclair, is a firm believer in the format and its role in revolutionising action sports. 

“FMX Best Trick, is the ultimate opportunity to showcase innovation, creativity and courage. Having such a high profile event to re-ignite the evolution of FMX is really exciting. Being so close to the city, in our own backyard in Sydney, will be epic!” claimed Cam Sinclair. 

The event will be constructed and managed through the experienced hands of AME Management; whose background in major events across a variety of motorsports platforms, media and video production, will ensure an absolute premium level of entertainment and competition for action sports fans. 

“Indoor Supercross and Freestyle Motocross (FMX), is the ultimate combination of premium entertainment and action sports competition. We’re extremely excited to be bringing some of the world’s best riders to Sydney, for what will be one of the most intense, action-sports events in our country’s history,” said AME Management Director, Adam Bailey. 

“The plan is without a doubt to create an event that the incredible loyal fans of Supercross and FMX can be proud of, whilst doing so in an environment and with entertainment elements that will captivate complete newcomers to the sport." 

The AUS-X Open will also feature pyrotechnics, light and sound, and all competition indoors in the comfort of Allphones Arena; with a pit paddock area accessible on the outside of the arena for accredited fans to get up close and personal with their heroes. 

Championship points for the 2015 Australian Supercross Championship will also be awarded to competitors, ensuring the very best teams Australasia has to offer, will be in attendance as part of their national series. 

In a major cue for Australian Supercross, the event has secured major support from NSW tourism body, Destination NSW. 

NSW Deputy Premier and Minister for Tourism and Major Events Troy Grant said the event would be a massive boost to the region. 

“I am pleased to announce this Australian first event has been secured for NSW through our tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. It is estimated that the AUS-X Open will contribute $1.8 million to the NSW economy in visitor expenditure,” Mr Grant said. 

“The AUS-X Open promises to be an action sports extravaganza showcasing the world’s best motorcycle riders racing and performing tricks like never before. It will attract visitors from all over the world to NSW, as well as being broadcast to approximately 139 countries through an International Media TV Network. 

“This announcement shows yet again the NSW Government’s commitment to securing major events for our State, in pursuit of our goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure to NSW by 2020,” he said. 

Destination NSW Chief Executive Officer Sandra Chipchase said the event is one-of-a-kind for both NSW and Australia. 

“The Australian Open of Supercross brings spectacular action-sport to Sydney, combining world-class Supercross racing with the awe-inspiring tricks and stunts of Freestyle Motocross competition. It will have something for motorsport lovers of all types and ages, and I encourage everyone to make the trip to Sydney in November to be a part of the action,” she said. 

Tickets will be available through Ticketek in May 2015, with international rider announcements and further information to follow in April. 

Top Image: Close quarters indoor supercross action is set to return to Sydney 

Credit: Aaryn Minerds

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Allianz Stadium to Host Rugby Sevens World Series

Allianz Stadium will be home to the Australian leg of rugby union’s Sevens World Series for the next four years from the 2015-16 season.

The Sydney Sevens were launched today, using Allianz Stadium’s new superscreens, by NSW Deputy Premier Troy Grant.

“This announcement means the Sevens World Series now comes to the home of Australian sport, Sydney, and our Harbour City joins a host of iconic cities as a host venue for one of the world’s most exciting and entertaining annual sporting events,” Mr Grant said.

Sydney Cricket and Sports Ground Trust Chief Executive Jamie Barkley said: “The Moore Park precinct comes alive whenever there is top level rugby union played here.

“Last year, the biggest rugby crowd in Allianz Stadium’s history watched the Wallabies take on France, even though it was a dead-rubber.

“The on-field excitement of Sevens rugby and the carnival atmosphere that follows it will make the Sydney Sevens the hottest ticket in town.”

Currently in its 16th season, the Sevens World Series consists of nine tournaments held around the world, in which national Sevens teams compete for World Series points at each round.

The inaugural Sydney Sevens will take place just a matter of months before Rugby Sevens makes its debut at the 2016 Olympics in Rio.

World Rugby Chairman Bernard Lapasset said: "With excitement increasing ahead of Rio 2016, the World Rugby Sevens Series has been going from strength to strength, proving a hit with fans, broadcasters and sponsors around the globe with its winning blend of compelling and competitive action, global destinations and festival atmosphere.

“Sydney is one of the world’s iconic cities, a sports-mad city with an exceptional record of attracting and hosting major events like Rugby World Cup and the Olympic Games. Sydney’s inclusion within a stellar Series hosting line-up is exciting for players and fans and underscores the strength of the rugby sevens brand in the global sporting marketplace.”

ARU CEO Bill Pulver said: “We are thrilled to be able to bring Rugby Sevens to Sydney. We truly believe that Sydney has the potential to match the excitement surrounding tournaments like Hong Kong, Twickenham and Wellington in terms of event experience and crowd numbers.

“Sydney is an iconic city known across the world for its cultural diversity, outdoor lifestyle and stunning tourist attractions. It is a terrific fit for an event that traditionally attracts an audience from a variety of different nationalities and backgrounds.

“There is little doubt the area in and around Moore Park lends itself to Rugby Sevens. We had a stadium record crowd at Allianz Stadium in June with plenty of exciting Test Rugby on the field, and wonderful off-field entertainment at the Sydney Cricket Ground.

“Growing Rugby, particularly the Sevens format of our game, is critical to our long-term objectives as we strive to ignite passion in the next generation of players and fans. Globally, the game is in an exciting spot with Rugby Sevens part of the Rio 2016 and Tokyo 2020 program.”

The NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency Destination NSW, submitted the successful bid to the ARU.

The Deputy Premier, who is also the Minister for Tourism and Major Events, said the event would be a great addition to the Sydney events calendar.

“With a large number of travelling fans expected, the Sydney Sevens will provide a major boost to the local economy, and assist in the NSW Government’s goal of doubling overnight visitor expenditure by 2020.”

Australian Director of Rugby Sevens Geraint John, said: “I have already experienced first-hand the passion Sydneysiders have for Rugby, whether it be through their support for the national team, their state or club Rugby.

“I speak on behalf of the entire Men’s Sevens program when I say that we are looking forward immensely to playing in front of our home crowd in Sydney. It is always a thrill to play in front of your own people. I have attended plenty of Rugby across the world – both as a player and coach - and I truly believe Sydney will rival the very best of them.”

Olivia Wirth, Group Executive Brand, Marketing and Corporate Affairs, Qantas, said: “As the Official Partner of the ARU and the naming rights partner of the Australian Men’s and Women’s Sevens teams, we are very excited that Sydney will feature on the World Rugby Sevens Series calendar. This is great news for Australian tourism and the wider sporting community. We look forward to helping fans from around the world cheer on their teams and enjoy all that Australia has to offer.” 

The Sydney Sevens is supported by the New South Wales Government, through its tourism and major events agency Destination NSW.

Fans can sign up for Sydney Sevens ticket alerts via www.Sydney7s.com.au. Public on-sale dates will be announced in due course.

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The Sydney Comedy Festival is back in 2015 for it's 11th annual festival!

The 11th annual Sydney Comedy Festival has unleashed its 2015 program, revealing the biggest year yet for the event with more spectacular and diverse shows than ever before.

From 20 April to 17 May 2015 Sydney Comedy Festival will take over venues across the city to showcase over 180 shows to more than 115,000 comedy fans! Comedians from across the globe and all over Australia will descend on this great city of ours to have you bent over in laughter during 4 huge weeks.

Bursting at the seams, the 2015 program provides something for every comedy lover with over 180 hilarious shows including stand-up, musical, sketch, improv, gala events, children’s shows, showcases and much more.

Back by popular demand this year will be a plethora of international comic superstars including Jim Jefferies, Ross Noble (UK), Stephen K Amos (UK), Noel Fielding (UK), The Topp Twins (NZ), Wil Sylvince (USA), Cal Wilson (NZ), Paul Foot (UK), Jimeoin (UK), Deanne Smith (CAN), Daniel Sloss (UK), Jeff Green (UK), Tony Woods (US), Josie Long (UK), Daniel Kitson (UK), Craig Hill (UK) and Angelo Tsarouchas (CAN).

In 2015 there will be no shortage of international performers making their debut at the Festival including: Greg Behrendt (US), Jen Kirkman (US), Adrienne Truscott (US), Dave Anthony (US), Mike Wilmont (CAN), Luisa Omielan’s What Woud Beyonce Do? (UK), Ari Shaffir (US), One Man Breaking Bad (US) and Harith Iskander (MLY).

With tickets already in demand, local comedy legends that should not be missed include: Akmal, Effie, Ronny Chieng, Em Rusciano, Joel Creasey, Tom Gleeson, Fiona O’Loughlin, Lawrence Leung, Alex Williamson, Sam Simmons, Dave Thornton, Sammy J & Randy, Neel Kolhatkar, Frenchy, Lawrence Mooney, Steen Raskopoulos, Tom Ballard, Tahir, Tommy Little, Superwog, Susie Youssef, Michael Workman, Matt Okine, Rhys Nicholson, Nick Cody and Nazeem Hussain.

Bringing the laughs in more unexpected ways will be a number of unconventionally side-splitting shows including Denis Carnahan’s Rugby League The Musical, The Comedy Spelling Bee, The Naked Magicians, Erotic Fan Fiction, Theatresports World Cup and more.

Adding further excitement, the eagerly anticipated staged show, Thrilling
Adventure Hour (USA), will be set in the style of old-time radio performed live with a line-up of special Hollywood guests; while the Festival’s annual Secret Show, where the location and line-up are kept under-wraps, will return for 2015 in a fabulous and unexpected new location.

The 11th Annual Sydney Comedy Festival, April 20 - May 17. To view the full program and purchases tickets, head to www.sydneycomedyfest.com.au or www.sydneycomedyfestival.com.au

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=SYDCOMGV15

Source: http://gaynewsnetwork.com.au/entertainment/the-sydney-comedy-festival-raises-the-curtain-on-its-2015-program-16974.html

Eight Days: What's On In Sydney

Events in Sydney March 23-30 2015!

Sunday March 23

J-pop singer Kyary Pamyu Pamyu has also been making a splash on the Western music scene for her catchy ditties like Candy Candy and the outlandish fashion sense that has led her to be dubbed Japan's answer to Lady Gaga.

Tonight's gig had to be moved to the larger venue of the Roundhouse to meet demand. 7pm, UNSW Roundhouse, Anzac Parade, Kensington, $70.70, 132 849, ticketek.com.au.


It's the final day for the Indian cultural festival Holi Mahotsav and it's going out in vibrant style with Colours Day. Visitors can buy plates of brightly hued powder to take part in the traditional practice of colour throwing. Sunday, 11am-7pm, Tumbalong Park, Darling Harbour, free, holimahotsav.com.au. 

Monday March 24

Street-art exhibition From the Streets (running until April 27) is displaying some of the most cutting-edge pieces from locally and around the globe. Particularly worth a look is the hyper-vivid and dynamic work of Sydney artist Shannon Crees. 11am-4pm, M Contemporary, 37 Ocean Street, Woollahra, free, mcontemp.com.


Tuesday March 25

Previews have begun for the much-anticipated Strictly Ballroom the Musical (running until June 29). The theatrical production promises to be a dazzling affair with Baz Luhrmann directing stars Thomas Lacey and Phoebe Panaretos in the tale of a dancer who flouts convention. 8pm, Sydney Lyric Theatre, Pirrama Road, Pyrmont, $50-$120, 1300 795 267, ticketmaster.com.au.


Wednesday March 26

The Audi Festival of German Films (running until April 10) is kicking off with the opening night flick Banklady, based on the true story of West Germany's first female bank robber, Gisela Werler, who caused chaos in the 1960s. Star Nadeshda Brennicke will be a guest of the festival. 6.30pm, Chauvel Cinema, 249 Oxford Street, Paddington, $60, goethe.de/ozfilmfest.

Thursday March 27

Inspired by Nikolai Gogol's play of the same name, The Government Inspector was devised by director Simon Stone and his cast as a last-minute replacement when Belvoir lost the rights to The Philadelphia Story. The comedy-of-errors plot mimics real life as it follows an ensemble of actors given a new play only weeks before opening night. 8pm, Belvoir St Theatre, 25 Belvoir Street, Surry Hills, $48, 9699 3444, belvoir.com.au. Runs until May 18.

Friday March 28

The CropFest pop-up is setting up a night of culinary masterclasses to create a fruit and vegetable feast while also fighting food waste. Aaron Teece and Richard Robinson, head chefs at Studio Neon, are on board to teach how to best respect the farm-direct produce, with any leftovers going to feed the disadvantaged through OzHarvest. 5.30pm-10pm, St Mary's Cathedral Square, St Marys Road, city, $25, youthfoodmovement.org.au/cropfest.


Saturday March 29

For this year's Earth Hour catch a screening of the documentary It's Lights Out for the Reef at this candle-lit family picnic. There will also be a live performance from Newcastle folk band Benjalu and a candle installation created at Manly Cove. 6pm-9.30pm, Manly Council Chambers Forecourt, 1 Belgrave Street, Manly, free, earthhour.org.au.

Sunday March 30

Feminist festival All About Women will take over Sydney Opera House for a day of discussion and empowerment. International guests include cartoonist Alison Bechdel, author Lucy Siegle and activist Ilwad Elman. 8.30am-9pm, Opera House, from $25, 9250 7777, sydneyoperahouse.com.

Hot spot

Inner-city families should get along to the opening of Jubilee Park, a new playground designed by landscape architect Sue Barnsley with a sandpit, swings and handcrafted cubby house. Lord Mayor Clover Moore will officially launch the space on Saturday with free entertainment and refreshments. Saturday, 11am-1pm, Jubilee Park, corner of Eglinton and Northcote roads, Glebe, free, cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/whatson.

Next week

Tony Award-winning Broadway legend Bernadette Peters is dipping into her vast songbook to perform selections from Stephen Sondheim and Rodgers and Hammerstein. April 2-4, Theatre Royal, 108 King Street, city, $109-$129, 1300 723 038, ticketmaster.com.au.

Next month
Arch funnyman Julian Clary will pack his case full of double entendres for the Sydney Comedy Festival. His show Position Vacant: Apply Within has him on the hunt for a suitable husband. April 22, State Theatre, 49 Market Street, city, $69.90, 136 100, sydneycomedyfest.com.au.

Out of your comfort zone

It's the return of Meat Free Week from March 24 to 30. Give up the steaks, sausages and seafood for seven days to raise funds for charities including Bowel Cancer Australia, The Australian Conservation Foundation and Voiceless. See meatfreeweek.org to learn more and get meat-free recipes from Simon Bryant and Bill Granger. - See more at: http://sydneycbdhotels.blogspot.com.au/2015/03/eight-days-whats-on-in-sydney.html#sthash.G8FNdXxM.dpuf

The Black Keys 2015 Australian Tour

The Black Keys return to Australia off the back of their successful 8th full-length album Turn Blue.

As part of the Turn Blue World Tour, the band will perform in Sydney, Melbourne, Perth and Adelaide. They will also headline Bluesfest Byron Bay and will be the first artists to play at the inaugural Rolling Green events, from A Day On The Green promoter Roundhouse Entertainment, at wineries in Victoria’s Yarra Valley and the Hunter Valley NSW.

The tour celebrates the duo’s success with Turn Blue, which debuted on both the Billboard 200 and ARIA Charts at Number 1 and is the band’s highest charting album to date internationally. The album debuted in Top 5 and Top 10 charts worldwide with the first single “Fever” sitting at the top of radio lists. Their latest single “Gotta Get Away” can currently be heard on the airwaves.

The album was produced by Danger Mouse and The Black Keys’ Dan Auerbach and Patrick Carney. Turn Blue follows the critically and commercially acclaimed album El Camino which is now certified double platinum in Australia. El Camino spawned the huge hits “Lonely Boy” and “Gold On The Ceiling” and also saw the band take home three Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance, Best Rock Song and Best Rock Album.

Date: Friday, 10 April 2015

Start time: 8:00pm

Where: Qantas Credit Union Arena

Address: 35 Harbour Street, Darling Harbour NSW 2000

Tickets: http://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=BLACKKEY15&v=MCO

Source: www.qantascreditunionarena.com.au/Events/Events%20Detail/The_Black_Keys.aspx

Sydney to Steal Melbourne Grand Prix Under $180 Million Plan by Premier Mike Baird

Formula 1 Race Car in Sydney -Image: Joseph Gale

AN audacious bid to bring the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix to Sydney and possibly race it across the Harbour Bridge will be launched by a ­­­re-elected Baird government.

Premier Mike Baird will today announce that, if ­­re-elected on March 28, work would start on taking the Grand Prix off Melbourne.

Mr Baird would establish a bid team featuring Rod ­McGeoch, who led Sydney’s successful 2000 Olympics bid, and former News Corp CEO John Hartigan, the chairman of Destination NSW. The team would report to government by the end of the year on the economics of the race.

It is understood the Premier is interested in a minimum three-year bid which would cost NSW taxpayers up to $180 million to stage the event.

One option is for the event to race across the Harbour Bridge, back through the ­Cahill Expressway past the Conservatorium of Music and then down Bridge Street on to York Street in an approximately 5km circuit — about the same length as that of ­Melbourne’s Albert Park.

If the bridge were used, chicanes would have to be installed to ensure the cars went slower because the shape of the bridge’s road surface would otherwise cause the cars to lift up.

The CBD would be shut down for the race, which would see F1 stars such as ­Australia’s Red Bull ace Daniel Ricciardo doing high-speed battle over the harbour.

It is understood the ­government has plans to set up a street circuit similar to ­Monaco and Singapore.

The key would be to feature the Harbour Bridge and Opera House as part of the race to a worldwide television audience.

A public holiday would likely be created on the Friday of the event, if it came to Sydney, to get everyone into the spirit.

Mr McGeoch and Mr Hartigan will examine all aspects of a potential bid — including cost to taxpayers, benefits to the economy, infrastructure implications and potential routes. The Australian Grand Prix runs in March, with this year’s race run this weekend.

Daniel Ricciardo driving at the 2014 Australian Formula One Grand Prix - Source Dailytelegraph.com.au

Victoria’s contract expires in 2020 but a decision on an Australian host city is expected to be made by the Formula One governing body in 2018.

The bid would take ­advantage of the fact that the man who helped negotiate its transfer from Adelaide to ­Melbourne in 1996, Ron ­Walker, has just stood down as head of the Australian Grand Prix Corporation.

“I want the Formula One to come to Sydney, because no other city in the world could provide a more spectacular backdrop for this event,” Premier Mike Baird said.

“We know this event is watched by up to 30 million people around the world, and securing the Grand Prix would put our already successful events strategy in pole position.

“But we need to get all the facts, before we move to bid stage. Rod McGeoch and John Hartigan are the right people to make this happen.”

Last month, the government announced it would top up its major events budget by $123 million if elected with hopes for an American National Football League (NFL) game, another Major League Baseball game, a National Basketball Association game or the F1 for Sydney. The extra money would take the major events budget to $643 million.

Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews ordered his major events teams to reconsider how his state attracts events after the NSW government successfully snared more than 130 sporting, cultural and lifestyle events in 2014, injecting more than $500 million into the state.

The 2014 Australian Grand Prix drew an ­attendance of 314,900.

The Grand Prix moved to Melbourne in 1996 after 10 years in Adelaide but it has always attracted ­controversy, especially from the residents near the Albert Park circuit.

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