Sydney Festival set for a great summer

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris, is encouraging the public to take advantage of the opening day of the 2013 Sydney Festival on Saturday marked by a series of free events in Hyde Park, Darling Harbour and The Domain.

2 January 2013
Mr Souris said the Sydney Festival has already reported good tickets sales, demonstrating the popularity of Australia’s best and biggest summer celebration. 
“This year’s Festival is shaping up to be an exceptionally popular major event, not just in the Sydney City area, but also Parramatta” Mr Souris said. 
Events in Parramatta begin with a family friendly, free ‘Parramatta Opening Party’ extravaganza on Saturday January 19. Prince Alfred Park, the Parade Ground at Old King’s, Church Street and public space in and around the Riverside Theatres will be transformed by street theatre, music and activities throughout the afternoon and evening. 
“Every summer there is enthusiastic support for the Sydney Festival with hundreds of thousands of people attending the impressive range of arts and cultural events on offer. It offers residents and visitors a great opportunity to experience the arts in Australia’s cultural capital. 
“The 2013 Sydney Festival program will present more than 750 artists from 17 countries performing in 30 venues and outdoor locations throughout Sydney City and Parramatta. 
“It will feature ten world premiere productions, 25 Australian exclusives and three Australian premieres, making it the biggest and best Festival yet. 
“Tickets are still available to most events and performances and I encourage the public to celebrate the New Year at the Sydney Festival and enjoy at least one of the many exhibitions and performances,” Mr Souris said. 

Last year, the Sydney Festival injected $56.8 million to the State’s economy. Almost 600,000 people attended with 120,000 tickets sold to various productions sold. 

For more information and to book tickets visit www.sydneyfestival.org.au 

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