Monday, 26 August 2019

The Australian Ballet’s free outdoor gala event Ballet Under the Stars will visit the Latrobe Valley for the first time, staging a full-length performance of the much-loved classic Giselle.

Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula welcomed confirmation of the performance, to be held at Gippsland’s Lardner Park on Saturday 26 October.

Ballet Under the Stars is a highlight of The Australian Ballet’s annual calendar, providing people of all ages and backgrounds with the opportunity to enjoy a world-class arts experience free of charge.

Restricted to capital cities since its inception in 1966, the Andrews Labor Government acted to secure the 2019 event for regional Victoria. It returns to Victoria for the first time since 2014.

The event will showcase The Australian Ballet’s full-length production of a timeless, romantic ballet and will provide a significant boost for tourism across the Gippsland and Latrobe Valley region, with an audience of up to 10,000 people set to fill Lardner Park.

Ballet Under the Stars will make its regional Victorian debut thanks to the Labor Government’s $20 million Regional Events Fund which helps rural and regional towns grow their economy and create jobs while providing compelling attractions for community members.

Tourism is one of regional Victoria’s most important industries, contributing $7.5 billion to the economy and employing one in 10 workers.

Quotes attributable to Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Martin Pakula

“We’re thrilled to be supporting Ballet Under the Stars in the Latrobe Valley – the first time in the event’s 53-year history it will be staged in regional Victoria.”

“Ballet Under the Stars offers an ideal opportunity to visit the Latrobe Valley and experience all that it has to offer, from fine wine and produce to breathtaking scenery, and all just over an hour from Melbourne.” 

Quote attributable to Minister for Regional Development Jaclyn Symes

“There is no place like regional Victoria to host an iconic and timeless production like Giselle and we’re proud to play our part in bringing the very best of arts, culture and entertainment to the heart of the Latrobe Valley.”

Quote attributable to Member for Eastern Victoria Harriet Shing

“This is an incredibly exciting event for our region and for ballet lovers of all ages – Ballet Under the Stars will be a spectacular feast of the senses and we cannot wait to roll out the red carpet.”