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White Night To Shine Its Light On Bendigo

01 August 2018

The Andrews Labor Government has released the program for White Night in Bendigo, which will transform the regional centre into a visual and cultural spectacular on 1 September.

The acclaimed cultural event is descending on the city for the first time with David Atkins as Artistic Director. The event will pay homage to the city’s rich history, from the Dreamtime stories of its Indigenous owners to its transformation during the gold rush.

The program will also have a distinctly local flavour with 40 per cent of commissioned artists and performers personally connected to Bendigo.

Visitors will be introduced to the colourful characters and ghostly apparitions of Bendigo’s Fortuna Villa as they are brought to life by Robert Parson’s motion graphic installation, The Fortune Villa Story.

Bendigo’s iconic 110-year-old trams will also take a starring role hosting the Tram Queens and a series of roving performers throughout the evening.

These highlights and many more new installations will combine with some returning favourites including the White Night Messenger and Bunjil the Creator, inspired by the artwork of Ballarat’s Auntie and Indigenous Elder Marlene Gibson.

Bendigo is the second regional centre to host White Night after more than 60,000 people, including more than 15,000 from beyond the region, flocked to White Night in Ballarat earlier this year. The event generated more than $5 million for the local economy and similar results are expected in Bendigo.

White Night Bendigo will take place Saturday 1 September from 7:00pm and run until 2:00am. For more information on the program and how to get there visit whitenight.com.au/bendigo.

Quote attributable to Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren

“I’m proud to launch the program for White Night in Bendigo. By taking this to new locations we’re ensuring that regional Victoria shares in the $1.8 billion our major events generate for Victoria.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo East Jacinta Allan

“This is great news for Bendigo with White Night expected to draw large crowds and generate big economic returns for our city.”

Quote attributable to Member for Bendigo West Maree Edwards

“I’m excited to see White Night light up Bendigo for the first time. This year’s festival program has a stellar line-up of artists and performances, and I look forward to sharing the night with the wider Bendigo community.”

Quote attributable to City of Bendigo Mayor Margaret O’Rourke

“The City of Greater Bendigo cannot wait to host White Night. The program that has been put together is exciting with a range of fantastic installations and projections.”

Reviewed 19 August 2020

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