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.
Victorian 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 2019.
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 Victorian 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 Victorian 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.
Source: Vic Government