Winter in the City started over the weekend, with fire, festivities and food to wow people of all ages. Photo: Supplied.
Canberra’s Winter in the City event is now under way, bringing two weeks of food, drink and family-friendly entertainment to the city centre.
Running from 5 to 19 July, the event will centre on a 14-metre-wide Grand Winter Stage near the Civic City Walk Merry-go-Round.
Festivalgoers are invited to enjoy free award-winning circus acts, live theatre, music and comedy, with choreographed fire performances each evening.
Minister for Business, Arts and Creative Industry Michael Pettersson said the festival was about boosting business by creating a lively and welcoming atmosphere for Canberra.
“Last year, Winter in the City contributed an estimated $2.72 million to the City Centre’s economy,” he said. ”This is money spent in our local cafes, restaurants, retailers and bars. We hope to see an even greater contribution this year.
“This year’s program of free, world-class entertainment encourages people to come into the City Centre to shop, eat and celebrate winter.”
The first week of the program will feature two circus acts performing daily: the acrobatic comedy duo Circus Firemen, Angus and Matilda, and the space-themed Mission to the Moon.
The second week will highlight the talents of children’s entertainer Lucky Jim and the award-winning Circus Oz show Non Stop.
And across both weeks, nightly pyrotechnical displays by Flux Entertainment will wow the crowds.
The festival’s program will conclude on Saturday, 19 July, in partnership with the city’s long-running street food festival The Forage, for a special grand finale.
The Forage has announced that for the collaboration, its vendors will serve a maximum of four items each, with prices capped at $18.
“The Forage is back for its 11th year and is teaming up with Winter in the City to bring an unforgettable mid-winter feast to Canberra’s City Centre,” The Forage’s founder Belinda Neame said.
“This exciting collaboration will transform the city into a hub of sizzling street eats, cosy firepits and live entertainment. Visitors can explore a curated line-up of food from some of Canberra’s best restaurants and mobile food and beverage vendors.”
As part of the event, the government will invest in a marketing campaign to highlight the city’s hospitality and retail industry to encourage Canberrans to support local businesses.
Winter in the City is run by the City Renewal Authority. The program runs Saturday to Saturday from 2 pm – 8 pm daily from 5 to 19 July. More information is available at winter.inthecity.com.au.
