LET THERE BE LIGHT

GEELONG has pulled off a major events coup, with the city to host its own White Night.

The popular event, which transforms city streets and buildings into works of art, will be held on October 13 next year, and will pay tribute to the region’s indigenous heritage.

State Major Events Minister and Lara MP John Eren will formally announce the coup today.

It comes on the back of the state’s first regional White Night in Ballarat this year, which attracted more than 40,000 people and provided a $3 million boost for the local economy.

White Night artistic director David Atkins said preparations for the inaugural Geelong White Night would begin immediately.

GEELONG’S newest major event will shine a light on the city’s colourful and creative arts scene.

The State Government will today announce Geelong and Bendigo will have White Nights in 2018, following the success of the event in Melbourne and Ballarat.

State Major Events Minister and Lara MP John Eren will make the announcement at the Geelong Botanic Gardens today, alongside White Night artistic director David Atkins.

“It’s time to shine the light on Geelong and Bendigo,” Mr Eren said.

“The first ever regional White Night was a rousing success and we want more of our regions to experience and benefit from it.”

White Night, first held in Melbourne in 2013, includes citywide projections, art installations, visual arts and music and video performances taking over public spaces throughout an evening.

Geelong’s White Night will be held on October 13, and will pay tribute to the region’s indigenous heritage.

Earlier this year the state’s first regional White Night in Ballarat attracted more than 40,000, bringing in an estimated $3 million boost for the economy.

Atkins said preparation for the first Geelong White Night would start immediately.

“We’re very excited,” he said. “We’re looking forward to starting.

“I’ve got a few of the team coming down and we’ll do the e first step, which is determining the precinct and looking around the buildings, opportunities and parklands.”

Atkins said his team was keen for a Geelong event because it was a distinct city compared with other Victorian an regional centres.

“It sort of bridges the difference between some of the he regional cities and capital cities es in that regard,” he said.

Geelong state Labor MP Christine Couzens welcomed the announcement.

“Geelong has proved time and time again it can put on a show and we can’t wait to add the night of lights,” Ms Couzens said.