The time of year has come yet again for the city of Melbourne to be lit up for an incredible 12 hours, with White Night Melbourne taking place on Saturday 21 February (aka tomorrow!). As part of the international network of White Night programmes around the world, Melbourne will be literally lit up for an entire night of free and ticketed entertainment, including visual art, light projections, music, theatre, dining experiences, film, design and performances.
From 7pm till 7am visitors are able to visit several quirkily themed precincts around Melbourne’s CBD, each offering their own unique events and sights. Of course there’s far too much to choose from and only 12 hours to enjoy the festivities, so we’ve created our top five must-see things for tomorrow evening.
WONDERLAND (FLINDERS STREET)
Category- Lighting
Precinct- Wonderland
If there is one spectacle at White Night 2015 that is an absolute, hands-down must-see, it has to be Wonderland. The event showcases familiar Melbourne landmarks and completely reinterprets them, taking over entire streetscapes with captivating projections. Think a multi-coloured, quirkily patterned projection encompassing Flinders Street station.
Located on Flinders Street, between Russel and Elizabeth Street, Wonderland is located in the heart of the party and has been a much-celebrated feature of the night since its establishment. You won’t want to miss seeing these iconic landmarks in a way you’ve never seen them before.
I COULD HAVE DANCED ALL NIGHT (LONSDALE STREET)
Category- Music performance
Precinct- Northern Lights
I Could Have Danced All Night is an absolute must-do (yes, do!) for anyone wanting a little late night/early morning boogie with a bunch of strangers. It features as part of VicHealth’s Active Arts Strategy, which urges Victorian’s to partake in regular physical activity and promotes mental wellbeing. A true fun-filled dance spectacular, the event features professional dance artists along with several community groups whom have banded together to applaud diversity through dance. Throughout the night, 12 dance styles will be performed and taught to all attendees. Who’s ready to shake their hips?
THE BIG CHILL (BOURKE STREET)
Category- Film/Music Performance
Precinct- The Big Chill
The Big Chill is an entire precinct that delivers exactly what it offers- a chilled out, low-key break from all the hustle and bustle of the other precincts. Take a breather from the thrill of the rest of the city and head to the Bourke Street Mall to watch a few short indie films on screen. Or alternatively, watch Melbourne’s most entertaining buskers do their thing. Not just limited to singers and dancers, busking performances also include circus troupes, comedians and label defying artists. Curious to find out more? We know we are!
4 ELEMENTS (ROYAL EXHIBITION BUILDING)
Category- Lighting
Precinct- 4 Elements
4 Elements uses the wonder of light to represent how individuals can experience a physical occurrence. The four elements- earth, water, fire and air, are interpreted by four dancers (two dancers from the National Dance Company of Portugal, one aerial circus artist, and one synchronised swimming teacher) whom express the relationship we as humans have with each element. Each dancer personifies a particular element by interacting with architecture using a video mapping projection. The end result is a striking multimedia show that highlights the magnificent architecture of the Royal Exhibition Building.
SITAS GARDEN (YARRA RIVER AND BIRRARUNG MARR)
Category- Art, Lighting, Music Performance.
Precinct- Sita’s Garden
One of our favourite conceptual precincts at White Night 2015 is Sita’s Garden, which will transform the banks of the Yarra River into an Indian masterpiece. The precinct will showcase a magnificent glowing lotus pond, which will be encased by scenes from lively Indian streets. A floating stage will feature a number of performances, including Bollywood, Bharata Natyam dance, Australians/Indian collaborations and some very special guest artists. Not strictly limited to performance, Sita’s Garden also offers Bollywood murals, light projections, Indian street food, and for those willing to make it to sunrise come Sunday, a welcome to the rising sun with a sun salutation sequence.
Check out the entire White Night Melbourne 2015 programme here and be sure to use the hashtag #whitenightmelb for any social media pictures.
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