IT'S ON! Sydney and regions host a super month of events in March

Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, has announced that the month of March is the busiest on record when it comes to major events supported by the Government throughout the State.

28 Feb 2013
“The bumper event program will see Sydney and Regional NSW host international sport, Australian premiere productions and the return of much-loved annual festivals during March, 2013.

“Sydney continues to shine as Australia’s global events city and the regions also have much to celebrate as is evident from the impressive line-up of upcoming events,” Mr Souris said.

The Events Calendar, developed by Destination NSW, the Government’s major events and tourism agency, will give visitors a wide range to choose from with highlights including, the Australian Premiere Season of the hit musical The Addams Family, a spectacular production of Carmen at Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour and the annual Archibald Prize exhibition at the Art Gallery of New South Wales.

Exciting competitions lead the line-up of sporting events this month with Australia’s F1 driver, Mark Webber, leading the Top Gear Festival at Sydney Motorsport Park, the world’s best rowers competing in the Sydney International Rowing Regatta and the Qantas Socceroos v Oman playing in the 2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier.

Horse racing takes centre stage with more than $20 million in prize money up for grabs at the BMW Autumn Carnival at Royal Randwick and Rosehill Gardens; best of Australian and New Zealand harness racing competing at the Inter Dominion Championship Grand Final next Sunday at Menangle’s Tabcorp Park and greyhounds pinnacle event, the Golden Easter Egg.

Mr Souris said Regional NSW would also be hosting some great events in March such as the Byron Bay International Film Festival, CMC Rocks the Hunter, Junee Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival, the Commercial Club Albury Gold Cup Carnival, Bathurst Autofest and X-Blades National Touch League at Coffs Harbour

“Destination NSW has developed an exceptional range of events held across the State to drive and increase visitor numbers.

“March is a prime example of the ongoing success of the IT’S ON! campaign and the development of a robust events program for both Sydney and Regional NSW,” Mr Souris said.

Destination NSW CEO Sandra Chipchase believes this March will one of busiest in the State's history.

"There is a mammoth events line up this March offering music, sport, arts and loads of family entertainment. In addition, we'll also be welcoming US talk show queen Ellen DeGeneres once again putting Sydney from and centre on the world's stage." Ms Chipchase said.

Highlights of the March Events Calendar includes:

Byron Bay International Film Festival, 1 - 10 March, Byron Bay

Junee Rhythm ‘n’ Rail Festival, 2 - 3 March, Junee

Sydney Mardi Gras, 2 March

Inter Dominion Championship Grand Final, 3 March, Menangle

Sydney Track Classic, 9 March, Sydney Olympic Park Athletics Centre

Top Gear Festival Sydney, 9 - 10 March, Sydney Motorsport Park

The Addams Family - Australian Premiere Season, From 10 March, Sydney

2013 X-Blades National Touch League, 13 - 16 March, Coffs Harbour

CMC Rocks the Hunter, 15 - 17 March, Hunter Valley

Bathurst Autofest, 16 - 17 March, Bathurst

War Horse, 16 March - 30 June, Sydney

St. Patrick’s Day Celebrations, 17 March, Sydney  

Sydney International Rowing Regatta, 18 - 24 March, Penrith

Australian Longboard Surfing Open, 20 - 24 March, Kingscliff

Commercial Club Albury, Gold Cup Carnival, 21 - 22 March, Albury

Sydney Royal Easter Show, 21 March - 3 April, Sydney

Handa Opera on Sydney Harbour – Carmen, 22 March - 12 April, Sydney

Archibald Prize Exhibition, 23 March - 2 June, Sydney

The BMW Sydney Carnival, 23 March - 27 April, Sydney

2014 FIFA World Cup Asian Qualifier - Qantas Socceroos v Oman, 26 March, Sydney

Bluesfest Byron Bay, 28 March - 1 April, Byron Bay

Darling Harbour Hoopla, 29 March - 1 April, Sydney

La Festa, 30 March, Griffith

One Man, Two Guvnors, 30 March - 11 May, Sydney