What’s HOT in Spring/Summer 2018

It is always fun to get out and about in Melbourne and there is certainly plenty on offer. My top picks are the following:

October 2018

MADIBA THE MUSICAL is currently showing at the Comedy Theatre in the city. I was lucky to be invited to the preview which was excellent. The musical portrays the challenges faced in South Africa and depicts Nelson Mandela’s life story showing his mission for racial equality and freedom against apartheid. The modern dance and song, mixed with a believable and talented cast led by an energetic story teller who raps, creates all the ingredients to keep you on the edge of your seat. It will take you on an emotional rollercoaster of joy through the dancing and tears through the shame that human beings can be so unkind to each other the injustice — this was a fight that helped a nation transform. This show is not to be missed! After Melbourne the show will continue its journey around Australia and then New Zealand in 2019. For tickets check out: www.madibamusical.com.au

MANDELA MY LIFE exhibition curated by the Nelson Mandela Foundation at Melbourne Museum this runs until March 2019: For tickets: mvbookings@museum.vic.gov.au

CHER in her Here we go again tour! is in concert at Rod Laver Arena  Oct 5 For tickets: https://premier.ticketek.com.au/shows/show.aspx?sh=CHER18

HEATHCOTE FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL Oct 6-7 Looking forward to trying out this festival and will stay in Bendigo and take the shuttle bus to the show-ground where you can attend seminars listen to music and sample wines of the region. For tickets: https://www.heathcotewinegrowers.com.au/festival/tickets

FIRE GARDENS in the Royal Botanical Gardens Oct 10

November 2018

MELBOURNE CUP CARNIVAL is broken down into four main days which takes place at Flemington Race Course:

• Victoria Derby Day (Black and white is worn) Nov 3
• Lexus Melbourne Cup which has lots of options whether you want to sit and view the horse race from a grandstand or sit on the side lines eating canapés and enjoying a glass of fizz. Or dance the day away with the pre race entertainment which this year the top bill is Sam Smith. Nov 6
• Kennedy Oaks day Nov 8
• Seppelt Wines Stakes Day Nov 10

For tickets: www.flemington.com.au

GEELONG FOOD & WINE FESTIVAL – Toast to the Coast Nov 3- 4 for tickets: https://www.ticketebo.com.au/geelong-winegrowers-association/toast-to-the-coast-2018.html

BENDIGO BLUES & ROOTS FESTIVAL  this is something to dust off your dancing shoes and get down. Nov 8-11

GEELONG REVIVAL MOTORING Located in the Botanical Gardens round 1 of the Victorian Hillclimb Championship Nov 23- 25

MOONLIGHT CINEMA Royal Botanical Gardens Nov 27

December 2018

BON JOVI at Melbourne Cricket Ground Dec 1 — can’t wait for this as saw them previously in the UAE and they were amazing.

AUSTRALIAN JAZZ CONVENTION  in Ballarat this is for jazz lovers and performers. Dec 27-31 For tickets: Her Majesty’s Theatre

January 2019

THE FIRST NYD music festival this is a new Australian one day music festival with lots of live bands and food and wine offerings this will be located near Sidney Myer Music Bowl. Jan 1 2019 For Tickets: https://thefirstnyd.com.au/