Taylor Swift Melbourne concerts declared major events to protect against ticket scalping

The Victorian Government has declared Taylor Swift’s Melbourne Eras Tour concerts as a major event, helping to crack down on ticket scalpers and stop fans from being ripped off.  Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events, Steve Dimopoulos, has made a major event ticketing declaration for Taylor Swift’s Melbourne performances under the Major Events Act …

Major events help to deliver economic recovery for Victoria

Melbourne’s packed schedule of major events, as well as regional concerts and events, have helped to bring a major boost to the state of Victoria in Australia. Most recently, the 2023 Melbourne International Comedy Festival was on track to be the biggest version ever, with ticket sales predicted to pass the previous box office of …

Major events deliver A$1bn boost to Victoria

Victoria’s major events delivered an almost A$1bn (£545m/€618m/$666m ) boost to the Australian state’s economy in the second half of 2022.  Across 2022, a record year of major events attracted 6.9 million attendees to sports, music, arts and cultural events in Victoria. A packed schedule of events last year also saw hotels boasting an occupancy …

Victorian Government to provide grants for small and medium-sized events

The Victorian Government is set to provide grants for small and medium-sized event organisers across Greater Melbourne to help with running events.  The A$3m (£1.7m/€1.9m/ $2.1m) Small and Medium Event Programme has been designed to attract more visitors to local events, support more job opportunities and provide a boost to local businesses. This new scheme …

Music Victoria to deliver events to help flood-affected areas

The Victorian Government will help to deliver a series of live music events to reignite tourism and reunite communities in flood-affected regions.  Through the Australian state’s music industry body, Music Victoria, the initiative will feature large and small events to bring a boost to morale and local businesses. The scheme builds on the government-backed Emerge …

Victorian Government reminds consumers to be cautious when purchasing resale tickets

Victoria’s state government has reminded consumers to take precautions when purchasing tickets for events across the Australian summer.  The warning comes after Consumer Affairs Victoria received over 1,100 reports about event ticketing and resale during the 2021-22 financial year. A number of Victorians reported to the consumer agency that they have overpaid for tickets on …

MCEC welcomes 1.6 million visitors, contributes almost A$400m to local economy

During the last financial year, Melbourne Convention and Exhibition Centre (MCEC) helped to contribute over A$383m (£212m/$257m/€242m) to the local economy in Victoria.  MCEC also hosted 349 events and welcomed 1.6 million visitors, including the return of international guests.  Australia’s Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos recently tabled the MCEC’s annual report …

Victoria supports next round of live music initiatives, people and businesses 

The Victoria Government in Australia has awarded AUD$11m (£6m/$7m/€7m) to various artists, festivals and programmes that will bring a boost to live music in the region.  As part of an ongoing scheme through Creative Victoria, the money will support local music and jobs for thousands in the music industry, and promote Victorian music locally and …

Falls Festival moves to Melbourne after appeal from locals

Falls Festival has been moved to Melbourne after residents close to its new regional Victoria location opposed the event. The three-day festival, which will welcome performances from US rapper Lil Nas X and English rock band Arctic Monkeys, will now take place at Sidney Myer Music Bowl across two stages.  Secret Sounds’ Falls Festival was …

AFL announces ticket price freeze and Grand Final ticketing structure

The Australian Football League (AFL) has announced a price freeze on tickets for all matches at all venues in Victoria across weeks one to three of the 2022 Toyota AFL Finals Series.  Prices for weeks one and two have already been frozen since 2019, while week three will now be frozen at 2021 prices. Entry …