Brisbane’s King George Square is set to play host to The Winter Festivals, Australia’s largest winter entertainment event, again this year from 8 June – 1 July. Featuring an expanded programme of food, music, nightlife and family fun, and supported by key sponsor Lipton Chai Latte, the festival is set to be even more popular in 2012.
Lord Mayor Graham Quirk said The City will be alive with activity this winter.
“While other states may shun the winter months, Queenslanders will celebrate the outdoors during the months of June and July,” Cr Quirk said. “The City will mark the season with special food and retail offers, plus there’s an entertainment program that includes ice skating with City Hall as a backdrop, so it’s certainly a unique experience.”
As the temperatures plummet, The Winter Festivals nationally are estimated to entice 500,000 people outdoors during both day and night to enjoy a unique winter experience throughout the June/July school holidays. Brisbane will be the first market to launch nationally in 2012, and due to the huge success of last year’s event and by popular demand, the program will be extended an additional week.
Justin Ricketts, 2012 director of The Winter Festivals has said: ‘Last year the Winter Festivals were truly embraced by the Brisbane community, and the atmosphere and vibe during the festival was amazing. This year we wanted to thank all of those who attended, and extend an extra week for those that missed out. We look forward again to a great festival in 2012, and getting our skates on with the Brisbane community.’
A richer mix of activities than ever before has been planned for the festival, including Australia’s largest open air ice skating rink.
There will be an enhanced range of activities for children throughout the day including special family discounts, school holiday programs, special guest visits from their favourite kids characters and facilities for kids birthday parties.
There’s plenty for the adults too with a ski-themed lodge aimed at young revellers complete with roaring fireplaces, specialty European alpine cuisine & dining, licensed bars, live music and entertainment. Those who brave the cold for a winter’s night out will be able to enjoy high-quality hearty comfort food and Glühwein – a type of mulled wine, rarely seen on Australian shores, that is ideal for providing some welcome warmth.
The Lipton Chai Latte lodge will again return for the 2012 Winter Festivals, offering a warm space to relax after a skate on the ice whilst enjoying a free delicious Lipton Chai Latte.
Entry to the Lipton Chai Latte Winter Festivals is free and is open from 12pm – 10pm during weekdays and 10am – 10pm on weekends. Skate hire and rink access tickets start from $12 for kids and $17 for adults with group and family discounts available.
Wording care of Winter Festival