CITY OF NEWCASTLE
Buzzing with
WORDS LIANE MORRIS THIS MAY, THE CITY OF NEWCASTLE IS ON A MISSION TO TEMPT YOUNG AND OLD BACK INTO THE CBD FOR A SERIES OF 40+ FREE NIGHT-TIME EVENTS DESIGNED TO HELP REVITALISE BUSINESS, ARTS AND CULTURE AFTER MORE THAN TWO YEARS OF PANDEMIC CHALLENGES AND FRUSTRATIONS. The eclectic mix of events has been dubbed Autumn Alive and is coordinated by the City of Newcastle, aiming to encourage the community to experience the cultural, retail and hospitality heart of the city from 29 April until 21 May. The program is made possible through the funding support of more than $500,000 from the NSW Government's CBDs Revitalisation Program, which was set up in response to the impact of the pandemic on the hospitality, event and arts and culture sectors. In collaboration with Civic Theatre, Newcastle Art Gallery, Newcastle Library, and 20
Newcastle Museum, the City of Newcastle is partnering with the CBD's diverse and unique local businesses to celebrate the city with alfresco dining and live performances, curated night-time walking trails and even Disney movies for the kids. All events are free to attend, and there is something for the whole family to enjoy. Lord Mayor Nuatali Nelmes said the Autumn Alive program would provide a much-needed economic boost to small businesses and the city's arts and cultural sector. "City of Newcastle is committed to delivering and supporting community programs and events like Autumn Alive, as they are critical to our city's post-pandemic recovery," Cr Nelmes said. "Newcastle's city centre is our cultural heart, and a thriving CBD is the key to attracting people to help stimulate the economy. Minister for Enterprise, Investment, and Trade Stuart Ayres said Newcastle has
transformed significantly during the past two decades and is now home to cutting-edge industry and has amazing cultural offers with fantastic liveability. "Initiatives like this one in Newcastle send a clear message that our CBDs are buzzing and back to business," Mr Ayres said. "We are doing all we can through our $50 million CBDs Revitalisation Program to encourage and entice people back into our CBDs, as this will help create jobs, drive our economy and showcase NSW as a vibrant place to live, work and visit." Autumn Alive will kick off at Pacific Park on 29 April with electronic music, DJs, a silent disco and performances by Curious Legends and Catapult Dance Artists. New interactive lightbox installations will be unveiled on the night, displaying iconic artworks from Newcastle Art Gallery's collection. The month-long program also features an outdoor cinema experience at Museum Park,
