City of Sydney supports Sydney Festival

The City of Sydney is continuing to ensure its reputation as a globally vibrant and leading cultural City with $2 million in support of Sydney Festival 2011.
The three-week festival is one of Australia's longest running and most successful cultural events, attracting more than one million people to Sydney each year.
Sydney Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP, Chair of Sydney Festival explained âthe City contributes $2 million in cash and value-in-kind to Sydney Festival, which features classical and contemporary music, dance, circus, drama, visual arts and public lectures.
"The festival is an innovative showcase of the best performing, visual and experimental arts that Australia and the world have to offer, and the City is proud to support it again in 2011."
The Festival First Night, on 8th January 2011, launches the three week programme of cultural events and celebration and the City is encouraging residents and visitors to leave the car at home and make Festival First Night a green event, offering free bike valet parking in Hyde Park North.
Cyclists will be able to bring their bike to Hyde Park for free parking from 2.00pm to 11.30pm.
Lord Mayor Moore adds âI encourage all Sydneysiders to make the most of summer in our City and cycle, walk or take public transport to Festival First Night and the variety of other exciting cultural experiences on offer.�?
The Sydney Festival complements a host of events throughout the City of Sydney this summer, from Sydney New Year's Eve and Chinese New Year to the Sydney Gay and Lesbian Mardi Gras.
As part of its $8 million grants and sponsorships program, the City also sponsors other major events throughout the year including the Sydney Writers' Festival, the Biennale of Sydney and the Sydney Film Festival.
The City's sponsorship program is a vital part of Sustainable Sydney 2030, which recognises the important role of the creative industries in strengthening local economies and enlivening local communities.
For the full Sydney Festival program go to

http://www.sydneyfestival.com.au