A winter wonderland on the banks of the Yarra, with ice skating, art installations and outdoor dining provides the first glimpse at this year’s RISING festival – which is backed by the Andrews Labor Government.
Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos joined the RISING team, Lord Mayor Sally Capp and professional ice skaters at Birrarung Marr today to officially open The Rink at RISING on the first day of winter.
The Rink at RISING offers a fun ice-skating experience for all ages. For those donning skates for the first time, beginners can try out a lesson with professional coaches. During the school holidays, The Rink will host a special program of activities, including ice skating demonstrations, bubble art making and family-friendly DJs.
The Rink is just one highlight of this year’s RISING festival. Running over 12 days and nights from 7 to 18 June, RISING offers a packed program of music, food, visual art, dance, performance and more.
Melbourne landmarks including St Paul’s Cathedral, Melbourne Town Hall and Fed Square will host RISING events, with thousands expected to rug up and experience the city’s must-do winter festival.
Flinders St station’s historic top floor will present Shadow Spirit, the largest exhibition of First Peoples art in Victoria; Melbourne Town Hall will be transformed by the immersive cinema experience, Euphoria and St Paul’s Cathedral car park will be this year’s RISING festival hub complete with a food market, art installations and performances.
More than 180 of the participating RISING artists are from Victoria, and the festival will provide jobs for more than 2000 event workers, including backstage crew.
The Rink at Rising is open now until Saturday 8 July. The school holiday program runs Friday 23 June to Saturday 8 July. The Rink precinct is free to enter, while tickets for ice skating are $22 to $34, with family packages available. For tickets and more information visit rising.melbourne.
As stated by Minister for Creative Industries Steve Dimopoulos
“RISING is set to take over the city, offering an incredible array of creative events for all ages. We’re proud to back this family program at The Rink which kicks of the festival fun now and will run throughout the school holidays.”
As stated by City of Melbourne Lord Mayor Sally Capp
“The weather might be cooling down but our city’s spectacular winter events calendar is heating up, with RISING set to attract tens of thousands of visitors to Melbourne this June and July.”
As stated by RISING Artistic Co-Artistic Directors Hannah Fox and Gideon Obarzanek
“The Rink at RISING is a great opportunity to get outdoors and have some fun in a new winter tradition for Melbourne. Hot food and drinks for kids and adults will keep the hands warm and interactive art experiences and DJs provide more to do beyond the ice.”
