Culture vultures be on the alert!  The Melbourne International Arts Festival will be held from 9th October through to 24th October 2009.  This is Melbourne’s premier cultural event, featuring visual arts displays and performances by local and international artists.  Originally staged in Melbourne back in 1986 as the third Spoleto Festival (behind Spoleto Italy and Charleston USA), this unique festival celebrates its international roots.

The diverse range of talent on the program for this year include an array of dance, theatre, music, visual arts, multimedia and outdoor events.  There are a wide variety of venues, tickets for every budget and many free events.

At 7pm on 9th October the bells of the city’s theatres, churches and schools will ring in procession to herald the opening of the Festival.  As the city bells are ringing, head down to Birrarung Marr to join in the free outdoor celebrations.  Performance group ‘Strange Fruit’ will sway among the Federation Bells and play a specially commissined score.  France’s ‘Transe Express’  will then perform 130 feet high in the air, combining modern technology with a carnival atmosphere and colourful costumes.

Other highlights of the Melbourne International Arts Festival include performances by the classic London Philharmonic Orchestra; the modern choreography of Black Marrow; the realistic claymation film Mary and Max; and dozens of performances, displays and open galleries.

The Festival Supper Series combines some of Melbourne’s finest food with the art events.  Many of the city’s restaurants are offering a set course dinner with glass of wine for just $30.  A great way to start your evening at the Festival.

There are a range of great hotel deals in Melbourne during October too.  Rydges Hotel Melbourne is offering Deluxe Queen rooms from AUD$169 per night; Somerset Gordon Place has a deluxe studio room from AUD$155 per night.  Enjoy the Festival!