Novocastrians can expect to enjoy even more high-profile events in the near future, according to Deputy Lord Mayor Declan Clausen.
The announcement that music icon Elton John will bring his Farewell Yellow Brick Road: The Final Tour concert to McDonald Jones Stadium for two shows on 8 and 10 January (2023) has been followed up by the news the same venue is set to host round three of the 2022 FOX Australian Supercross Championship on Saturday 26 November.
It comes off the back of the Hunter staging a number of elite sporting fixtures, featuring the Matildas, Wallabies, Argentina, South Africa and New Zealand, as well as rising boxing stars Harry Garside and Nikita Tszyu, in recent times.
“Quite simply, Newcastle is an events city,” Cr Clausen said.
“We’ve demonstrated that the past few years.
“Even as we come out of COVID, the ability for the city to put on extraordinary events is really pleasing.
“We’re thrilled to see the Australian Supercross Championship coming to Newcastle.
“It’s set to draw a large crowd from all corners of the country.
“That’s in addition to Elton John, and an encore performance, in the new year.
“Meanwhile, tickets for our own New Annual festival go on sale next week.
“We’re also really looking forward to hosting Van Gogh Alive, from September, in the CBD.
“To know millions of people have experienced it world-wide makes it a major drawcard.
“We are especially excited it will be a part of New Annual.”
Cr Clausen said City of Newcastle was committed to revitalising the region following the rigours of the pandemic, which impacted everyone and everything.
“We’re absolutely investigating the prospect of staging further first-class events,” he told the Newcastle Weekly.
“We are working with those of all scales, bringing in some major destinations, encouraging activation and tourism in the city.
“It’s particularly exhilarating now that Newcastle boasts a range of five-star hotels.
“There’s more [accommodation] options than ever before.
“As well, it helps create a whole ecosystem for events we’re also sponsoring small scale, through our annual grants program and SBR (Special Business Rates) funding.
“There is something to do almost every weekend in Newcastle.
“City of Newcastle has developed a What’s On website as well, which is a great tool for Novocastrians and visitors alike.
“It’s vitally important council’s thinking of ideas, and concepts, to put money back into the economy and local businesses.
“Given that there’s still challenges in travelling internationally, we want to incentivise and promote Newcastle as a destination for people not just in this region, but elsewhere in NSW and Australia, too.”
