Friday 17 August 2007

ELTON-MANIA!
Tasmanians have secured the opportunity to hear Elton John in Tasmania later this year.

The Minister for Tourism, Arts and the Environment, Paula Wriedt, has welcomed today’s announcement by promoter Chugg Entertainment that Elton John has confirmed a Tasmanian performance.

“On 8 December Aurora Stadium will rock to the sounds of one of the world’s best-loved artists,” Ms Wriedt said.
“It’s a big event, and one that Tasmanians have shown their support for in the thousands.”

Ms Wriedt congratulated all Tasmanians who played their part in supporting the concert by having registered on the Elton John section of Tourism Tasmania’s website discovertasmania.com .

“Those who registered will automatically go on to a pre-sale list for ticket offers before they are available to the general public,” she said.

“The State Government through Tourism Tasmania is spearheading a range of promotional activities and two-five day travel packages around the Elton John concert, to lure special event visitors to the State.

“The important thing here is that we are using this as an opportunity to not only attract people for the concert, but encourage them to extend their stay and explore the island.

“Marketing activities will focus on states like Victoria and South Australia where the superstar is playing boutique-style concerts.”

“Tasmanians recorded a massive registration tally of almost 5,000.”

Promoter Michael Chugg flew into Tasmania today to make the announcement, and together with the Minister thanked Tasmanians for their support. He also congratulated Tasmanians for the way they had rallied to get behind this event.

Ms Wriedt said the success of the concert would help to position Tasmania as an ideal destination for future high-profile bands and performers.

She also acknowledged the Launceston City Council for its strong support of the concert. General Manager Frank Dixon said “the Council is optimistic that the success of the Elton John Concert will encourage promoters to bring other major acts to Launceston.”

“Aurora Stadium has proven to be an excellent facility for major sporting events such as football and soccer, but it is also ideal for major arts and cultural activities including concerts,” Mr Dixon said.

Tickets will go on sale for the general public from Monday 27 August and Ms Wriedt encouraged Elton John fans in Tasmania to purchase their tickets early to ensure they won’t be disappointed.

“This is the one-and-only concert to be performed here in Tasmania and you’ll want to be in the front of the queue for this event,” she said.

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For further information contact Tourism Tasmania's Communications Unit

(03) 6230 8244
email mediainfo@tourism.tas.gov.au