By Staff Writer

Big Day Out, Laneways and Splendour in the Grass – the list of festivals targeting Australians youth are endless. But come October one of Australia’s largest senior festivals will be cranking up the orchestra.

 

Seniors across Victoria are starting to prepare for their equivalent annual highlight with the release of the official events program for the 2009 Victorian Seniors Festival.

 

And Minister for Senior Victorians Lisa Neville said the 2009 festival was shaping up to be the best yet, with more than 1,000 free and low-cost events across metropolitan and regional Victoria.

“The Brumby Labor Government is taking action to ensure communities across the state recognise the ongoing contribution of our seniors and the Victorian Seniors Festival is a great way for us to celebrate this,” Ms Neville said.

“This year’s program offers everything from singing to salsa.

“There really is something for everyone. I encourage all seniors to pick up a copy of the program so they can pick the events they’re interested in.”

The 2009 festival highlights include the Melbourne CBD concert series, including the popular Festival Multicultural Concert – ‘Salsa for Seniors’ – and concerts by the Royal Melbourne Philharmonic, Orchestra Victoria and the Royal Australian Navy Band.

“As in previous years, the program features many opportunities for sporting and physical activity including bowls, tennis and strength training, as well as information sessions for seniors on health, financial and legal issues,” Ms Neville said.

For seniors outside Melbourne there is the touring theatre and concert program featuring 34 performances across regional Victoria.

The Brumby Labor Government is again supporting the week-long celebrations by providing all Victorian Seniors Card holders with travel free on regional bus services and the metropolitan public transport network from October 4 to 11.

Seniors card holder can also take advantage of free travel on V/Line rail and coach services on October 6, 7, 8, 10, and 11 October.

The Festival Hub in the Lower Melbourne Town Hall will be open daily from 10am to 4.30pm from October 4 to 11. Visitors can relax with a free tea or coffee, enjoy an eclectic program of entertainment and find Festival information.

Event programs for the 2009 Victorian Seniors Festival are available from Monday the 17th of August at all Coles and Bi Lo supermarkets, local councils, libraries and neighbourhood houses. 

For more details about the program visit the Office of Senior Victorians website or phone 1800 136 762.