Viva La Gong
Wollongong’s most vibrant cultural event – Viva La Gong – kicks off next weekend as the city prepares for a summer influx of tourists drawn by the long-awaited opening of Lawrence Hargrave Bridge and the new southern touring route, Grand Pacific Drive.
Running from Friday, October 21 to Saturday, October 29, this year’s festival will feature more than 40 different activities and performances, with a host of free entertainment acts to draw visitors into the coastal city.
Festival director Ann Burbrook said the stage was set for one of the most successful festivals in the event’s history.
“Last year 31,000 visitors took part in the festivities, but we’re expecting more this year, attracted by the increased free entertainment and the perennially popular outdoor music, circus and dance acts.
“Our Family Fiesta will be held on the Sunday, packed with music, dance, food and fun between 11am and 4pm, followed by a free afternoon concert in Stuart Park featuring Australian jazz prodigy Emma Pask.
Viva La Gong runs over nine days and will include the following activities:
- Friday October 21 – Viva La Opening – including a jazz orchestra, dance performance, free films and a fire show
- Saturday October 22 – Riot Acts Circus Cabaret at the Big Top, Stuart Park
- Sunday October 23 – Family Fiesta – a full day of free entertainment
- Saturday October 29 – Wollongong Symphony Orchestra presents Fiesta at the Town Hall
For a full program of Viva La Gong events, visit www.vivalagongfestival.org or call Tourism Wollongong toll-free on 1800 240 737 or visit www.tourismwollongong.com
Graham Muldoon
Vegas’s Billion-Dollar Secrets – What They Don’t Want Tourists to Know
Visit Florida’s New CEO Bryan Griffin Shares His Vision for State Tourism with Graham
Chicago’s Tourism Renaissance: Graham Interviews Kristin Reynolds of Choose Chicago
Graham Talks with Cassandra McCauley of MMGY NextFactor About the Latest Industry Research
Destination International’s Andreas Weissenborn: Research, Advocacy, and Destination Impact
Graham and Don Welsh Discuss the Success of Destinations International’s Annual Conference
Graham and CEO Andre Kiwitz on Ventura Travel’s UK Move and Recruitment for the Role
Brett Laiken and Graham Discuss Florida’s Tourism Momentum and Global Appeal
Graham and Elliot Ferguson on Positioning DC as a Cultural and Inclusive Global Destination
Graham Talks to Fraser Last About His England-to-Ireland Trek for Mental Health Awareness
Kathy Nelson Tells Graham About the Honour of Hosting the World Cup and Kansas City’s Future
Graham McKenzie on Sir Richie Richardson’s Dual Passion for Golf and His Homeland, Antigua
ADS PRO 
Phocuswright reveals the world's largest travel markets in volume in 2025
Higher departure tax and visa cost, e-arrival card: Japan unleashes the fiscal weapon against tourists
Cyclone in Sri Lanka had limited effect on tourism in contrary to media reports
Singapore to forbid entry to undesirable travelers with new no-boarding directive
Euromonitor International unveils world’s top 100 city destinations for 2025