Summernats 25 launched

097/11

Today I attended the launch of Canberra’s 25th Street Machine Summernats Car Festival, which opens in just over four weeks.

Summernats has grown into the largest car festival in the southern hemisphere and organisers are planning to make 2012’s event the biggest in the festival’s 25-year history.

Tourism events like Summernats are an important part of Canberra’s tourism offering, and the ACT Labor Government is committed to supporting key tourism events that enhance the overall tourism experience in the national capital.

Summernats attracts tens of thousands of interstate and international visitors, not only providing an economic benefit to a range of local businesses but also contributing to a vibrant calendar of events in the Territory.

Live music will again be a major feature of Summernats 25 with artists including Aussie hip-hop sensation Drapht, Children Collide, Nat Cole and the Kings and The Screaming Jets. Other events in the line-up include:

• the world’s premier burnout competition the National Burnout Masters,
• the Beasts of Tuff Street,
• the Elite Top 60,
• Show ‘n’ Shine, and
• the awarding of the Grand Champion.

I would like to commend the event organisers Out There Productions, for broadening the appeal of Summernats to a wider audience by introducing features of the event such as Family Friday, which has been well received by the community.

The ACT Government is a strong supporter of Summernats and has provided $105,000 over three years through the Events Assistance Program for business development, marketing and promotion of the event.

Summernats 25 runs from Thursday 5 January to Sunday 8 January 2012 at Exhibition Park in Canberra.

For more information on the event program and ticketing visit www.summernats.com.au.