Sovereign Hill’s Winter Wonderlights. Photo: Kate Healy.

Anna Evans, Ballarat tourism events finalists in the Australian Event Awards, The Courier, 6 September 2017

Tourism in Ballarat is alive and well with some of the city’s iconic events in the running for a prestigious award.

Two Ballarat events have been named as Australian Event awards finalists, and have a chance to be named one of Australia’s best professional events on September 13.

One of Ballarat’s finalists, White Night, attracted 40,000 attendees, with 45 art installations.

Fellow Ballarat finalist, the Christmas in July Winter Wonderlights event at Sovereign Hill, attracted 112,000 visitors with fake snow, light projections and pantomimes.

See the Winter Wonderlights gallery here and the White Night gallery here.

“As a city, we are punching above our weight in delivering unique events in regional Australia,” Ballarat Mayor Samantha McIntosh said.

Tourism and major events minister John Eren said the events are a testament to the hard work of organisers and volunteers and help make Victoria the cultural capital of the nation.

“Events like these mean serious business for Ballarat – attracting visitors, supporting jobs and creating an incredible buzz around town.”