Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Festival focuses on fun
by Jeni Bone on 5 Jan 2010
Crowds are anticipated in the Docklands precinct - as many as 70,000 over three days. BIA VIC
http://www.biavic.com.au/
The Melbourne International Boat and Lifestyle Festival, MIBLF for those in the know, will be held 5-7 February, and as Ashley Farr from the BIA VIC explains, emphasis is on the Festival facet of the event, aiming to attract as many families and a broader range of consumer as possible.
“As well as the on-water component and exhibition on land at Docklands, there will be plenty of entertainment, bands and interactive things for a broader market.”
So far, there is a good range of boats booked in for display, including the 70ft Dyna. Farr confirms the show has around 50 on water at this stage and he is anticipating as many as 80. “We are taking bookings right up until a few weeks before the event.”
New this year is the added exhibitors from the Brokerage segment. “We are adding brokerage boats, which will add to the appeal of the show."
Entry is free for much of the event, which is expected to draw the crowds, who will then have to fork out $15 for entry on to the marina section. “We are hoping for around 10,000 paying visitors and a total of 70,000 over the three days,” says Farr, adding that show hours have been extended to 6pm each day and 8pm on the Friday night. “It’s aiming at attracting the city workers to the event, with bands and entertainment for free.”
The bars and restaurants at Docklands are all getting in to the spirit, in an effort to create a venue and vibe similar to Sanctuary Cove during the boat show.
“There’s a lot of on-water activity planned too,” Farr points out. “We have demonstrations, water ski shows, you can try a sea kayak and there will be other boat trials as well.”
More at www.miblf.com.au
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