07/03/2013
Circus skills, stone masonry and bagpipes all feature in a season of events this autumn at the Port Arthur Historic Site. The special events, combined with all that Port Arthur and the Tasman Peninsula region have to offer, are planned to persuade visitors to spend a day or three in the area, which suffered a major blow when much of its peak summer business was wiped away during January’s bushfire emergency.
Port Arthur Tattoo – Saturday 6 April
The season will culminate on the afternoon of Saturday 6 April with the Port Arthur Tattoo, featuring performances by The Tasmanian Police Pipe Band, The Clarence Concert Band, City of Hobart Highland Pipe Band, St Andrews Caledonian Pipe Band, Derwent Scottish Pipe Band, Hobart Australian Navy Cadet Band, Army Band Tasmania and the fleet footed Hobart Irish Dancers and the Hobart Highland Dancers. Andrew Colrain and Daryl Peebles will be Masters of Ceremonies.
“The event has come about as a major show of support and goodwill,” said Maria Stacey, Visitor Services Manager for the Port Arthur Historic Site. “We were approached by representatives of the bands who were keen to offer the event as a way to help revive tourism by encouraging people to stay the weekend in the region, and to be a joyous and entertaining evening for the community. Visitors will also be able to make donations to the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfires 2013 Appeal.”
“We are also delighted to announce that the event has been sponsored by
RACT’s Rosny Park Branch, which is brilliant”
The performance will commence at approximately 4:30 and conclude at 6:30 on Saturday April 6
th. Access to the performance is included in the cost of site entry, and after 3pm entry is complimentary for those attending the Tattoo.
www.portarthur.org.au/tattoo
21 Circus Acts in 20 Minutes – Sunday 17 March
A few weeks prior to the Tattoo, all the fun of the circus comes to Port Arthur as part of Ten Days on the Island. In a dazzling display of physical agility, Australian performance troupe Circa will literally perform 21 circus acts in 20 minutes. Set against a ticking clock, this is magic entertainment revved to the limits. Circa’s head-shaking acrobatics are spellbinding and will leave the audience questioning the limits of physical flexibility. What is more, they will perform this feat twice during the day!
Sunday 17 March. Circa will perform at 12.30 and again at 2pm. Access to the performance is included in the cost of site entry.
www.portarthur.org.au/tendays
Traditional Trades – Carved in Stone 31 March – 7 April
Kids of all ages can try their hand at the traditional Port Arthur trade of stone masonry. Work with our experienced mason and lean how convicts carved the stone that built much of Port Arthur and Van Diemans Land. Daily sessions run 90 minutes – check on arrival for daily times. Access to this activity included in cost of site entry.
www.portarthur.org.au/easter
History Plays return for Easter – 29 March – 4 April
The much-loved series of plays will return for the Easter week. The plays bring history to life, depicting and interpreting Port Arthur’s stories in an engaging and entertaining way that is ideal for the whole family.
The plays, which run approximately 20 minutes each, are each performed twice daily. They have been produced by Chris Hamley and will be performed by Chris with Michael Edgar, Nelson Ohl and Nicole Farrow. Access to the plays is included in the cost of site entry.
www.portarthur.org.au/easter
Stay a while on the Peninsula
There’s plenty to see and do around the Tasman Peninsula region, so plan to stay a night or two. There are amazing cultural heritage, nature, adventure and culinary experiences, stunning beaches, incredible bushwalks and accommodation to suit a wide variety of tastes and budgets.
For more on the Port Arthur Historic Sites, visit
www.portarthur.org.au
Brisbane-based acrobatic troupe Circa will amaze audiences at Port Arthur as part of Ten Days on the Island
A dramatic moment in one of the Port Arthur History Plays, returning this Easter to the Historic Site