Geelong’s laneways is now open and there’s a street party to celebrate
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Geelong’s laneways is now open and there’s a street party to celebrate

Recently Geelong’s laneways have seen an extensive upgrade, and finally the newly revitalised laneways are complete and ready for visitors.

The project itself has been a key action of the Revitalising Central Geelong Action Plan, focusing on the popular eating and shopping area of the ‘West End’ of Little Malop Street and adjoining laneways. It builds on existing business investment in the area by enhancing the streetscapes with new paving surfaces, additional trees and plantings, public art, additional alfresco areas, street furniture and improved lighting.

Now that it is complete, this means it’s time to party. Come and celebrate the newest hotspot in town on its official opening, Friday December 8 at an all ages street party with fun and activities at every turn.

This event will feature special guests; Norman the Unicorn and the Magic Meter Elves, along with family friendly fun and the best of Geelong’s entertainment – live music, roving entertainment, street performers and art and photography exhibitions. There will also be great food, cake and cocktail pairings, the launch of the two-story Chrissy Amphlett mural and the launch of LiveMAP. The launch party also promises pop-up shops alongside special offers from some of the laneways fixed businesses.

Some of the special events and features are set to include:

The Waiters Race – Hosted by the Gordon, outside of Cellar Door, waiters will complete a series of tasks – such as plate carrying and wine opening, to be crowned Geelong’s Best Waiter.

Free Food – Armageddon are serving up a giant celebratory cake in McLarty Place and the first 300 people will get a free slice upon arrival. If cake is not quite your thing a 15-litre bottle of Pommery champagne will also be popped outside of Cellar Door, and the first 300 people will get a free glass – at least until the bottle runs dry.

Cake and Cocktail Pairing – Armageddon are also paring up with Cabinet Bar to offer a cake and cocktail pairing for guests.

Champagne Lane – Watch Shorts Place be transformed by local winery pop ups, and taste some of Geelong’s very best bubbles.

Family Friendly Fun – along with the Piano Bar’s Prince and Princess sing along, Norman the Unicorn and Magic Meter Elves, there will also be a carnival clown sideshow, street singalong with Shandelle Mcgennusken, dance performances at Geelong Dance and Fairywear Supplies and free portraits by local cartoonists, to ensure maximum fun for all ages.

Late Night Trading – the launch party will see extended trading hours from most stores to carry the party late into the night. For even more retail relief pop up stores and sales from ‘Our Satellite Hearts’ and ‘Thule Trading’ will be available, along with special offers from restaurants and cafes – including after work drink specials.

Launch of LiveMAP – Designed to grow and sustain a creative and active live music culture in Geelong the Workers Club will host the official launch of LiveMAP, on night already full of culture and live music.

Live Music – throughout the night there will be plenty of live street music. Real Music, Beav’s Bar and Piano Bar will all play host to acts, along with the roving entertainment and street performers that can be found throughout the laneways all night.

Launch of Chrissy Amphlett Mural – The street art mural by Ian Lowe will also be launched on the night, a mural that is said to be a cutting edge augmented reality experience. There will also be plenty of other art around, with Pete James Photography and Art Is… both hosting exhibitions.

The laneways launch party is a chance to support local businesses in a vibrant atmosphere and experience some of Geelong’s unique and abundant culture. As City of Greater Geelong Mayor Cr. Bruce Harwood says, “there’ll be plenty of entertainment for all ages; it’s an opportunity to enjoy a catch up with friends and family and experience what the revitalised laneways has on offer.”

As a free event, with no bookings required there is really no reason to miss this celebratory event showing off the best things Geelong and our local creators have to offer.

When: Friday December 8, 4PM – LATE

Where: Lt Malop Street and James Streets (between Gheringhap and Moorabool Street) and the laneways in between.

Cost: Free event. Food and drinks at restaurant prices.

Parking: Free from 6pm – 11pm at Civic Carpark, corner of Lt Malop and Gheringhap Streets.

Written by Perri Digby