Perth Festival’s 2020 closing event, Highway to Hell, sponsored by Tourism WA, has been named Best Cultural Event at the Australian National and State Event Awards.
The 2020 Perth Festival took place from 7 February to 1 March this year, culminating in a street party honouring AC/DC and its lead vocalist, the late Bon Scott.
About 150,000 people attended the closing event, which saw 10 kilometres of the Canning Highway turned into the world’s longest stage on the 40th anniversary of Bon Scott being laid to rest in Fremantle’s cemetery.
The family-friendly event included roving street performers, high-voltage performance poets, community choirs, dance troupes, children’s activities, special meal offerings and music and art exhibitions.
Entertainment at the event stretched along the highway, with the program split into four key zones.
Tourism WA struck a four-year deal to support Perth Festival’s annual headline event until 2023, and sponsor its closing event.
The ICC Women’s World Cup, with five of its games hosted in Perth, took out Best Australian Event of the Year and Best Sporting Event.
Other Tourism WA-sponsored event finalists included the 2019 Manchester United Tour and the 2019 Perth Bledisloe Cup, both held at Optus Stadium.
World-famous football club, Manchester United played two matches at Optus Stadium in July last year, attracting 13,000 out-of-State visitors who spent nearly $16.5 million.
The Bledisloe Cup match in August last year set an attendance record for a sporting event at Optus Stadium, with visiting rugby fans spending more than $12.5 million in the State.
The full list of winners and finalists in the Australian National and State Event Awards can be accessed at this PS News link.
