Entertainment

White Night 2017: Getting around, staying safe, and eating and drinking

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It's the day before one of Melbourne's biggest events of the year, a mammoth 12-hour arts and entertainment extravaganza that is months in the making, but first-time artistic director of White Night David Atkins says it's all under control.

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"We have senior management meetings every morning and we're pretty much on track with everything we'd planned to do," he says.

"It's a pretty big program and such a wide spread of works, we've got mini film festivals, we've got roving performances, puppetry. There's a lot out there."

The footprint of the festival has extended north this year, with more attractions between RMIT and the Melbourne Museum.

"My pick would be to start your journey up at Carlton Gardens, then come down into the city," says Atkins. "We've got more than double the normal installations in Carlton Gardens – from three to seven – and they're fairly substantial installations."

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The smartest way to arrive by train is to jump off at Melbourne Central and head towards the top end of the city, then make your way back down towards the NGV.

"Certainly I wouldn't try to get off at Flinders Street," says Atkins. "A really good way to do it is walking down the hill [from Carlton Gardens] to get to the south [Alexandra] gardens and then head back into the city."

A top of 20 degrees is forecast for Saturday, with showers expected in the morning and early afternoon, with a chance of rain from 12-7am Sunday, according to Weatherzone.Atkins says that's preferable to the oppressive heat that has challenged fun-seekers in previous years. "I think it's going to be a really good environment for the night," he says.

Organisers are working closely with police to ensure security is high at the event after a gang of youths stormed Summersault Festival last Sunday, assaulting people and stealing mobile phones.

"We've also got our own independent security services, guest services and wardens, as in the past," says Atkins.

"Everything that's required and more is done to ensure safety of the patrons."

Victoria Police will have a strong presence in and around the city during the event, and will be deploying community engagement teams including community leaders and youth workers on the ground to deter anti-social behaviour.

"Police were generally pleased with the behaviour of people attending last year's White Night but unfortunately dealt with a small number of people who were drunk in public," said Victoria Police in a statement.

"White Night is again an alcohol-free event and alcohol can only be consumed in licensed venues."

Transit police will also be out in force, with increased resources across the public transport network on the night.

The biggest challenge to organisers might be the planned protest outside the State Library. More than 300 people are expected to "camp out" on the library's steps to mark their objection to the City of Melbourne's plans to ban public camping. White Night organisers haven't commented directly on the protest, but Atkins says response to any issues on the night will be swift.

"With security and messaging we've been very proactive to make sure we've got spruikers, messages on all the stages, every screen we have has info on it and that's not been the case in the past," he says.

Those needing to refuel throughout the event will be spoiled for choice; a plethora of restaurants and cafes that have extended hours on the night, while some food trucks and stalls will operate in various locations, including in the Alexandra Gardens, near Hamer Hall and between the Royal Exhibition Buildings and Melbourne Museum.

whitenightmelbourne.com.au