The nationally acclaimed Noosa Long Weekend Festival will return this year bigger and better than ever, with the popular event growing from 10 days to 13 to accommodate an expanded program.

With a line-up that includes a special one-off performance by Opera Australia, an evening with the Queensland Ballet and David Williamson's new play Dream Home, Festival Director Ian Mackellar said the event was expected to attract a record crowd. 

“Last year's festival was undoubtedly a hard act to follow with more than 10,000 visitors to 35 venues and locations, but we've worked hard to lift the bar even higher in 2015 and are thrilled to have Opera Australia perform a fully staged production of its acclaimed opera The Magic Flute — the last opera ever written by Mozart — to the Sunshine Coast for the first time,” Mr Mackellar said.

“The cast and orchestra will open the festival on Tuesday, 14 July, and will set the stage alive with an Egyptian-themed set and costumes straight from the 1930s.”

Mr Mackellar said other festival highlights included An Evening with the Queensland Ballet led by artistic director Li Cunxin (author of autobiography Mao's Last Dancer), as well as an exclusive performance by internationally acclaimed concert pianist and Steinway artist Julian Gargiulo, direct from New York's Carnegie Hall.

Mr Mackellar said the 2015 Noosa Long Weekend Festival would feature more than 75 events at various locations around Noosa including literature events, forums, live music, theatre performances, interactive art, films, cabaret and supper clubs.

To find out more about the 2015 Noosa Long Weekend Festival or purchase tickets, please visit www.noosalongweekend.com, call The J booking office on (07) 5329 6560 or visit The J at 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Junction. You can also follow the festival on Facebook or Twitter.

Special festival accommodation packages can be found on the website or at www.visitnoosa.com.au.

Fast facts

• 13-day festival
• 75 ticketed and free events
• 35+ locations around Noosa
• 260+ nationally and internationally acclaimed actors, writers, artists, musicians, performers, film makers, environmentalists and commentators
• 9,000+ tickets on sale
• Ticket information at www.noosalongweekend.com

NOOSA LONG WEEKEND FESTIVAL 2015 HIGHLIGHTS

Opera Australia

Prepare to be enchanted, when this new, fully-stage production of The Magic Flute comes to the              Noosa Long Weekend Festival, complete with fabulous 1930s costumes, a chamber orchestra and a vibrant cast of singers. (Also featuring a local/Noosa children's chorus).

7.30pm, Tuesday, 14 July

Noosa Leisure Centre, Wallace Drive Noosaville.            

Premium reserve - $197.50                            

AA reserve seating - $102.50

A reserve seating - $87.50                               

B reserve seating - $82.50                             

Tiered stadium bench seating - $42.50 (Adult) and $27.50 (Concession/Children (under 16))

All prices include booking fee. No concessions.                                                     

An Evening with the Queensland Ballet

Back by popular demand and a sell-out show, the Queensland Ballet will deliver a program that includes beautiful pas de deux and ensemble work from world-class classical ballets and inspired contemporary dance works. 

This specially designed program featuring Queensland Ballet dancers and young artists will give audiences a unique insight into our state ballet company, together with a fascinating conversation with Queensland Ballet Artistic Director Li Cunxin.

7.30pm, Friday, 24 July

The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads

$77.50 (includes booking fee)

$72.50 - mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)

Dream Home – Written and directed by David Williamson

David Williamson's brand new comedy about the true cost of buying property in Sydney combines an all-star cast from Sydney and Queensland.

Dana and Paul finally have it all: creative careers, a baby on the way and an apartment in Bondi.  They can't quite believe their luck. As it turns out, they shouldn't. With an ex-lover, her jealous husband and a kleptomaniac for neighbours, things are bound to get complicated!

FOUR PERFORMANCES

2.00pm and 7.30pm – Tuesday, 21 July and Wednesday, 22 July 

The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads

Evening performances (7.30pm)

$62.50 (includes booking fee)

$57.50 Mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)

Matinee performances (2pm)

$52.50 (includes booking fee)

$47.50 Concessions and mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)      

Julian Gargiulo

Combining rigorous Russian conservatory training with an informal style of presenting classical music,     Steinway Artist Julian Gargiulo, direct from the USA, has been receiving standing ovations on both sides of the Atlantic.  

Whether performing for thousands of people on Singapore's Symphony Stage or Carnegie Hall or for an eclectic group of fifty in the 5th Avenue home of the Avery Fisher's, Julian is able to transmit a unique concert experience to each one present.

7.30pm Saturday 18 July and Sunday 19 July (second show option – subject to demand)

The J Theatre, 60 Noosa Drive, Noosa Heads

$67.50 (includes booking fee)      

$62.50 - mezzanine seating (includes booking fee)

 “Rob Mills is Surprisingly Good” Supper Club

"Rob Mills is Surprisingly Good" is much more than the standard cabaret fare.  'Millsy' brings us an eclectic mix of music and stories in an intimate setting with a cracking band and the self-deprecating humour that has seen a nation fall in love with him.

Musically, the show is as unpredictable as him, covering artists as far reaching as Taylor Swift, Queen and Pharell, as well as hits from several of the musicals in which he has appeared; The Last Five Years, Legally Blonde, and of course, Wicked.   

8.30pm Thursday, 23 July and Friday, 24 July (second show option – subject to demand)

Berardos Hastings Street, Noosa Heads

$87.50 (includes booking fee)

This includes a two course supper and glass of wine and supper cabaret performance.

All tables are shared seating and allocated in order of date of booking.

Numbers strictly limited to 100.