There will be a completely new vibe around the City of Hobart's Wellington Court this week, starting on Monday.
To celebrate Main Streets of Australia Week – a national campaign celebrating all that main streets and town centres provide to the community – the City of Hobart is presenting Back Street Week with a host of live music at Wellington Court, from 12pm-2pm each weekday.
The line-up features some Hobart favourites such as Django's Tiger (pictured), Hugo Bladel, Southside Steppers, Billy Whitton Duo and Emily Wolfe.
The festivities will reach their peak Friday afternoon and into the evening with a range of performers from a roving big band, circus and DJs and VJs to light up the space.
Local eateries and businesses are set to stay open into the evening with a mobile drink stall on hand.
Wellington Court will be dressed to impress with fun and vibrant colours, graphic paste-ups celebrating Hobart's street art, and additional seating to relax, eat, perhaps have a drink and enjoy the CBD from behind the main street.
Hobart City Economy Portfolio Chair Louise Bloomfield said the court would be an ideal place for workers and shoppers to take a break during the week, and then for locals and visitors alike to see in the weekend on Friday night.
"Uniquely, there are eight different entrances to Wellington Court, each dressed-up for the occasion – so it really is Hobart's meeting spot," Ald Bloomfield said.
"Back Street is a fantastic way to support traders in the CBD while also providing a great space for the community to gather."
David Painter, owner of Wellington Court eatery SUSH, was thrilled to see this activation in the court.
"Hobart is an absolutely beautiful location globally, we have this magnificent geography and great public spaces from the parks to the back streets and alleyways," Mr Painter said.
"I love the vibrancy of the festivals that goes on in the alleyways. I like the way council is bringing an identity to those spaces. I really appreciate the public art and the little events like Light Up the Lane they had last week, and I'm really proud to have a shop in that environment.
"Hobart has a lot of small businesses that are quite unique and offer a really great experience for locals and visitors. We are really looking forward to bringing in some more vibrancy and energy to Wellington Court."
He said Friday was the highlight of the week and believed people would be delighted by the transformation of the area.
"Wellington Court is a perfect space for small night-time events," he said.
"With its sheltered nature, using lighting and acoustics at Wellington Court you can really control the space and create fantastic events.
"I hope this is the beginning of an exciting future." Ald Bloomfield said events like this would stimulate the CBD.
"It is fantastic to bring people out into the city and enliven not only the businesses around Wellington Court, but also the night-time economy," Ald Bloomfield said.
"It is such a huge part of our City and one that is often overlooked so it is great to see the City of Hobart supporting this sector and Wellington Court."
Visit Back Street Week in Wellington Court information here.
