Visitors to Western Australia�s capital city of Perth often remark on the friendly, laidback environment that welcomes them � and it�s no wonder the locals are happy.

Perth is an extraordinary place. Blessed with more hours of sunshine each year than any other city in Australia, 19 pristine metropolitan beaches and a vibrant wine growing region just half an hour from the city � it�s the perfect short break destination and gateway to explore the wonders of the west.

In 2010, Economist Magazine rated Perth as one of the top ten most liveable cities in the world, which is not surprising, given the city�s perfect combination of an amazing natural environment and vibrant cultural landscape.

Each year, Perth plays hosts to an impressive list of international events.

One Movement Music Festival Perth The inaugural event was held in Perth last year October and was the first of its kind in Australasia. 6-9 October are the dates set for the 2010 instalment that will unite 200 artists, 100 speakers, hundreds of delegates and thousands of music fans. This is an artist-based event, showcasing the greatest new global talent set for the international stage, both local and international.

By day influential music industry delegates looking to sign the next �biggest band� attend a global industry conference and by night the music industry and local music enthusiasts can see new and unsigned bands play at various venues around Perth. Over the past decade, Perth has exploded to the forefront on the Australian music scene. Bubbling away under the city�s surface is a treasure trove of talent making big names for themselves in Australia and overseas. Bands such as The Waifs, John Butler Trio, Eskimo Joe, End of Fashion, Little Birdy, Sleepy Jackson and Bob Evans all call Perth home. www.onemovementmusic.com

Perth International Arts Festival The Perth International Arts Festival (PIAF), held in Western Australia every summer, showcases some of the world�s finest artists and performers. With its sunny skies, glittering star-filled nights and fresh ocean air, Western Australia is an ideal backdrop for the jam-packed program of world-class theatre, music, dance, literature and visual arts. Renowned for its enthralling productions and the big name acts it attracts, PIAF is the oldest international arts festival in Australia and the state�s premier cultural event. www.perthfestival.com.au

Red Bull Air Race After successful events since 2005, the 2011 instalment of the Red Bull Air Race Perth is set to be bigger and better than ever. The championship features the world�s best race pilots in a motor sports competition combining speed, precision and skill, using the fastest, most agile and lightweight planes. Pilots navigate a low-level aerial track flying at speeds of up to 370 kilometres per hour � all above Perth�s Swan River and alongside the City�s skyline.

Perth�s spectacular skyline provides the perfect backdrop for the race, with the Swan River aerial track located just metres away from the city�s Langley Park race airport. The Perth event is unique because it�s the only Red Bull Air Race host city that has the race airport right in the heart of the CBD in the same vicinity as the track. www.redbullairrace.com.au

Sculpture by the Sea Sculpture by the Sea, Cottesloe, is an annual sculpture exhibition set on Perth�s iconic Cottesloe Beach, overlooking the spectacular Indian Ocean. The exhibition returned to Cottesloe Beach this year for the sixth time this year and featured work from more than 60 local, interstate and international acclaimed artists. Hugely popular, this free to the public exhibition attracts approximately 100,000 visitors of all ages each year. www.sculpturebythesea.com

ENDS Tourism WA Media contact: Sarah Monahan Media & PR Manager � Destination 08 9262 1710 / 0423 881 272 sarah.monahan@westernaustralia.com