The Star will keep you entertained this month as we transform into a spectacular canvas of light for VIVID Sydney and celebrate Mother's Day in extravagant style! 

DINING

VIVID Sydney

This May, The Star is lighting up for VIVID, with its signature restaurants Balla, BLACK by ezard and Sokyo creating special menus to light up your tastebuds and cocktails infused with a colourful twist. Choose from Italian-inspired cuisine at Balla; grilled goodness at BLACK by ezard; or Japanese fusion at Sokyo.

Bookings available online at star.com.au or 1800 700 700.

Balla

The Star's very own Italian Chef, Stefano Manfredi has dreamed up some delectable desserts in honour of VIVID. Choose from a Fruit Terrine with chocolate crumble ($17) or a Traditional Florentine Zucotto ($18). If you prefer a lighter end to your meal there's a range of cocktails on offer for $15 including the VIVID Splice, mixed with tequila, Cointreau, lime juice, pineapple juice and mint.

Available for lunch Tues - Fri and dinner Mon - Sat.

Bookings available online at star.com.au or 1800 700 700.

BLACK by ezard

Chef Teague Ezard has created two cocktail and canapés specials to delight the VIVID explorer.

Aurora Australis ($25) offers a chicken liver toast, beetroot, carrot and pea canapé (x 3) and cocktail of Australian Gin, Aperol, Orange and Rhubarb Consomme and Pink Grapfruit.  

Ausrora Borealis ($19) features a spiced pumpkin mousse, maple syrup ice cream, walnuts and lemon canapé accompanied by a cocktail of spice rum, apple brandy, Triple Sec d'Alsace, smoked cinnamon & pumpkin, and lemon.

Available for lunch Fri and Sun, and dinner Tues-Sun.

Bookings available online at star.com.au or 1800 700 700.

Sokyo

Chef Chase Kojima has a special VIVID double that's sure to please. For $28 you can indulge in a Sokyo Rainbow Futomaki roll with Sokyo gels and a choice of cocktail; Chasing Kojima (yuzu sake, elderflower, lemongrass and pink grapefruit) or Eden Hall (biscuit infused vodka, passionfruit, coconut vodka and agave). Satisfy those sweet tooth's with Green Tea Smores, made up of chocolate biscuit, raspberry marshmallow and banana ice cream ($18) to finish. No bookings will be taken for this special – first in, best dressed!

Available for lunch Fri and dinner Mon-Sat.

Casual Dining Specials

Indulge in a daily selection of colourful VIVID Sydney desserts or dip in the rainbow chocolate fountain comprising of strawberry, orange, white, milk and dark chocolate at our extensive Garden Buffet. Sip on a 'Punch Ya Lights Out' or 'Black Out' cocktails for $14 in 24/7 Sports Bar, or taste the 'Rainbow Bandung', made up of condensed milk, cendol and rainbow jelly in Fat Noodle. If you prefer a light inspired cocktail that is served flamed in different ways, head to Cherry and indulge in a 'Kraken Campfire' for $14 made up of passionfruit, ginger beer and kraken rum served tall and on fire!

Strictly Ballroom pre-show dining – all of May

To give theatre-goers the ultimate entertainment experience, The Star is offering a number of pre-show dining offerings at its signature restaurants Balla, BLACK by ezard and Sokyo with menus designed to get you to the show in time.

Book today at star.com.au

NIGHTLIFE & ENTERTAINMENT

$5 happy hour at The Star - Monday to Friday, 5:00pm till 7:00pm

Every Monday to Friday between 5:00pm – 7:00pm The Star invites you to kick back with $5 Crown Lagers, house wine and spirits. Take your pick from a great line up of bars, including The Star's live music hub Rock Lily; lounge bar Cherry (Open Thurs – Sun); 24/7 Sports Bar; or the uber-cool Sokyo Lounge.

Sports Trivia every Wednesday in 24/7 Sports Bar from 7:30pm

If you know your sports, here is your chance to be rewarded for it! Join us at The Star for Sports Trivia every Wednesday from 7:30pm in 24/7 Sports Bar and put your knowledge to the test. Weekly cash prizes are available and as an added bonus if all members of your team are Absolute Rewards members, we will double your winnings! So get your mates together and hit-up 24/7 Sports Bar to enjoy the sporting stardom you deserve!

ROCK LILY

This May, Rock Lily and Herradura team up on May 3rd to bring you Cinco de Mayo. Come and enjoy an authentic Mexican mariachi band and a taste our $10 Herradura tequila specials from 5:00pm – midnight.

Powderfinger lead guitarist Darren Middleton – Thursday May 8 from 9:00pm – 11:00pm

Best known as lead guitarist and songwriter for alternative rock band Powderfinger, singer-songwriter Darren Middleton will perform two sets in Rock Lily on Thursday May 8 from 9:00pm. 

Rock With Laughter Comedy Night, featuring headline entertainer Peter Berner - Thursday May 29 from 7:30pm

The highly-popular 'Rock With Laughter' event returns for another side-splitting evening of stand up. May's 'Rock With Laughter' event will be headlined by Mikey Robins, one of the hottest comedians in Australia and internationally and feature one of Australia's most popular and respected stand-up  media entertainers, Peter Berner, who will leave you in hysterics with his intelligent humour.

CHERRY

Every Thursday – Friday during May $7 drink specials from 7:00pm – 9:00pm

In addition to The Star's 5:00pm – 7:00pm Happy Hour, guests at Cherry can carry on enjoying drink specials with $7 house wine, beer and spirits from 7:00pm – 9:00pm on Thursday and Friday evenings.

MARQUEE

I Love Salsa Night – Wednesday 28 May, 8:00pm

Proving to be more than just Sydney's premier nightclub, Marquee Sydney is turning up the heat every month with their I Love Salsa night. Hosted by two of Sydney's best known and loved Latino DJs, Don Juan and Dante Rivera, doors will open at 8:00pm with a free salsa lesson at 9:00pm. Whether you're a seasoned salsa dancer or just a Latino lover there will be something for everyone with Sydney's hottest Latino DJs playing nothing but the best salsa and a little bit of bachata and merengue. Plus a $250 Star gift card is up for grabs for those with the most impressive salsa moves.

Boombox Fridays – every Friday in May

Get to Marquee at the end of your working week for Boombox Fridays – plus enjoy Marquee's Friday drink specials, with $8 house spirits, wine and beer before 11:00pm.

Marquee Saturdays

Prok N Fitch, Saturday May 10 – 10:00pm till late

Sunnery James & Ryan Marciano, Saturday May 17 – 10:00pm till late

Dirty South, Saturday May 24 – 10:00pm till late

Grant Smillie, Saturday May 31 – 10:00pm till late

SPECIAL EVENTS AT THE STAR

VIVID Sydney running 23 May – 9 June

A first for 2014, The Star will be 'lighting up' for VIVID Sydney and celebrating the largest festival of light, music and ideas in the Southern Hemisphere. From 6:00pm to midnight every night, The Star buildings will be awash in spectacular colour and creative designs that will be visible from many vantage points across the city and will capture the thrill of Sydney. The Sky Terrace rooftop will transform into a 'VIVID Lounge' and will become a viewing hub of The Star's VIVID installation, with expansive views over Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. The Sky Terrace VIVID Lounge will feature a variety of pop-up food stations with menu a variety of food options as well as a contemporary cocktail bar serving both hot and cold beverages.

Mother's Day at The Star – 7 & 11 May

In honour of all mothers, The Star is celebrating Mother's Day this month with a not-to-miss Mother's Day Retail Shopping Night on May 7 from 5:00pm-8:00pm. Shoppers will be treated with complimentary bubbles, promotional offers and great discounts across The Star's retail precinct. On 11 May our signature dining restaurants Balla, BLACK by ezard and Sokyo will all feature a great selection of Mother's Day Lunch menus to choose from. Cherry Bar are also featuring a special Mother's Day High Tea, opening at 11:30am for a 12:00pm sitting on 11 May. Tea and a glass of champagne (Moët & Chandon Champagne or Moët & Chandon Nectar Impérial Champagne), 5 savoury items and 4 dessert items are all included for $65pp.

LIVE ENTERTAINMENT

APIA Good Times Tour – The Star Events Centre – 18 May

On the back of last year's sell out concert series, the 2014 APIA Good Times Tour returns to The Star Event Centre on Sunday May 18. Featuring a brand new iconic all-star line-up never seen before in Australia, music legends Joe Camilleri, Richard Clapton, Russell Morris and Leo Sayer will take to the stage singing their legendary hits.

Celtic Thunder – The Star Events Centre – 30 May

The world-renowned supergroup – comprised of vocalists Emmet Cahill, Keith Harkin, Ryan Kelly, Neil Byrne and Colm Keegan – continues to astonish audiences, traveling as easily across the genres of folk, traditional Irish, adult contemporary, rock and classical crossover, as they travel the world, preforming for an ever-growing number of fans. Don't miss Celtic Thunder when they perform Mythology at The Star Event Centre on Friday 30 May.

CASINO

Bingo - 24/7 Sports Bar - every Tuesday & Thursday

A share of $2,100 cash and $1,400 in Casino Dollars, plus a jackpot are all up for grabs each Tuesday and Thursday at 24/7 Sports Bar at The Star. Games are at 11:00am, 2:00pm and 7:00pm, with a $2 entry fee per session.

Terms and conditions apply and can be found at star.com.au.

The Star Mahjong

Your chance to win a share of $1,000 each game. Monday, Wednesday, Thursday for traditional Mahjong with registrations in the Mahjong Room, Casino Level 2, from 9:30am, 1:30pm or 6:00pm; Tuesday and Saturday for Baida Mahjong with registrations from 9:30am and again at 1:30pm. All you need to play is to be an Absolute Rewards member. Visit an Absolute Rewards desk for more details and to sign up – it's quick, easy and free to join.

ACCOMODATION

Strictly Ballroom Hotel Offer – valid until 29 June

Strictly Ballroom: The Musical was officially unveiled to the world on April 12. For those who like to enjoy the lap of luxury after their theatre experience, The Star is offering accommodation packages with its five-star hotels, Astral Towers & Residences and The Darling.

The Darling

The Darling Hotel features 171 stylish and spacious rooms and suites, an infinity pool and a luxury 16 room spa. The Darling luxury suites feature floor to ceiling glass windows and cityscape views. With its integrated bars, lounge areas and a custom made billiard table, The Darling's lobby has been designed as a gathering point for Sydney residents and hotel guests alike. The Darling package includes: 2 x tickets to Strictly Ballroom with overnight accommodation at The Darling – from $271.45*

Astral Towers and Residences

The Astral Tower and Residences feature a range of luxury hotel rooms, suites, serviced apartments or penthouses – all situated in the heart of Sydney's only integrated resort, The Star, offering proximity to restaurants, casino and nightlife. The hotel boasts sweeping views over Sydney harbor, as well as a new rooftop pool designed to take advantage of the stunning waterside location.

Astral Towers package includes: 2 x tickets to Strictly Ballroom with overnight accommodation at Astral Towers – from $232.45 per person**.

Astral Residences package includes: 2 x tickets to Strictly Ballroom, overnight accommodation at Astral Residences – from $261.45 per person**.

To book your Strictly Ballroom: The Musical packages, visit showbiz.com.au/strictlyballroom

**For overnight twin share accommodation. Other accommodation options available.

Autumn Hotel Offer – valid until 21 May

To kick off the footy season, book a stay at The Astral Towers & Residences or The Darling and score a complimentary package consisting of:

• Breakfast for 2 at Garden Buffet
• Overnight self-parking for 1 car
• In-room WIFI
• 2 house beverages to the value of $14 at 24/7 Sports Bar where you can see all the NRL and AFL action on three mega screens and over 50 LCD TVs. 

VIVID Hotel Offer - 23 May – 9 June

Throughout this iconic Sydney festival of lights, The Darling and Astral Tower & Residences are offering VIVID goers:

• Complimentary overnight self-parking for one car
• Free in-room WI-FI
• Two complimentary cocktails / drinks at VIVID Lounge or Cherry (to the value of $34)
• Event program upon arrival

Please quote the promo code: VIVID14 to redeem this offer.

20% Discount – valid until 30 June

Book a midweek stay (Sunday to Thursday) and enjoy 20% off the best available fully flexible rate with overnight self-parking for one car included. This offer is available for online bookings only (quote promo code SEASON14) and is subject to availability.

 

For further information or images:

Scarlett Freeman – Project Coordinator, Lampoon Group

sfreeman@lampoon.com.au / +61 2 9669 1777

 

About The Star

The Star is Sydney's premium entertainment destination. The Star offers award-winning chefs and restaurants, luxury hotel accommodation and serviced apartments, a 16-room day spa, an international designer retail collection as well a world-class casino and international nightclub Marquee.  The $100 million Star Event Centre is a state-of-the art multi-use venue and has hosted more than 200 events since opening in January 2013, including The ACCTA Awards, The ARIA Awards, The Premiere of World War Z, charity events for the Starlight Foundation and Thomas Kelly Foundation and international talent such as Ricky Martin, Seal, Garbage, One Republic, Olly Murs, Jessica Mauboy and Alicia Keys. 

For more information or enquiries, visit www.star.com.au or call 1800 700 700.