Countdown on for two big nights at BREC

The final events in Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre’s grand opening festival will be held this weekend.

Premier Colin Barnett will cut the ribbon to officially open the centre’s extension at a black tie gala tonight, before a crowd of 240 special guests.

Tomorrow night’s community concert will have a more casual atmosphere and the evening’s line-up has attracted the attention of South West residents.

Both events will be presented by Natalie Barr, from Sunrise, with a performance by comedian Peter Rowsthorn and Swing On This cabaret supported by an 18-piece band.

Natalie Barr will fly to Perth after tomorrow’s filming of Sunrise before driving straight to Bunbury.

BREC marketing officer Katherine Weston said the centre’s staff were excited at the opportunity of dressing up for the red carpet VIP night.

“We’ve only had one red carpet type of event before, that was for CinefestOz last year, ” Miss Weston said.

“We’ve got a mixed bag of Bunbury’s elite coming on Friday night.

“Unfortunately we could only have 240 people for the black tie gala because everyone will be seated in the new theatre. It’s a shame we couldn’t invite everyone.”

Miss Weston said tickets for Saturday night’s concert had sold well following a competition the day sales opened.

About 50 people lined up last month to buy tickets and for the chance to win a VIP upgrade.

Some tickets are still available for Saturday’s show and can be bought for $20 at Bunbury Regional Entertainment Centre’s box office.