Carlton Inc. plans a mix of new and old

Carlton business district traders’ association Carlton Inc. recently released its event strategy for the 2023 financial year.

The association of local businesses connects with the City of Melbourne and its various governing bodies to help shape Carlton’s future and showcase its best features, including arts, food, fashion, and events.

Carlton Inc. executive officer Phillip Mansour said now the dates for the Formula 1 Australian Grand Prix 2023 were confirmed, it had finalised a three-year commitment to host the Formula 1 Live Fast Festival Grand Prix events.

“Carlton has an automotive DNA; we are planning for a crowd of around 10,000,” Mr Mansour said.

“We will work with the Victoria Police and the TAC to promote safe driving.”

“We are not looking at promoting unsafe driving; we understand many people have shared memories of cars in Carlton.”

The Kingpins Kustoms Christmas toy run will again see Lygon St, from Elgin to Queensberry streets, taken over by classic cars like the Ford GT, the Holden Monaro, and hot rods.

“We will have a massive truck to fill with Christmas gifts for a yet-to-be-chosen charity, and all the traders will be open from breakfast time as this event kicks off early,” Mr Mansour said.

Carlton Inc. board member Sam Adigarati is very passionate about the Waiters Race and is thrilled the Melbourne Fringe Festival is bringing it back in December when the festival celebrates 40 years.

Mr Mansour said Lygon St would also be closed for the Fringe Festival in October, with an anticipated crowd of 20,000 enjoying the Waiters Race and the entire program.

A new one-day event in December, Carnival of Treasures organised by Casa Cultura, will see the streets of Carlton used as an interactive treasure hunt map culminating with a carnival in Lincoln Square.

Other activities are in the pipeline, with an activation planned for the Argyle Piazza highlighting women’s fashion during Melbourne Fashion Week.

Mr Mansour keeps closed lips on the return of Moonlight Cinema held in the warmer months.

“We have run the cinema for two years, so we are thinking maybe it’s time to mix things up,” he said.

“We have some alternative ideas that we are currently working on; stay tuned.”

“We try to attract families to the precinct and new visitors. Its additional revenue from the people who don’t normally come to Carlton.” •