As a big thank you from all Victorians, the Andrews Labor Government is offering the state’s health and education frontline workers 15,000 free tickets to RISING festival’s signature event The Wilds.

Nurses, doctors, teachers and childcare workers are among the frontline workers to receive tickets to The Wilds, which will take over Sidney Myer Music Bowl in June with an action-packed program of art, music, food and ice-skating.

The free ticket allocation recognises the extraordinary efforts of Victoria’s health and education workers during the coronavirus fight, offering them the opportunity to enjoy this unique creative experience in the heart of Melbourne’s CBD.

Dreamed up by New York-based, Melbourne creative duo Tin & Ed, The Wilds will be a technicolour feast for the senses featuring large-scale inflatable sculptures, towering projections, mind-expanding soundscapes and roving live performances.

Royal Melbourne Hospital’s Scrub Choir will be part of RISING’s Night Chorus, an ensemble of 200 community performers who will enchant audiences as they explore the Bowl. Living up to Melbourne’s reputation as a culinary hub, restaurants including Smith & Daughters and 1800 Lasagne will set up pop-up kitchens on site.

Eligible frontline workers will be able to register their interest through the RISING website – free tickets to The Wilds will be allocated via a ballot system.

This comes as the Labor Government this week announced the $12 billion Pandemic Relief Plan, putting patients first by easing pressure on hospitals and healthcare workers with more staff, better hospitals and first class care.

The Wilds opens to the public on Wednesday, 1 June and due to popular demand, the season has already been extended to Sunday, 19 June to make sure more Victorians and visitors can revel in the fun.

More information on The Wilds, including registrations of interest for frontline workers is available at rising.melbourne/wilds-ballot.