Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren will announce today that Ballarat’s historic streetscape will be bathed in light for a third straight year.

With Melbourne’s White Night moving to a three-day winter festival in 2019, it is not yet known exactly when Ballarat’s iteration will take place next year. 

Despite more than 60,000 people taking to the Ballarat streets this year for the colourful, late night extravaganza, a 2019 event was not a certainty. 

White Nights are currently decided on a year to year basis, with Ballarat the only regional city with the go ahead for next year. 

Watch the 360-degree video of 2018 White Night here:

Visit Ballarat’s CEO Noel Dempsey said he was hopeful Ballarat’s event would remain in March, in the hope of cashing in on good weather and encouraging tourist “spill from Melbourne”. 

“It gives us a great opportunity to get people up at the weekend,” he said. “It’s a great event, it’s a big investment for a night, but it does more than just economic benefit, it puts us on map from an eyeballs point-of-view,” he said. 

Ballarat saw more than 60 projections, installations, performances, exhibitions and music featured in the streets and laneways of the CBD from 7pm until 2am.

And while Ballarat can lay claim to hosting the first ever regional instalment of White Night in 2017, Geelong and Bendigo both hosted successful editions of White Night in Spring this year.

Minister for Tourism and Major Events John Eren said White Night Ballarat keeps improving, with the influx of 15,000 tourists in 2018 playing a part in “boosting business for local pubs, hotels, restaurants and bars”.

In 2018 alone, more than $5 million was generated for the Ballarat economy as a result of the seven-hour event.

“No one does big events like regional Victoria and White Night Ballarat has been a big hit – I can’t wait to see what next year’s event holds,” Mr Eren said. 

The state government would not reveal how much they spent to get White Night back to the city in 2019, citing commercial in confidence. 

Ballarat mayor Samantha McIntosh said it was clear the city was “punching above its weight” when it came to hosting unique events. 

“It’s an iconic event which has filled our heritage buildings and streetscapes,” she said. “Many people hear us talk about our history and heritage, and to be creative with it and put that vibrancy on the street is exciting.”

Watch the video wrap of this year’s event here.

READ MORE COVERAGE FROM THIS YEAR’S WHITE NIGHT