A celebration of local food and culture, Winter in the City, was launched on Friday by Arts Minister Michael Pettersson.

The brainchild of the City Renewal Authority and local businesses, last year’s event is said to have contributed an estimated $2.72 million to the city centre’s economy and its aim is to make Civic “the hottest spot in town”, with a 14-metre-wide stage hosting free performances up to five times a day including circus, theatre, musical comedy acts.

Week one features the space-themed adventure of Mission to the Moon and the Circus Firemen. In week two, Lucky Jim and Circus Oz Non-Stop take the stage.

After dark, the City Centre will light up with three fire performances, opening with local amateurs, followed by the headline display from Flux Entertainment, famous from Australia’s Got Talent.

The finale on July 19 will feature street food, live music, fire performances and shows from Circus Oz.

Winter in the City, City Walk, next to the merry-go-round, July 5-July 19.