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Free Robbie Williams concert at Melbourne’s Federation Square prompts road closures as fans turn out early Thousands swarm to free Robbie Williams gig at maxed out Fed Square in Melbourne
(about 4 hours later)
Williams, who is in Australia to promote his biopic Better Man, is due to perform at Fed Square from 5pm on Thursday Fans started gathering from 8.30am and by late afternoon the crowd had swelled to fill the outdoor space, which has a capacity of about 8,000
British pop star Robbie Williams’s free Melbourne gig will prompt city road closures, as fans began gathering more than eight hours before the performance. British pop star Robbie Williams’s free Melbourne gig prompted city road closures as thousands of fans descended on Fed Square, many gathering more than eight hours before the 5pm start time.
Williams, who is in Australia to promote his recently released biopic, announced the free pop-up show on Wednesday evening. He is due to take to the stage at Federation Square at 5pm on Thursday afternoon. Just 15 minutes shy of the scheduled start, the venue announced it was full and directed fans not yet inside the main area to an overflow site at Birrarung Marr, next to the Yarra River.
Photos posted to social media showed a small group of fans outside the stage before 8.30am. Williams, who is in Australia to promote his recently released biopic, announced the free pop-up show on Wednesday evening.
Road closures in the CBD will be in place from 3pm to 7pm between Russell and Elizabeth Streets and Flinders Street to Princess Bridge, Federation Square said. By late in the afternoon on Thursday the crowd had swelled to fill the outdoor space, which has a capacity of about 8,000.
Road closures in the CBD were in place from 3pm to 7pm between Russell and Elizabeth Streets and Flinders Street to Princess Bridge, Federation Square said. The area of the performance is one of the busiest sites in Melbourne’s CBD, directly opposite the entrance to Flinders Street Station.
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The outdoor CBD venue has a capacity of about 8,000. Guardian Australian understands the venue will release information about the location of a spillover site, if required, closer to the start of the performance.
The free event, which will also feature a Q&A-style interview, will run from 5pm to 6pm.The free event, which will also feature a Q&A-style interview, will run from 5pm to 6pm.
In a social media post, Federation Square advised fans public transport was the best way to travel to the venue.In a social media post, Federation Square advised fans public transport was the best way to travel to the venue.
“Enter from Swanston Street. Once the Square reaches capacity, fans will be redirected to an overflow area,” the post said.“Enter from Swanston Street. Once the Square reaches capacity, fans will be redirected to an overflow area,” the post said.
A spokesperson for Federation Square said safety was the highest priority for the pop-up event.A spokesperson for Federation Square said safety was the highest priority for the pop-up event.
“That’s why additional safety measures have been put in place by Fed Square including an increased number of security, fencing, first aid, additional amenities, water fountains and a strong police presence,” the spokesperson said.“That’s why additional safety measures have been put in place by Fed Square including an increased number of security, fencing, first aid, additional amenities, water fountains and a strong police presence,” the spokesperson said.
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Williams’ biopic, Better Man – where the singer is portrayed as a chimpanzee – was shot in Melbourne and received funding from the federal and Victorian government. Victorian film-maker Michael Gracey co-wrote and directed the movie.Williams’ biopic, Better Man – where the singer is portrayed as a chimpanzee – was shot in Melbourne and received funding from the federal and Victorian government. Victorian film-maker Michael Gracey co-wrote and directed the movie.
Williams, the headline performance at the ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast in Sydney, performed at the AFL grand final in 2022.Williams, the headline performance at the ABC’s New Year’s Eve broadcast in Sydney, performed at the AFL grand final in 2022.
In 2023 he played two solo shows at AAMI Park.In 2023 he played two solo shows at AAMI Park.
A spokesperson for Victoria police said resources had been allocated to the concert.A spokesperson for Victoria police said resources had been allocated to the concert.
“Our aim [is] to ensure those present have a safe and enjoyable evening,” the spokesperson said.“Our aim [is] to ensure those present have a safe and enjoyable evening,” the spokesperson said.