The FREE event opens at 11 am for stalls, with content starting on most stages at 12.00pm. Entertainment will end around 10.30 pm with bar 2-9pm and restaurants might be open till 10 pm.

Authentic Street Food Selection

Street level stages with Multicultural Entertainment

Local Performers and Singers

Lion Dance and Fire Crackers

Food and beverage stations presented primarily by local restaurants;

Program details will be released in 2 weeks before the event.

We encourage you to travel on public transport. Please check with Public Transport Victoria (www.ptv.vic.gov.au or 1800 800 007) for train and tram timetables.

The festival is accessible via train to North Richmond Station and/or tram; route 109 (Box Hill to Port Melbourne) and route 12 (St Kilda to Victoria Gardens) go along Victoria Street . Route 78 (Prahran to Richmond) stops at the corner of Church and Victoria Streets. Please note there will be bus replacement for trams from Hoddle street and Church Street.

There is limited street parking available during the day on Victoria and surrounding streets, but most have a 1-2 hour parking limit. Sunday is free in some places. Please check the sign. Parking can also be limited depending on the day and time, so plan carefully.

Alternatively, you can park your vehicle in Victoria Gardens Shopping Centre and Hive Shopping Center where 2 hours and more parking is available at reasonable rates.

Bicycles can be securely locked along the street. Please take care of your valuable and bike.

Is this event suitable for young children or dog?

* If you children is older than mostly welcome. If they are too young then avoid the fireworks in the afternoon as it may scare them.

* For dogs, the large crowd may not be good for them. However earlier in the day it might be okay.

Will there be toilets?

* Yes, there’ll be enough toilets for everyone at the event, including accessible toilets in each area. These will be signposted on the night.Toilet location is near the stage or toward church street. There should be signage for you to find or you can ask some of the vendor of security staff.

Will there be food and drinks for sale?

* Yes, food and drink will be available, both from stalls and from local cafes and restaurants. These will vary from viewing area to viewing area. You’ll only be able to buy alcohol from permanent licensed premises.

Can I bring my own food and drink (including alcohol)?

* Yes, you can bring your own food and drink. You can not bring alcohol into the event areas. Remember, police may give you a fine. We have a beer garden for you to enjoy the drink there.

* Don’t bring any glass into the viewing areas. All drinks should be in cans or plastic bottles. Please do put your rubbish in the bins.

Is there a covered area if it rains or hot?

* Yes we do have covered areas. Remember we have over 50 restaurants and eateries you can go or alternatively visit Hive shopping centre.

Is there first aid?

* Yes. St John Ambulance will be at the event. Anyone needing medical help should go to a first aid point on Nicholsol Street. Event staff can show you to the nearest one. Call 000 in the case of emergency.

Are there special meeting points?

* Incase of emergency please follow instruction from security staff and the police.

Will there be Wi-Fi in the area?

* You might be able to use some of the restaurant wifi if you are their guest

Who is managing security at the event?

* We work closely with the Police, PTV, Yarra trams, Ambulance and Fire services to plan for security and safety at the event.

* On the day, event security will be managed by trained staff working with the Police, Event Coordinators and other agencies.

* We encourage everyone coming to the event to be vigilant, and to report anything of concern to a security or police officer.

* No backpacks or suitcases will be allowed into the event this year, do remember this to avoid being turned away at the entrance.

Can I bring a drone?

* No. For security reasons, drones are strictly prohibited in and around the event. Any drones found will be destroyed and owners may be prosecuted, so leave them at home.

Still have a question that needs answering?

* If we haven't answered your question above, get in touch with us mail@victoriastreet.org.au or visit our event control centre by asking one of the security staff.

Longterm Leasing

* Are you interested in becoming part of the exciting retail mix at Victoria Street? We can refer you to one of the agents on the street.

About Victoria Street Richmond

* Victoria Street Richmond features over 300 businesses including modern and Asian restaurants, grocers, homewares and lifestyle brands and professional services. With a proud multicultural history of having many ethnic restaurants.

* Victoria Street Richmond also boasts a thriving fresh food market including a Woolworth and Aldi, fresh fruit and vegetable market, butcher, deli, fish monger and more!

* A destination for quality entertainment, catch a movie at Victoria Gardern, enjoy the fun of Otao kitchen cooking and or grab a bite to eat at any of the delicious Victoria Street restaurants.

* Victoria Street Business Association is a trader association.

RULES & WAIVER OF LIABILITY

Contest is open to all Australian residents 18 years or older. Contractors, Volunteers and Employees of Victoria Street Business Association are not eligible to enter.

CAREFULLY READ THESE OFFICIAL CONTEST RULES AND ENTRY FORM FOR VICTORIA STREET LUNAR FESTIVAL PHO EATING COMPETITION INCLUDING THE ELIGIBILITY REQUIREMENTS AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY PROVISIONS.

Complete and sign this document below. All entry forms and photos from the challenge become the property of Victoria Street Business Association.

It is a must for contestants to likes us on facebook and share the event.

There will be initial rounds of competition to get 2 winners of each competition. Each competition will run for 10-20 minutes, as each contestant attempts to eat as fast as possible during this time frame. The winner is judged by finishing the Pho bowl first and second.

The final round will be at 7-8pm and the first winner will get the prizes above and vouchers from Victoria Street Traders.

Winners will be decided by Victoria Street Lunar Festival Committee and Victoria Street Business Association reserves the right to disqualify any contestant it deems unfit to participate without explanation. Their decision is final and will not be negotiated.

Contestants may eat either sitting or standing in their pre-designated area using chopstick and spoon only.

A contestant must wait for the starting signal to begin eating and may not touch any hot Pho prior to the starting signal.

A contestant must stop eating and must promptly place their hands down up.

A contestant may not put any additional food in their mouth after the ending signal, but will

Judges will be on hand to assure adherence to contest rules and to disqualify a contestant who fails to adhere to the rules.

Grounds for disqualification include:

1. False or incomplete entry form or liability waiver

2. Any health risks that could jeopardize the contestant’s health or well being

3. Under the influence of any substance

4. Appearance is deemed inappropriate by Victoria Street Business Association staff

5. Starting prior to the start signal

Winners will be determined by:

Eating the most complete Pho bowl.

An award will be given to the contestant.

All participants agree to the use of their name, voice, likeness, and city/town/village for advertising or trade purposes and to cooperate reasonably in any effort to promote or publicise Victoria Street Business Association festival and events and its sponsors.

Eating Competition. Apart from the prizes associated with being selected as a winner, Victoria Street Business Association shall not be obligated to compensate you in any way for such publicity.

There will be initial rounds of competition to get 2 winners of each competition. Each competition will run for 10-20 minutes, as each contestant attempts to eat as fast as possible during this time frame. The winner is judged by finishing the Pho bowl first and second.

The final round will be at 7-8pm and the first winner will get the prizes above and vouchers from Victoria Street Traders.

Winners will be decided by Victoria Street Lunar Festival Committee. Victoria Street Business Association reserves the right to disqualify any contestant it deems unfit to participate without explanation. Their decision is final and will not be negotiated.

Contestants may eat either sitting or standing in their pre-designated area using chopstick and spoon only.

A contestant must wait for the starting signal to begin eating and may not touch any hot Pho prior to the starting signal.

A contestant must stop eating and must promptly place their hands down up.

A contestant may not put any additional food in their mouth after the ending signal, but will

Judges will be on hand to assure adherence to contest rules and to disqualify a contestant who fails to adhere to the rules.

Grounds for disqualification include:

1. False or incomplete entry form or liability waiver

2. Any health risks that could jeopardize the contestant’s health or well being

3. Under the influence of any substance

4. Appearance is deemed inappropriate by Victoria Street Business Association staff

5. Starting prior to the start signal

Winners will be determined by:

Eating the most complete Pho bowl.

An award will be given to the contestant.

All participants agree to the use of their name, voice, likeness, and city/town/village for advertising or trade purposes and to cooperate reasonably in any effort to promote or publicise Victoria Street Business Association festival and events and its sponsors.

Eating Competition. Apart from the prizes associated with being selected as a winner, Victoria Street Business Association shall not be obligated to compensate you in any way for such publicity.

ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF RISKS AND WAIVER OF LIABILITY

Contestant acknowledges that there are risks of personal injury, illness and possible loss of life, and risks of damage to or loss of personal property, which may result from participating in this contest. Contestant voluntarily enters Victoria Street Lunar Festival Pho Competition and assumes all of these risks.

Contestant, as a condition of entry, agrees to indemnify, defend and hold harmless Victoria Street Business Association and affiliated companies, their vendors, their advertising, promotion and public relations agencies, cosponsoring companies and their affiliates and agencies, and all officers, directors, employees and agents of the aforesaid entities, from any and all claims and costs, including attorneys’ fees, relating to, arising from or in connection with participation in this contest or the receipt or use of any prize.

In so doing, contestant releases and indemnifies the aforesaid entities and individuals from liability for injuries or damages of any kind arising from or in connection with participation in this contest or the receipt or use of any prize.

In no event Victoria Street Business Association be liable to a contestant for acts or omissions arising out of or related to the Challenge or that Contestant's participation in the challenge.

FINAL AUTHORITY

Victoria Street Business Association has sole and complete discretion regarding all contest related matters. All decisions regarding disqualification of a contestant(s) or winner(s) shall be subject to the sole and complete discretion of Victoria Street Business Association. You can be disqualified for any reason at any time.

CERTIFICATION AND SIGNATURE

I certify that the information provided is correct and that I have carefully read, understand and accept the terms of Victoria Street Business Association Pho Eating Competition Official Contest Rules and Entry Form. My signature indicates my understanding and assumption of the risks and my voluntary participation in this contest.