Morrison will perform as part of the community celebration for the opening of the 1000-seat theatre and work with school children on a special event for the occasion.

Fans of Morrison will also be able to enjoy the James Morrison Quintet when they present a full concert as one of the many events planned to mark the opening of the facility.

Morrison said it was a thrill to be involved in 'what will surely be a fantastic new community and performing arts space in this amazing regional city'.

"I’m always excited to perform with the quintet, but I’m especially looking forward to working with local students as part of Ulumbarra’s community concert,” he said. 

“I am really impressed to know this space will be used for music, drama and dance students across the region and especially from the senior college next door, as well as providing this great new theatre for the whole community.”

Ulumbarra’s opening celebrations will run throughout April, 2015, and include a range of performances from local community, national and international touring artists including comedy, children’s shows, circus, drama, ballet, rock and classical music. 

City of Greater Bendigo city futures director Stan Liacos said there was much to celebrate about Ulumbarra.

"Not only its unique adaptive re-use of the old gaol, and the amazing educational facilities that surround it, but the genuine opportunity for our whole region to benefit from such a great flexible space,'' he said.

 “Ulumbarra is for the whole community to celebrate and be a part of, and that’s very much how we want to start, by including as many community members as possible in its opening.”

Capital venues and events manager David Lloyd said it was a thrill and challenge to manage the new facility.

"Combined with our other venues including The Capital, we are anticipating a very exciting year ahead,'' he said.

For information on events at the new Ulumbarra theatre during 2015, register your name at: http://www.ulumbarratheatre.com.au/Connect/Ulumbarra_Update.