Australia’s hugely diverse community of Western Sydney is set to mark January 26 with an all-day program for people of all nationalities and ages.
Beautiful Parramatta Park is the setting for the 15-hour festival that begins at 6am with the aerial spectacle of one of Sydney’s biggest balloon launches and caps off with a performance by Australian indie pop heroes Sheppard. If you’re quick you can take part in the tethered balloon rides for $20 – registrations close January 15 – and witness the city from a jaw-dropping height.
Central to the day’s frivolity are two solemn events: a Welcome to Country Ceremony acknowledging the traditional owners of the land on which the event is taking place, followed by the Citizenship Ceremony where some of our newest Australians take their pledges. There will also be a Thank a Firey stall where you can offer messages of support and make a donation to the Rural Fire Service Association.
The curated music program is again a big drawcard to Parramatta Park. Joining ‘Geronimo’ stars Sheppard will be Triple J Unearthed winner Asta and X Factor finalists Jess & Matt. Catch this poptastic line-up at the Crescent Stage from 5.30pm.
Over on the Playground Stage, the kids’ entertainment lasts from 8.30am to 2pm. The irrepressible Bananas in Pyjamas will appear in performance and for meet and greets. Cookie Monster and Elmo are part of the Sesame Street Down Under show, and watch out for kids’ comedian Sean Murphy. From 2pm the stage is given over to music with reggae outfit Green Hand Band, four-piece rock band Sunflower and pop-rock artist Hallie appearing.
In charge of little ones for the day? Dedicated kids’ zone the Playground is where to find amusement rides, roving performers and hands-on workshops from mask making to jewellery and mobile making. There’s even a circus workshop where instructors can train the family safely in selected circus skills.
Rev heads and history buffs will be drawn to centrepiece event CARnivale. This display of more than 300 vintage motor vehicles such as fire engines, trucks, motorbikes and speedway cars includes some automobiles that are over 100 years old. The CARnivale stage will feature alternating performances throughout the day from ukulele pop ensemble the Ukelles and Irish folk band Straw Dogs.
The Murray Gardens Stage will feature live blues and roots music as the background to the Murray Gardens Cook-Up – food vendors offering flame-gilled delights including Filipino Fire Pops, Halal skewers and Aussie and American barbecue. Food trucks and other vendors will gather across the park too, and you’re also welcome to pack a picnic and chill on the lawn. Entry is free but keep in mind, there’s no parking on site, so it’ll have to be a public transport adventure or a footrace from Parramatta CBD’s parking stations.
