‘Gulgadya' is a Gadigal word meaning 'grass trees'. A word utilised by the Inner West Council to collectively group the suburbs Leichhardt, Haberfield, Croydon and Annandale into a precinct for this expansive new festival. Inner West Fest – Gulgadya is a series of fab events and activations that celebrate local businesses and residents through art, film and culture. Popping up around the precinct from May 14 to 23, this festival covers everything from local First Nations culture to internationally-acclaimed comedians.
Kicking off Inner West Fest – Gulgadya is a series of free activations and events. From May 14 Leichhardt Town Hall will be lit up with projections themed around local First Nations communities. See visual storytelling about the people, places, vegetation and geography from 5pm until 10pm every night of the festival. During the day you can wander around the Gulgadya precinct and find a live-painting happening from artist Zachary Bennett-Brook called 'Community Connections' in Leichhardt, take part in a geocaching challenge in Pioneers Memorial Park and surrounds, follow along a self-guided tour of the area, pop in to a textile installation called 'The Fabric of Society' and refuel at one of Leichhardt's famed food and drink institutions with special festival deals and discounts.
Mark up your calendar with some of the festival's one-of-a-kind events and performances. Book in to the Inner West Festival Comedy Gala on Saturday May 15 to LOL-along with sets from Arj Barker, Rebecca De Unamuno, Diana Nguyen and Tahir for a ridiculously reasonable $49pp. On Saturday May 22 pop in to You, Me and The Space In Between, an intimate video installation inspired by local teenagers. And make sure you jot down Sunday May 23 for Innov8tion, an epic dance battle between dance crews and communities from around Sydney.
Find out more about Inner West Fest – Gulgadya and specific locations and events here.