One of Western Sydney’s biggest and best annual events returns this November. Tench Reserve by the beautiful Nepean River will transform into a playground of activities, performances and outdoor adventures for the two days of the Real Festival.
Head down there from 5pm on the Friday and 2pm on the Saturday, and all along the reserve you’ll discover stage shows, art installations, markets and pop-up shows. Hands-on activities and workshops will invite you to get creative. And as the sun sets you can enjoy great food, live music and illuminated artworks in the outdoor gallery. What's not to love?
The headline performance on both nights is an aerial spectacular taking place over land and water. All That We Are is a new work from Spanish director Younes Bachir and Australian choreographers Strings Attached. The show has been created especially for Real Festival’s unique location and will feature more than 30 volunteers from the Penrith local area alongside professional aerialists.
Another program highlight will be Splash Test Dummies, a kids’ stage show combining acrobatics, comedy and stunt work. For green thumbs, Logie award winner Costa Georgiadis will give interactive gardening presentations. There will be a curated exhibition of illuminated Aboriginal artworks, Red Air, as well as 'String Symphony' – pull the strings of Leor the giant illuminated puppet and watch him move.
An eclectic range of musicians will provide the soundtrack to Real Festival. Indie folk band the Tipsy Scholars, one-man jazz band Uptown Brown and Canadian singer-songwriter Alysha Brilla are among the standouts. Also keep an ear out for blues duo the Sweet Jelly Rolls, singer-DJ Jazz Hourigan and pop combo Frankie and Charles.
The river is an important part of the festival, with activities including free kayaking, stand up paddle boarding, and river cruises. There will also be a show of native animals, a silent disco, and artisan markets to browse.
Food is far from an afterthought but rather a centrepiece of Real Festival. No less than 27 food trucks will be pulling up at Tench Reserve, making the event a true culinary adventure. Expect American-style ribs and slow-cooked meats from Burnt Ends BBQ; world class pizza from Lucio Pizzeria; melting Raclette cheese on fries, burgers and chicken schnitzel from Dairy Extraordinary; and the taste sensation that is deep-fried lasagne cubes from Inbocca Foods.
Desserts have not been forgotten: Torch Me Crème Brûlée will bring their take on the classic French custard treat; Stroopbros are serving Dutch waffles; and gelato legends Messina will be on hand too, scooping up their justifiably famous icy delights. A riverside bar will be offering specialty cocktails, beer, wine and cider.
Everything in the festival is free, apart from workshops (which incur a small fee and must be booked online) and food and drink. Four free shuttle buses will be operating from Penrith Station to Tench Reserve on a continuous loop throughout. The fun wraps up at 10pm on both days.
Real Festival is presented by Penrith City Council and complete details can be found online.
