Newtown Festival Turns 40
Not too many community events stand the test of time as long as the Newtown Festival, which celebrates it’s 40th Anniversary this Sunday.
The festival has become a staple in the yearly entertainment calendar for not only Newtown but Sydney at large. Acting as the primary fundraiser for the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC), the Festival will showcase the best music, art, literature, markets, and food from the Inner West at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park.
The NNC has become a crucial part of the Inner West community thanks to its focus on building an inclusive, resilient, self-reliant and creative community. NNC does this by providing support services to the local community, particularly for those people at risk of homelessness and social isolation, people impacted by domestic and family violence, as well as those with a mental illness, or facing other tough challenges in their lives. The NNC also engages in community projects with the specific purpose of retaining and developing Newtown’s unique character – the “Newtown Vibe”.
As part of fostering this “Newtown Vibe” the Newtown Festival will include a broad range of offerings to create a fun day out for the entire family. Some of the options worth checking out throughout the day include:
Better Read Than Dead Writer’s Tent: A literary landmark that has thrived in the heart of Newtown’s King Street for over two decades, nourishing the neighbourhood with a specially curated collection of books and regular author and community events. This team of dedicated book lovers have kindly donated their time and expertise to deliver a program that brings together some of Australia’s leading writers.
Commune: Is Newtown’s very own co-working space which has been fostering community, creativity, and collaboration. As part of the festival they will be offering a place to chill out and connect with others while enjoying some delicious vegan food stalls and kombucha on tap, as well as free yoga, dance and creative workshops running all day.
Eco Village: Curated by Sydney Sustainability Centre, the Eco Village will offer a full program of discussions and workshops; from learning what small steps you can take in your day-to-day life to progress your journey towards a more sustainable home, to increasing your understanding of current, global environmental issues.
Heaps Gay Karaoke Closet: Start singing in the shower… Inner West party starters Heaps Gay are back with their Karaoke Closet at Newtown Festival 2018! Located near the Newtown Locals, step into their tropical love den to sing, dance and party with the Qweens! Love song dedications and queer bangers are 100% encouraged.
Newtown Locals: Are a collective of businesses founded on the united commitment to give back to the community who support them. The crew are back again for another year, bringing outstanding talent together in one place, at one time, offering unique and affordable dishes and drinks for all to enjoy, for a fantastic cause.
Live Music: This year’s line up offers a diverse array of local artists who have a strong connection with Newtown and the Inner West community. This year the festival will be simultaneously welcoming back alumni and showcasing new rising talents. Some of the acts worth making time for are; Palms, Dappled Cities, Georgia June and Pirra.
Kids Zone: Kids Zone is a place for imaginative minds to create and learn while having fun. Join Guwaali for DIY boomerang painting, turn your thumbs green with composting and gardening workshops by Pocket City Farms or learn how to program and race ‘Ozbots’, pocket sized coding robots with Newtown Library.
Sassy Treats Dog Show: Let’s not forget our little four legged friends, your dogs are warmly welcomed to the festival and encouraged to partake in the Annual Dog Show. With a range of categories on day including Most Unique, Doggie Dash, Celebrity Look-a-Like and of course Champion BFFF (Best Furry Friend Forever), your pooch is sure to take home a prize.
So with so much on offer why not clear your calendar of any previous commitments and instead head out and celebrate your community. You’re guaranteed to find something fun within the unique “Newtown Vibe.”
Nov 11, 9:30am-5:30pm. Camperdown Memorial Rest Park. $5. Info: www.newtownfestival.org
