Sydney will be filled with the sound of festive music as some of our best choirs entertain families, shoppers & passers-by each night in the lead up to Christmas Day.
Renowned choirs including the Australian Girls Choir, The Cafe Of The Gate Of Salvation, Sydney Gay and Lesbian Choir & the Sydney Philharmonia Choir, will perform in Martin Place every night & in Pitt Street Mall throughout December.
Australian Girls Choir Photograph: City Of Sydney
The City’s annual Christmas At Sydney Town Hall concert on the 20th of December guarantees a memorable night for the whole family. Concert goers will enjoy carol singing, festive music & readings as well as the magnificent Grand Organ in the stunning Centennial Hall. Book tickets for Christmas At Sydney Town Hall at cityrecitalhall.com
“The City works closely with retailers to make sure the Christmas shopping experience in Sydney is as festive & fun as possible” Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said.
“These performances by some of Australia’s most-loved choirs will create a wonderful atmosphere & bring extra festive cheer to shoppers and visitors during the Christmas season”
A choir singing carols in Pitt Street Mall as part of ‘Sydney Christmas’ Photograph: City Of Sydney
Pitt Street Mall Choir Program:
Northern Beaches Chorus – 1st of December, 6pm–8pm Australian Girls Choir – 1st of December, 6pm–8pm Northern Beaches Chorus – 3rd of December, 6pm–7pm Australian Girls Choir – 4th of December, 6pm–7pm Australian Girls Choir – 8th of December, 6pm–8pm Northern Beaches Chorus – 8th of December, 6pm–8pm Endeavour Harmony Chorus – 10th of December, 6pm–7pm Australian Girls Choir – 11th of December, 6pm–7pm The Cafe Of The Gate Of Salvation – 15th of December, 6pm–8pm Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir – 15th of December, 6pm–8pm Sydney Philharmonia Choir – 17th of December, 6pm–7pm Endeavour Harmony Chorus – 18th of December, 6pm–7pm Salvation Army Band – 19th of December, 10am–12pm Salvation Army Band – 20th of December, 10am–12pm Salvation Army Band – 21st of December, 10am–12pm Salvation Army Band – 22nd of December, 10am–12pm Northern Beaches Chorus – 22nd of December, 6pm–8pm Australian Girls Choir – 22nd of December, 6pm–8pm Salvation Army Band – 23rd of December, 10am–12pm Salvation Army Band – 24th of December, 10am–12pm
Martin Place Choir Program:
Soulfood – 1st of December, 6pm–8pm Australian Youth Choir – 2nd of December, 6pm–8pm Northern Beaches Choir – 3rd of December, 7pm–8pm Australian Girls’ Choir – 4th of December, 7pm–8pm Leichhardt Espresso Chorus – 5th of December, 6pm–8pm HoneyBees – 6th of December, 6pm–8pm Sista! Quartet – 7th of December, 6pm–8pm Sydney Gay & Lesbian Choir – 8th of December, 6pm–8pm Endeavour Harmony Chorus – 9th of December, 6pm–8pm Endeavour Harmony Chorus – 10th of December, 7pm–8pm Australian Girls Choir – 11th of December, 7pm–8pm Circular Keys Chorus – 12th of December, 6pm–8pm Sydney Philharmonia Choir – 13th of December, 6pm–8pm Circular Keys Chorus – 14th of December, 6pm–8pm Northern Beaches Choir – 15th of December, 6pm–8pm Circular Keys Chorus – 16th of December, 6pm–8pm Sydney Philharmonia Choir – 17th of December, 7pm to 8pm Endeavour Harmony Chorus –18th of December, 7pm–8pm Sydney Philharmonia Choir – 19th of December, 6pm–8pm With One Voice Sydney – 20th of December, 6pm–8pm Leichhardt Espresso Chorus – 21st of December, 6pm–8pm Salvation Army Band – 22nd of December, 7pm–9pm Salvation Army Band – 23rd of December, 7pm–9pm Salvation Army Band – 24th of December, 7pm–9pm
2 free city concerts will kick off the City Of Sydney’s exciting Christmas program tomorrow (Saturday) with kids’ entertainers, illuminations, carols, choirs & an interactive Christmas tree and light show.
The simultaneous concerts in Martin Place & Hyde Park feature a host of stars including Megan Washington, Taylor Henderson, Justine Clarke, the Moorambilla Voices Choir, Casey Donovan, Jimmy Giggle, SplashDance & the Australian Girls Choir.
Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said Christmas in Sydney is a special time & encouraged everyone to check out the City’s events over the next 4 weeks.
“We welcome thousands of people from across Sydney to the city and it’s villages for the festive season with so much on offer for everyone to enjoy” the Lord Mayor said.
“Sydney’s Christmas is unique & we want all Sydneysiders to take pride in it. We have sunshine in the city, warmth & long evenings making it the perfect time to enjoy the city with your family & friends.”
“I hope everyone will embrace the joy of our Sydney Christmas”
Lord Mayor Of Sydney, Clover Moore, next to the LEGO Christmas Sleigh with Casey Donovan, Splashdance, Guide Dog NSW/ACT representatives & guide dogs! Photograph: City Of Sydney
Sydney Christmas 2016 highlights:
Martin Place Christmas Concert & Tree Lighting – Saturday the 26th of November, 6:30pm–8:30pm AEDT
The renowned City Christmas Concert will be hosted by Samantha Armytage and Mark Ferguson & packed with entertainment the whole family will enjoy. The free, 2 hour concert features the Australian Record Industry Association Award-winning Megan Washington, Taylor Henderson, Casey Donovan, Justine Clarke, Moorambilla VoicesChoir & Bananas In Pyjamas.
Santa & the Lord Mayor will arrive on a cycle-drawn sleigh to light Sydney’s tallest Christmas tree & the Concert will finish with a fireworks spectacular.
Visitors can text a message to 0487 939 627 (048 SYD XMAS) & it will appear on the Christmas Tree’s branches for everyone to see. The Tree will also feature a nightly sound & light show from 8:30pm–9:15pm AEDT that includes an orchestral Christmas score, moving coloured lights & sky beams.
Santa stockings jam-packed with goodies will be on sale for AUD$5 with all proceeds going to the City’s charity partner, Guide Dogs New South Wales (NSW)/Australian Capital Territory (ACT).
Christmas On The Green– Saturday the 26th of November, 6:30pm–8:30pm AEDT
The free family concert in Hyde Park, hosted by Jimmy Giggle, will include performances by Justine Clarke, the Australian Girls Choir, SplashDance & Ben and Holly’s Little Kingdom.
The concert will also offer craft activities, a sausage sizzle, gelato & a Santa stocking filled with Christmas goodies.
Santa & the Lord Mayor will stop by for a visit before a fireworks finale.
Boulevard Of Light –nightly from the 26th of November until Christmas Day
Transforming the walkway along Pitt Street Mall is an overhead canopy of 62,000 twinkling lights. More than 40 Christmas trees will add to the festive wonderland atmosphere.
BVLGARI Christmas Lights – nightly from the 26th of November to the 28th of December
BVLGARI will help set Christmas aglow with a jewelled light installation throughout the Martin Place area.
Created from thousands of individual light-emitting diode lights, the festive decorations feature the Roman jeweller’s most iconic shapes including coiling Serpentis as the centrepieces.
LEGO Christmas Sleigh – 26th of November to 23rd of December
Visitors jump into the life-sized LEGO® Christmas Sleigh for the ultimate Christmas selfie. Created by a LEGO® certified professional, aka The Brickman, the Sleigh is made up of more than 10,000 LEGO® bricks, measures more than 5 cubic metres & is sure to be a hit with LEGO® fans.
Next to the Martin Place Christmas Tree, the Sleigh will be open for photo opportunities on various dates throughout the festive season.
Village Christmas Concerts – 3rd, 4th, 10th & 11th of December, 6:30pm–8:30pm AEDT
Sydney’s villages will be full of Christmas cheer thanks to carol sing-alongs, a kids disco & guest appearances by favourite performers including Jimmy Giggle, Justine Clarke, SplashDance, Alex Papps & local bands.
The free concerts will also feature elves, kids craft workshops, performances by Brown Sugar, Gang Of Brothers & Caravana Sun, Guide Dog puppies, a visit from Santa & a glittering fireworks display.
The free family concerts will take place at Rushcutters Bay (3rd of December), Rosebery (4th of December), Alexandria (10th of December) & Surry Hills (11th of December).
Illuminations – nightly from the 26th of November to Christmas Day
Sydney Town Hall & buildings around the city centre in places including King, Pitt, Market, Castlereagh & Park Streets, will be illuminated with festive colours from dusk until late every night until Christmas.
The façade of St Mary’s Cathedral will be the stage for a free sound & light show. The theme for the 2016 projections is Joy To The World & will feature an animation of The Nutcracker & a pictorial journey of Christmas decorations throughout the ages.
Carols & Choirs – nightly from the 26th of November to Christmas Eve
The sounds of Christmas will ring across the city with choirs performing every night up until Christmas.
Street choirs singing carols will perform every night at the Martin Place Christmas Tree from the 26th of November to Christmas Eve. In Pitt Street Mall, choirs will entertain shoppers every Thursday evening in December.
The annual Christmas At Town Hall concert on the 20th of December will feature a mix of choirs & the Royal Australian Navy Band. Tickets are available at sydneychristmas.com.au.
Guide Dog Graduation – 6th of December, 11am-3pm AEDT
Guide Dogs NSW/ACT will host a Guide Dogs Christmas Presentation Day in Martin Place. Passers-by can see live guide dog training demonstrations, experience a puppy pre-school & get their photo taken with a guide dog puppy.
Woolloomooloo Christmas Block Party– 3rd of December, 11am–6pm AEDT
The all ages, all free community event at Woolloomooloo Playground on Dowling & Pring Streets features disc jockeys, live music, graffiti demonstrations, dance workshops, basketball, table tennis & more.
The Block Party will be a celebration of Christmas & urban culture with a focus on connecting youth & families with local community service providers within a creative & supportive environment.
Carols In The Park – 10th of December, 5pm-9pm AEDT
Green Square will host its own Christmas event at Joynton Park, Zetland. There will be live music, market stalls, food, activities for the kids, a jumping castle, face painting, Christmas crafts & fireworks.
Shopping – throughout the festive season
As well as the big brand outlets in the city, local village retailers & boutiques each offer their own style & treasures. Shoppers can also take part in the Best Shop Window Competition by tagging their favourite village window #SydXmasWindow on Instagram for a chance to win a AUD$2,000 shopping voucher.
Sydney’s villages will soon be full of Christmas cheer thanks to carol sing-alongs, a kids disco, local bands & guest appearances by favourite performers including Jimmy Giggle, Justine Clarke, SplashDance & Alex Papps.
The free concerts in early December will also feature elves, kids craft workshops, performances by Brown Sugar, Gang Of Brothers & Caravana Sun, Guide Dog puppies, a visit from Santa & a glittering fireworks display.
‘Jimmy Giggle’ Photograph: City Of Sydney
Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said the village concerts were a great opportunity for families and friends to get together & enjoy a Christmas picnic and night of carols.
“Our village Christmas celebrations bring the community together to enjoy a great line-up of live entertainment from local performers, kids’ workshopsb & a special visit from Santa” the Lord Mayor said.
“I encourage everyone to come along, spend time with friends and family & share in the Christmas spirit of peace & goodwill.”
Alexandria, Sydney – Saturday the 7th of December 2013: City Of Sydney Christmas Concert, Alexandria Park (Photo by Jamie Williams/City Of Sydney)
A sausage sizzle, ice cream & coffee will be available at the concerts. Santa stockings jam-packed with goodies will be on offer for AUD$5 with proceeds going to the City’s Christmas charity partner Guide Dogs New South Wales/Australian Capital Territory.
There will also be an opportunity to meet Gulliver, the world’s largest guide dog & to play with some Guide Dog puppies.
Guide dog in a park with Christmas present decorations Photograph: City Of Sydney
Rushcutters Bay, Saturday the 3rd of December – Reg Bartley Oval, 6:30pm–8:30pm AEDT Hosted by Jimmy Giggle & featuring kids’ entertainment by Justine Clarke and SplashDance & soul, reggae and dance music from Caravana Sun.
Rosebery, Sunday the 4th of December – Turruwul Park, 6:30pm–8:30pm AEDT Hosted by Jimmy Giggle & featuring kids’ entertainment by Justine Clarke and SplashDance & soul music by Brown Sugar.
Alexandria, Saturday the 10th of December – Alexandria Park, 6:30pm–8:30pm AEDT Hosted by Play School’s Alex Papps & featuring SplashDance and disc jockey Kate Monroe spinning Santa’s Kiddo Disco along with a performance by Gang Of Brothers.
Surry Hills, Sunday the 11th of December – Prince Alfred Park, 6:30pm–8:30pm AEDT Hosted by Play School’s Alex Papps with SplashDance and Santa’s Kiddo Disco for the kids & upbeat funk and rock from Gang Of Brothers.
Megan Washington, Taylor Henderson, Moorambilla VoicesChoir & Justine Clarke are just some of the spectacular talent lined up to perform at Sydney’s first Christmas concerts of 2016.
On Saturday the 26th of November, the City Of Sydney will launch its Sydney Christmas program with 2 family-friendly concerts packed with free entertainment from 6:30pm to 8:30pm AEDT.
The Martin Place Christmas Concert & Tree Lighting will be hosted by television presenters Samantha Armytage and Mark Ferguson & feature entertainment for the whole family.
2-time Australian Record Industry Association Award winner & multi-platinum album selling artist, Megan Washington, will headline the Martin Place concert. Also performing will be former Australia’s Got Talent & X-Factor star, Taylor Henderson & children’s favourites, Bananas In Pyjamas, Jimmy Giggle & Justine Clarke.
Taylor Henderson Photograph: City Of Sydney
The renowned Moorabmilla Voices, featuring 60 children from dozens of schools across rural New South Wales (NSW), will delight the audience with their only Sydney performance this season.
“Our city concerts are always an exciting way to start the Christmas season & taking place on a Saturday evening for the 1st time, we expect them to be more popular than ever” Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said.
“This is all about showcasing what our city does best at this special time of year”
“The City works closely with performers, corporate partners, retailers & the media to make Sydney a must-visit destination throughout the Christmas period”
Moorambilla Voices Choir Concert Photograph: City Of Sydney
The Martin Place Christmas Concert will culminate with the arrival of the Lord Mayor & Santa on his sleigh, to light the Christmas Tree. Fireworks will illuminate the sky as Sydney’s tallest Christmas tree is switched on.
At Hyde Park, Master Of Ceremonies, Jimmy Giggle, will lead a night of performances from Justine Clarke, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom, Splashdance & the Australian Girls’ Choir. Santa will pay a visit & as the sun sets, the night will finish with a fireworks spectacular.
Jimmy Giggle Photograph: City Of Sydney
During the concerts, the Mutual Life & Citizens Centre Food Court will offer a variety of food and beverage options & the General Post Office Dessert Bar will have a range of gelato, sweets & cakes on offer.
The City’s Christmas program will continue through to Christmas Eve, with the City’s villages hosting children’s concerts in Rushcutters Bay, Rosebery, Alexandria & Surry Hills.
Shoppers will be entertained by choir performances in Pitt Street Mall every Thursday evening & carols by the Martin Place Christmas Tree every night in December.
The Boulevard Of Lights will transform Pitt Street Mall into a festive walkway with a canopy of 62,000 twinkling white lights overhead while Sydney Town Hall will be illuminated in festive colours from dusk each day until Christmas.
Guide Dogs NSW/Australian Capital Territory will host a demonstration & graduation ceremony for its new working dogs in Martin Place on the 6th of December. Passers-by will also have the opportunity to cuddle some adorable puppies that are soon to become trainee guide dogs.
For more information about the Sydney Christmas celebrations, visit sydneychristmas.com.au.
More than a million visitors will enjoy the sights, sounds & tastes of Asia when the city comes alive for the 2017 Sydney Chinese New Year Festival from the 27th of January to the 12th of February.
Sydney will strut its stuff & shake its tail feathers when it celebrates the Year Of The Rooster in one of the biggest celebrations of the Lunar New Year outside of Asia.
City Of Sydney Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said the Festival has developed into an internationally renowned celebration of Chinese, Vietnamese, Thai & Korean culture.
“Chinese astrology predicts that the Year Of The Rooster will be a powerful one & as it’s our 21st birthday, we really have something to crow about” said the Lord Mayor.
“From its humble beginnings in Chinatown, the Festival now extends all the way to Sydney Harbour & last year attracted 1.3 million people, making it the 3rd largest annual event in Sydney”
“Featuring the Lunar Lanterns & 80 traditional and contemporary events across Sydney, the 2017 Lunar New Year celebrations have something for everyone”
Visitors can follow the Lunar Lanterns trail around Circular Quay from the Sydney Opera House to Dawes Point. 12 spectacular zodiac animal lanterns, designed by Australian-Chinese artists & varying in size up to 10 metres high, will line the foreshore for the entire 17 day festival”
Festival Curator, Claudia Chan Shaw. said the Lunar Lanterns walk will create a vibrant precinct around the harbour for visitors & families to explore.
“Following the enormous success of last year’s inaugural Lunar Lanterns exhibition, in 2017 we will introduce several new lanterns that will amaze & delight visitors” Claudia said.
“And being the Year Of The Rooster – an animal that loves being the centre of attention – there will be 2 hero Rooster lanterns, one at the Sydney Opera House and the other in the Festival’s cultural heart in Chinatown”
The City will collaborate with principal partner, Westpac, in lighting Sydney’s most famous landmarks in auspicious red for 3 nights to welcome the Year Of The Rooster from the 27th to the 29th of January. Painting The Town Red will highlight the sails of the Sydney Opera House, the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Circular Quay Railway Station, Sydney Town Hall & other Sydney landmarks.
Bernadette Inglis, Westpac’s General Manger For Retail & Premium Bank, said Westpac is excited to partner with the City Of Sydney for the 2nd year in a row to celebrate Lunar New Year.
“Westpac is thrilled to support the Lunar New Year celebrations & to recognise the incredible contribution the Chinese community makes to Australia. The Chinese community remains one of Westpac’s largest multicultural audiences. We are looking forward to seeing iconic Sydney landmarks lit up in red” said Ms Inglis.
At Martin Place, the Westpac Lunar Lantern Hub will feature a 50-metre canopy of red lanterns, food, drink, The Star Fortune Mahjong Garden & nightly disc jockeys and entertainment.
On Friday the 3rd of February, the Hub will host a party to mark the 21st birthday of the Festival in Sydney with lion dances, community dance performances, live music & an opportunity for everyone to join together in an enormous sing-along with ‘massaoke’.
More than 1000 performers from the Chinese, Korean, Thai, Vietnamese & Japanese communities from across Sydney will bring the City’s streets to life with hip hop, children’s performances, folk dance, martial arts, kung fu & traditional dance performances.
The popular community performance program will entertain audiences with pop-up style performances throughout the Festival on Friday & Saturday evenings in Customs House Square & Martin Place with more performances celebrating the Festival in Chinatown.
More than 80 associated events across Sydney will offer diverse celebrations of the Lunar New Year from singing karaoke at the top of the Harbour Bridge, to tea ceremonies, exploring the moon at Sydney Observatory, lantern workshops, photography exhibitions & renowned composer Tan Dun conducting the Sydney Symphony Orchestra at the Sydney Opera House.
Pyrmont Bay Park will be transformed into a pop-up food festival filled with Asian cuisine, live entertainment & culture.
The final weekend of the Festival – Saturday the 11th & Sunday the 12th of February – will feature the excitement & thrill of the dragon boat races. With origins dating back 2500 years to ancient China, 3000 paddlers will converge on Darling Harbour for the largest dragon boat regatta in the Southern Hemisphere.
“Roosters are always active and happiest when surrounded by others & the 2017 festival will reflect this spirit with visitors able to enjoy a packed calendar of events, exhibitions, community performances, film screenings, tours, talks and delicious food” said Miss Chan Shaw.
“Sydney’s 21st Chinese New Year Festival will be lively, colourful, noisy & exciting – a dazzling celebration of culture, heritage & inspiring artistic talent that provides an opportunity to make your Lunar New Year experience as traditional or contemporary as you want”
Sydney’s Christmas season will kick off with 2 simultaneous outdoor concerts in the city featuring children’s entertainers, the Moorambilla Voices Choir, surprise special guests & an appearance by Santa Claus!
The City Of Sydney will mark the start of its AUD$3.5 million Christmas program on a weekend for the 1st time. On Saturday the 26th of November, Sydneysiders have the chance of enjoying the Martin Place Christmas Concert & Tree Lighting or Christmas On The Green in Hyde Park.
Lord Mayor, Clover Moore, said the concerts were a drawcard for thousands of families who come each year to enjoy a night of live music, carols & Christmas cheer.
“Our annual Christmas concerts mark the beginning of the festive season in Sydney & are eagerly anticipated by the young and old” the Lord Mayor said.
“This year we’re excited to host these free events on a Saturday night to allow more families to come into the city to enjoy Sydney’s 1st Christmas concerts for 2016″
“We’re also giving local residents opportunities to celebrate the season close to home with family & friends with 4 Christmas concerts in some of our local villages”
“Adding to this, we’ll have choir performances, colourful decorations, lights, the city’s largest Christmas tree & more. This Christmas will be a great celebration in Sydney & I encourage everyone to get into the festive spirit”
Sydney Christmas 2016 highlights:
City concerts – Saturday the 26th of November
2 hour concerts in Martin Place & Hyde Park will kick off at 6:30pm AEDT & showcase a musical line-up of performers to entertain families & visitors of all ages.
Children’s entertainer, Justine Clarke, will open the Martin Place concert, followed by live performances by the Moorambilla Voices & special guests to be announced. The concert will feature a fireworks finale & the lighting of the interactive Christmas Tree by Santa & the Lord Mayor.
At Hyde Park, children’s performers will entertain young families including Jimmy Giggle, Ben & Holly’s Little Kingdom as well as the Australian Girls’ Choir & Santa.
The Hyde Park concert will also offer craft activities, a sausage sizzle, gelato & a Santa stocking filled with Christmas goodies.
Martin Place – the heart of Sydney Christmas
The Martin Place Christmas Tree has been the centrepiece of Christmas in Sydney for 47 years. Standing 21 metres tall & dressed with 60,000 lights, 120 interactive stars, 200 stainless steel baubles & a 1.5 metre star on top, visitors can text a message to 0487 939 627 (048 SYD XMAS) & it will appear on the Tree’s branches for everyone to see.
The Tree will also feature a nightly sound & light show from 8:30pm–9:15pm AEDT that will include an orchestral Christmas score, moving coloured lights & sky beams.
Visitors can climb on board Santa’s giant LEGO® Christmas Sleigh – a perfect selfie opportunity with the Martin Place & Christmas Tree backdrop.
From the 26th of November, a General Post Office Dessert Bar will offer a range of festive, mouth-watering gelato, sweets & cakes through to the 31st of December.
Christmas lights
The Boulevard Of Lights will once again transform Pitt Street Mall into a festive walkway. The canopy of 62,000 twinkling white lights will immerse the mall in the joys of the season each evening from the 26th of November to Christmas Eve.
Sydney Town Hall will be illuminated with festive colours & the façade of St Mary’s Cathedral will be the stage for a free sound & light show. The theme for the 2016 projections is Joy To The World & will feature an animation of The Nutcracker & a pictorial journey of Christmas decorations throughout the ages.
Village Christmas concerts
Free family concerts at Rushcutters Bay (3rd of December), Rosebery (4th of December), Alexandria (10th of December) & Surry Hills (11th of December) will feature children’s entertainment, live music, fireworks & a visit from Santa.
Christmas choirs
Visitors can enjoy the sounds of Christmas as they stroll through the city. Street choirs will perform every night leading up to Christmas at the Martin Place Christmas Tree while carollers entertain shoppers in Pitt Street Mall.
Christmas at Sydney Town Hall on the 20th of December is an opportunity for the family to enjoy the true meaning of Christmas with a pageant of readings, music by the Royal Australian Navy Band & performances by a massed choir and children’s choir, led by the Grand Organ.
Shopping
As well as the big brand outlets in the city, local village retailers & boutiques each offer their own style & treasures. Shoppers can also take part in the Best Shop Window competition by tagging their favourite village window #SydXmasWindow on Instagram for a chance to win a AUD$2,000 shopping voucher.
Guide Dogs presentation & puppies
On Tuesday the 6th of December, Guide Dogs New South Wales/Australian Capital Terriorty will host a Guide Dogs Christmas Presentation Day in Martin Place. Passers-by can see live guide dog demonstrations, learn about the complete guide dog journey & play with some up and coming trainees from the puppy pre-school.
A parade of giant animal light sculptures will make their way down Macquarie Street on Saturday the 15th of October, Taronga Zoo announced today, marking 100 years since the Zoo officially opened in Mosman in 1916.
Starting at Hyde Park at 8pm, the amazing light sculptures will be escorted by a cast of school children who will dance, sing & light up the streets for the wild to the Sydney Opera House, where a live performance will take place.
The giant animal light sculptures represent Taronga’s 10 year commitment to the conservation & preservation of 10 Centenary Species, iconic & beloved animals which include the Asian Elephant, Platypus & Sumatran Tiger.
The fabulous light parade will recreate the historic moment 100 years ago, when Jessie The Elephant made her way from the original zoological site in Moore Park, through the Central Business District, down Macquarie Street to a spot on the foreshore directly where the Sydney Harbour Bridge & Opera House would rise years later. Jessie boarded a barge, to be transported across Sydney Harbour as did hippos, primates, reptiles & many other animal species Taronga still cares for today.
Taronga is encouraging Australians to ‘Stand Up #ForTheWild’ by coming along to cheer the parade or by donating to its Centenary commitment to turn around the plight of these 10 critical species.
Creative Director, Ignatius Jones, said: “This will be the most amazing parade that Sydney has seen in 100 years! An absolute carnival of lights, dancing & music!”
“A great night out for friends & families, the Taronga Zoo Centenary Birthday Parade will spread the word that we need to stand up for these amazing animals and help Taronga ensure their future”
Taronga Zoo’s Chief Executive Officer, Cameron Kerr, said: “We’re inviting everyone in Sydney to ‘Stand Up For The Wild’ by coming along to what will be an amazing spectacle & help support the work being done for these 10 vital species”
“We’re asking Australians not just in Sydney but across the country to help us raise 1 million Australian dollars to kick-start a lifetime conservation commitment”
The Parade is the exciting culmination for Taronga’s Centenary program, presented by long-term supporter ANZ, which has also included Vivid Sydney at Taronga Zoo, Eid at Taronga, inviting guests to come in for 1 Australian dollar on their birthday, creating a stunning collection of past & present Taronga memories at #IGrewUpWithTaronga, hosting an amazing birthday party on the 7th of October Centenary anniversary & the commencing of amazing field-work to conserve the 10 Centenary species.
Donate 10 Australian dollars to help Taronga save 10 endangered species from extinction. Visit: tarongaparade.org
What: Taronga Zoo Centenary Birthday Parade
When: Saturday the 15th of October 2016 at 8pm
Where: Starting from Hyde Park North & continuing along Macquarie Street to the Sydney Opera House’s grand finale performance
The Sydney Harbour Bridge is getting into the spirit of next Saturday’s local Australian Football League (AFL) derby, with the pylons of the famous landmark to be lit with Sydney Swans & Greater Western Sydney Giants players for the coming week.
In a celebration of the 1st Sydney AFL Final to feature both local teams, the Bridge will be lit up in both those clubs’ colours every night until Friday, September 9.
The Sydney Swans & Greater Western Sydney Giants will face off in the 1st Qualifying Final next Saturday afternoon at ANZ Stadium, with the winner getting a home Preliminary Final in Sydney & a precious week off.
Lance Franklin, Dan Hannebery, Luke Parker, Jarrad McVeigh, Josh Kennedy & Kurt Tippett are star Sydney Swans to feature in the rotating images on the south pylon of the Bridge.
Callan Ward, Steve Johnson, Stephen Coniglio, Toby Greene, Jeremy Cameron & Dylan Shiel are the Greater Western Sydney Giants players who will feature on the north pylon.
Well over 40,000 tickets have already been sold for the derby, which will be the Greater Western Sydney Giants’ Finals debut.
4 spectacular new Zodiac lanterns will be part of the City Of Sydney’s 2017 Chinese New Year Festival celebrating The Year Of The Rooster.
The giant artworks, representing animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac, will join the Lunar Lanterns exhibition that featured as part of the 2016 Sydney Chinese New Year Festival, which attracted 1.3 million visitors.
The new animal lanterns – a rooster, rat, pig & snake – will be located in key locations throughout the city from the 27th of January to the 12th of February 2017.
Interactive lighting & design architects, Amigo & Amigo, will design new concepts for the rooster & snake lanterns; Chinese-Australian artist, Guo Jian, will design the rat lantern while the pig lantern will be created by Beijing-born artist & sculptor, John Deng.
11th February 2016 – ‘The Monkeys’ at the Sydney Opera House during the City Of Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival celebrations. Photo by DAMIAN SHAW/CITY OF SYDNEY
Next year will be the 21st anniversary of the Festival and the 2nd year the City has exhibited Lunar Lanterns.
City Of Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Monica Barone, said the new lanterns will mean even more people can enjoy the 2017 Lunar Lanterns exhibition & Sydney Chinese New Year Festival celebrations.
“Our 1st ever Lunar Lanterns were a huge hit in 2016, attracting more than 750,000 visitors & providing more than 1000 community group members with the opportunity to perform at each lantern”
“These new lanterns will help us continue to build on what is one of the biggest & most successful Lunar New Year celebrations outside of Asia. I look forward to seeing the lantern designs by local artists”
11th February 2016 -City Of Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival celebrations. Photo by DAMIAN SHAW/CITY OF SYDNEY
Festival curator, Claudia Chan Shaw, said the City will work with artists to deliver the new lanterns.
“For more than 2000 years, the lantern has been an important part of Chinese New Year celebrations & the Lunar Lanterns exhibition is a modern, contemporary twist on this ancient tradition” Claudia said.
“Lunar Lanterns will encourage more visitors into the city, providing a boost for local retailers as well as showcasing a variety of community performances & events throughout the 2017 Festival”
From its modest beginnings in 1995 as a community street market, the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival has grown to become one of the largest celebrations of the Lunar New Year outside of Asia.
The Festival will include favourite events like The Dragon Boat Races at Darling Harbour, the Westpac Lunar Lantern Hub, the Westpac Painting The Town Red & an extensive associated program of more than 80 partner events.
The City Of Sydney is inviting community groups & performers that celebrate the Lunar New Year to take part in the Lunar Lanterns exhibition for the 2017 Sydney Chinese New Year Festival.
Lunar Lanterns will feature 12 giant lanterns representing animal signs of the Chinese Zodiac at some of Sydney’s most popular locations as part of the Festival from the 27th of January to the 12th of February.
Martin Place & Customs House Square will feature colourful & lively performances set amongst the magnificent Zodiac lanterns.
The City is looking for community groups & artists that would like to produce performances & demonstrations for the Lunar Lantern Community Performance Program, part of the Lunar Lanterns exhibition.
Sydney – February 10, 2016: City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival celebrations in Sydney, Australia (Photo by Jamie Williams/City of Sydney)
“This is a great opportunity for Chinese New Year Festival regulars & other community groups to be part of the biggest Lunar New Year celebration outside mainland China” City Of Sydney Chief Executive Officer, Monica Barone, said.
“We are looking for traditional & contemporary performances & skills demonstrations from martial arts to tai chi”
“This is a great way for participants to showcase their talents & for tourists, workers and residents, to celebrate our city’s many cultures.”
City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year celebrations on the 11th February 2016. Photo by DAMIAN SHAW / CITY OF SYDNEY
Next year’s Sydney Chinese New Year Festival program will provide more opportunities to celebrate the lunar festival throughout the city centre as well as its traditional heart in Chinatown.
Lunar Lanterns will be one of the highlight events of the City’s 2017 Sydney Chinese New Year Festival celebrations. The Festival will also include long-time favourite events like the Dragon Boat Races, Westpac Lunar Lantern Hub, Westpac Painting The Town Red & more than 80 associated events.
Sydney – February 10, 2016: City of Sydney’s Chinese New Year Festival celebrations in Sydney, Australia (Photo by Jamie Williams/City of Sydney)
“The community is the heart of the Sydney Chinese New Year Festival & we want to showcase their talents and help promote these organisations in a vibrant celebration of all of the communities that celebrate the Lunar New Year” said Claudia Chan Shaw, Sydney Chinese New Year Festival Curator.
To be part of the Lunar Lanterns program, applications should be completed and submitted online by Monday the 29th of August 2016.
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