Ten FREE Events at Sydney Festival

You don’t need to miss out on Sydney Festival if the pennies are short after Christmas. Here are ten free events that measure up!

Sydney Festival looks great this year! But what excites us most at artsHub are the number of free events spread across the city and extending to the Festival's new hub at Parramatta. There is something for everyone - as the saying goes - from jumping castles to kookie interactive film noir and roof top jamming sessions. 

Here is our list of top ten FREE events to put in your diary this January. 

1. Christian Boltanski @ Carriageworks

16 tonnes of scaffolding with a random  filmscript moving through it, this interactive installation will captive the imagination of all ages. Chance is his first major installation to be presented in Australla, a work that was originally created for the French Pavilion at the 2011 Venice Biennale. At Carriageworks from 10 January through 23 March.

2. Climbing the walls with Leandro Erlich @ Darling Harbour

Argentinian artist Leandro Erlich is known for his ability to skew architectural perspective in his interactive installations. Known internationally, he comes to Darling Harbour during the festival turning what appears to be a standard 19thc dock-side building on its end, giant mirrors allowing anyone to have the ability to defy gravity. It is the ultimate selfie opp! Merchants Store will be at Darling Harbour 9-23 January.

3. Stonehenge in Hyde Park

Always wanted to visit Stonehenge? Well Sydney Festival brings you the next best thing, Sacrilege (pictured top). As the spiel goes this timeless monument has had ‘an irreverent makeover’. The work of Turner Prize winning artist Jeremy Deller, this giant jumping castle allows you to physically collide with history. Open 9 – 26 January.

4. Roman Ondak in Parramatta

Presented by Kaldor Public Art Projects at Parramatta Town Hall, this trio of performative art works by Slovakian artist Roman Ondak will include Measuring the Universe, previously presented in New York and London, Terrace a new work for Parramatta, and Swap, which featured in last year’s popular 13 Rooms at Pier 2/3. Be part of contemporary art from 10 – 24 January.

5. Festival Village in Hyde Park

Running throughout Sydney Festival Hyde Park will be transformed into the Festival Village, a hub for beverages, food and entertainment including the location of the infamous Spiegeltent, with nightly performance. From 8-26 January (closed Mondays), entry near the Archibald Fountain.

6. Concerts under the stars at the Domain

And the cornerstone of each Sydney Festival is the Domain concert series. Mark the dates for your diary now: 11 January is that night of popular smorgasbords both on and off stage as thousands gather with their picnic hampers under the stars; And on 26 January be prepared to enter an interstellar zone with Symphony in The Domain, with Gustav Holst’s The Planets and readings by the Bell Shakespeare company.

7. Interactive cinema at Artspace

Sydney artist Alex Davies loves to mess with your mind. ‘Step into The  Very Near Future and you’ll find yourself in th ebacklot with the cast and crew of a film noir in the making. From 16 January – 16 February (closed Mondays).

8. Pop 2014 – the street party of the year.

Street theatre, music, amazing food – it is a recipe for the coolest street party – including performances by jazz legend Ambrose Akinmusire, the soul sounds of Bella Kalolo, blues-infused funk of Ben Capalan to funk in Prince Alfred Park with Lee Fields & The Expressions. Head to Parramatta on 10 January to be part of it.

9. Donny Benet in the Spielgeltent

Donny Benet is claimed ‘the poster boy of Italo funk disco’. Mixing late nights in The Spielgeltent on 10, 17 and 24 January, it is the perfect place to drop in to keep the mood going after catching a spot of theatre during the Festival.

10. Make those summer lights last at Paradiso Lates

And more for the late night dwellers – check out the Paradiso Terrace Bar at Sydney Town Hall for after-hours entertainment. With a rolling schedule of free bands and DJs you can get down at the top, skyline and projections adding to the party buzz. Check the festival night for specific performances.

And remember to visit the Festival site to stay in touch with the latest new.

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Sydney's New Year's Eve fireworks to be intergalactic: Reg Mombassa

New Year's Eve plans: the event's creative ambassador Reg Mombassa with Sydney's lord mayor Clover Moore. Photo: Ben Rushton

Sydney Harbour Bridge will put on its biggest midnight display yet when more than a billion people cast their eyes to the harbour city on New Year's Eve.

But artist and musician Reg Mombassa, the event's creative ambassador, said its logo of an "all-seeing eye" was not a hint that crowds might see one staring back.

"If I gave the slightest bit of information away I'd be locked up for treason," the Mambo artist and Mental As Anything rocker said.

What was revealed on Monday was news that the much-anticipated bridge effect, thanks to 16 kilometres of rope light, will be twice as big as previous years – stretching 12 storeys high and 72 metres wide.

Mombassa, who confirmed that this New Year's Eve would be his first work in pyrotechnics, said he was reliably informed Sydney's display would stand out.

"Apparently the fireworks, the Sydney fireworks, are actually visible from the closest galactic supercluster, the Virgo Supercluster, which is 65 million light years from earth.

So there will be some insect-faced aliens enjoying the fireworks display, which is nice to know," Mombassa said.

"Unfortunately the pathetic displays from the other cities won't be visible from that distance.”


Also joining the party will be the Sydney Opera House, which will launch more than 1000 fireworks from its sails as it marks its 40th birthday.

It is the first time the world famous building has been incorporated into the fireworks display in more than a decade, using specially developed pyrotechnics that will not damage its exterior.

Sydney's lord mayor Clover Moore said the $6.8 million fireworks display was the city's gift to Sydney.

About 1.5 million people are expected at the harbour and another 1.1 billion will watch a broadcast of the harbourside festivities, Cr Moore said.

“We are marking the 40th anniversary of Sydney Opera House in the best way that Sydney NYE knows how – brilliant, specially-designed fireworks, firing from the world-famous sails," Cr Moore said.

"I expect this year's event to have one of the most creative fireworks displays Sydney has seen.”

Fortunato Foti, now in his 14th year as the director of the fireworks, said this year was again a challenge to create a display bigger than in previous years.

"Inspiration for this year's fireworks display has been taken from Reg Mombassa's work which, as always, is very colourful and unique. It's been a challenge pulling it together, but I think the crowds will be impressed on the night," Mr Foti said.

And revellers will also have the chance to take home more than photos and memories, for $120.

In an Australian first, a collector's coin featuring a coloured hologram depicting the bridge effect, will be available for sale.

The "Shine" Logo by local artist: Reg Mombassa

Biggest Production to Date Heads Down Under as Sydney Festival Countdown Begins.

With just a month to opening night preparations are well underway for Sasha Waltz’s iconic production of Dido and Aeneas, the centerpiece of January’s Sydney Festival. The much applauded, 

spectacular rendering of the oldest love story in English opera famously commences with a prologue that is danced underwater in a giant fish tank to be mounted on the stage of Sydney’s Lyric Theatre (the only stage strong enough to support the show).

The set travels in four 40-foot shipping containers and will arrive on December 29. Once installed at The Star, the 9 metre long aquarium will be filled with a staggering 7,500 litres of (mercifully heated) water. To accommodate the tricky set changes, pumps are used to empty the water quickly from the aquarium after the dancers have finished performing in it.  The tank is then split in two and moved into the wings.

The German director and dancer’s choreographed version of Purcell’s baroque masterpiece is due to be accompanied by one of the world’s leading baroque ensembles, the Academy of Ancient Music Berlin. 

The cast list is headed by mezzo soprano Aurore Ugolin as Queen Dido and British baritone Reuben Willcox as her vacillating lover Aeneas. The cast also includes experienced singers of the likes of British soprano Deborah York as Dido’s confidant Belinda and tenor Fabrice Mantegna in the travesty role of the sorceress.

With flying dancers and a special role for the choreographer’s eight-year-old daughter, this is one of the biggest productions ever to come to an Australian festival and is similar in size to Théâtre du Soleil’s Flood Drummers, which was presented at Sydney Festival 2002.

Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris is leading the cheers for Waltz’s latest Australian outing and was keen to stress a possible special resonance for Sydneysiders. “Dido & Aeneas by Sasha Waltz will provide the kind of unique and cutting edge cultural experience for which Sydney Festival is renowned,” he said. 

“The aquatic theme, retelling the ancient and tragic tale of unrequited love involving Dido the Queen of Carthage and the Trojan hero Aeneas, is sure to resonate with Sydney audiences given our own love of the water.”

Dido and Aeneas plays The Lyric Theatre at the Star from January 16-21.

St Mary's Cathedral Christmas Lights

St Mary's Cathedral will be turned inside out with projections of stained glass windows and the nativity, usually seen in the church's interior, projected onto the sandstone structure's 75-metre southern facade in the annual Christmas light show.

This year's theme is inspired by a number of cultures, creative director at AGB events Anthony Bastic said. ''We're celebrating … how light is used to celebrate Christmas around the world,'' he said.

 '

'It's a really nice way to celebrate this traditional story and then we're juxtaposing that with the spirit of Christmas.''

Music and animations tell a story of Santa, who creeps into a child's dream and brings toys to life. Planes string tinsel, toy cannons shoot brightly coloured baubles and toy soldiers march past to help decorate the Christmas tree.

The rich hues are illuminated by 12 projectors shining 26,000 lumens of light onto the cathedral.

''They use the very latest in digital technology so the machines they have are extremely bright … it's almost like daylight you're putting onto the building,'' Mr Bastic said. The light display will run daily from 8.30pm to midnight until it closes on Christmas Day.

Birds of Tokyo - Live in Gladstone, QLD

One Night Only - Birds of Tokyo perfrom in Gladstone, QLD

Nationally acclaimed, multi-platinum rock band, Birds of Tokyo take to the new Gladstone Entertainment Convention Centre Event Stage on Thursday February 6 2014 for CQ’s epic concert event, ONENIGHTONLY.

Support on the night by special guests – Mackay’s Chasing the Jeffery, Brisbane’s Barefoot Alley and Gladstone’s favourite band, being reformed for just this show, Epidemic Over.

You’re in for five hours of Australia’s best contemporary rock with full concert sound and lighting.

TIME: 6.30pm – Doors open 6.00pm
TICKETS: $85


*NB – All ages event – 18+ patrons will be issued a wristband to ensure bar service

Book This Event

Darling Harbour all set to float pontoon designed by fabric architect

By David Wheeldon

A new floating pontoon venue has been approved for Darling Harbour, Sydney, designed by fabric architect Warwick Bell from Fabric Structure Systems.

Named Dockside Pavilion, the contemporary, fabric-draped structure will be located on an anchored floating pontoon, where it will serve as a substitute venue for events while the Sydney Convention Centre is being redeveloped.

The pavilion is a partnership between Dockside Group, the Darling Harbour Alliance and the Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority.

The designers behind the pavilion are internationally recognised, including for Louis Vuitton's 150th Anniversary Trunk, a suitcase shaped venue which has toured various cities worldwide, and for The Cloud in Auckland, which featured prominently during the Rugby World Cup 2011.

Christopher Drivas, managing director, Dockside Group said the Dockside Pavilion will play an important part in attracting locals and tourists to visit the Darling Harbour area during the redevelopments.

“With capabilities to host numerous and diverse events, including conferences, business events, charity gala events, festivals and public events, the Dockside Pavilion will offer event organisers an exciting new option,” Drivas said.

He added: “We felt it was important for us as long-term tenants of Darling Harbour to support the industry and the businesses around us during this time of transition. We are looking forward to hosting many exciting and wonderful experiences.”

Source: http://www.architectureanddesign.com.au/news/darling-harbour-all-set-to-float-pontoon-designed

Lion King crowns Sydney capital of theater

SYDNEY, Dec. 14 (Xinhua)-- Opening this weekend to packed houses and civic excitement, the Lion King stage production has seemingly completed Sydney's ascension as the Asia-Pacific's capital of the stage musical.

Sydney's usually dour Taxis are painted as giant Simba Lions; children are dragging about lion soft-toys and even the local government has been keen to bathe in the warm glow of popularity that the latest in a string of international productions has created in Sydney.

The locally created production of one of the world's most popular stage musicals, The Lion King, opened its Australian exclusive run this week at Sydney's Capitol Theater, seemingly crowning Sydney as a major live performance capital of the world.

A thrilled State Minister for Tourism, Events and the Arts, George Souris, told Xinhua that the show would out perform even the most successful shows to have toured through Sydney in the last years -- and that includes world-beaters like Wicked and Phantom of the Opera.

"Fans of this phenomenally successful musical, from Sydney and across Australia, have welcomed The Lion King with open arms, resulting in record breaking ticket sales," he said.

The Minister's office anticipates that the Australian production entirely exclusive to Sydney - will generate about half a million ticket sales, with around 50,000 interstate and international patrons traveling to Sydney to see the show.

The State's tourism and events unit, Destination NSW, told Xinhua that the number of visitors alone means an injection of 28 million Australian dollars into the state economy.

The Disney organization anticipates that the cumulative economic impact to NSW will be about 100 million Australian dollars confirmation that the stage musical sector is booming and only likely to grow in the coming months.

That bodes well for the launch of the musical adaptation of one of Australia's most loved and iconic films Baz Luhrmann's Strictly Ballroom, which will hit the stage here next year.

The build-up to Strictly Ballroom's long-awaited arrival has reached fever pitch after delays have pushed back the opening night because of Luhrmann's constant tweaking of his Hollywood blockbuster The Great Gatsby; and an already packed stage calendar with the two Kings -- the King Kong musical in Melbourne, and Sydney's Lion King taking precedence.

When Strictly Ballroom was released, it gained 13 Australian Film Institute (AFI) nominations, winning eight categories.

The Lion King by comparison is an international blockbuster and the highest-grossing stage show in the world, with more than 70 million people having enjoyed the musical since its Broadway premiere in 1997.

The highly-regarded live show is the winner of more than 70 major international awards including, six Tony Awards in 1998 and a Grammy for Best Musical Show Album.

Sydney's Lion King is the 22nd production worldwide and the 10th production running concurrently, the highest number in the show's history.

Certainly, this is one of the biggest productions ever to open in Sydney and the capacity of these events to drive tourism, create jobs and grow the local economy is never missed by decision makers.

Now in its 16th year, The Lion King continues to reign as a cultural phenomenon and one of the most popular stage musicals in the world.

Since its Broadway premiere on Nov. 13, 1997, 21 global productions have been watched by more than 68 million people and, cumulatively, run a mind-boggling 96 years.

Source: http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/entertainment/2013-12/14/c_132967855.htm