It has taken months of collaborative planning, but it’s time to reveal all the fun and fabulousness that will be on offer at Newtown Festival this November. Join us for a full day of music, art, talks, markets, food, four-legged friends and more to celebrate the Inner West community and beyond.
As a major fundraiser for Newtown Neighbourhood Centre(NNC), the Festival will showcase the best from the Inner West at Camperdown Memorial Rest Park on Sunday 10 November 2019 between 9:30AM – 5:30PM.
For an expected contribution of $5.00 or more at the entry gates, festival attendees can feel great about supporting those doing it tough in the Inner West and have an amazing day out!
Here’s an A-Z of what you’ll be able to immerse yourself in at Newtown Festival 2019.
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 begin your sustainable journey and increase your understanding of current and future global environmental issues.
The Eco Village is also home to our wriggly friends in the Worm Farm, who assist us in diverting as much organic waste as possible away from landfill by munching on all the food scraps at the festival. You can do your part by bringing your compostable plates, cutlery and any leftover food across to the worm farm where the friendly Eco Village team will collect and process it all so that our little mates stay well fed!
EDGE IRL TALKS TENT
EDGE “IRL” Talks Tent is a new addition to the Newtown Festival program this year. In collaboration with Inner West Council’s EDGE Newtown Arts Program, the tent will host interactive sessions and “in real life” talks about some of the prominent issues affecting the community including the role of Art and Activism, the importance of art and creativity to community and economic wellbeing and prosperity, mental health, youth empowerment, social activism, sustainability and equality. Keeping in mind the importance of future generations, and with 12 – 25 year olds in mind, the EDGE IRL Talks Tent will host inspiring talks by high school students, yoga classes for mental mindfulness, sustainable fashion tips, DIY Gardening workshops with Stick n Stone, a keynote from Benjamin Law and spoken word performances from incredible musicians like Ziggy Ramo. And that’s just a small taste of what’s on offer.
#EDGEinnerwest #EDGEnewtown
FOOD AND MARKET STALLS
There will be over 200 stalls scattered throughout the Festival site, with local businesses, designers and creators selling food and beverages from around the world, general merchandise, fair trade goods, plants, and handmade arts and crafts. There’s sure to be something for everyone!
HEAPS GAY KARAOKE CLOSET
Inner West party starters Heaps Gay are returning with their incredibly popular Karaoke Closet at Newtown Festival 2019! Located under the shade near the Federation Stage, step into their tropical love den to sing, dance and party with the Qweens! Love song dedications, dress ups and queer bangers are 100% encouraged.
KIDS ZONE
Newtown Festival will once again feature a bunch of activities suitable for the entire family! The Kids Zone will be the ultimate destination for young creative minds. Check out the Kids Creation Station to participate in story time sessions, facepainting, pet rock making and more. Plus there are heaps of fun rides, along with back-to-back kids entertainment on the Young Hearts Stage.
LIVE MUSIC
Over the last few years, the Newtown Festival music program has been curated to offer an entirely Inner West based line up. This year follows suit with a diverse array of local artists who have a strong connection with Newtown and the Inner West community.
We’re excited to welcome back some Newtown Festival alumni, as well as showcase emerging talent and some of our favourite local sweethearts.
Nathan Farrell, from Nathan Farrell Entertainment said ”we’re stoked to be involved in this great festival again in 2019. It’s now our sixth year programming, and it’s more important than ever to recognise how crucial events like Newtown Festival are to our community. We’re looking forward to an amazing day showcasing the talent, diversity and vibrant culture of the Inner West.”
Please welcome in alphabetical order;
AUSTRALIA | THE BUOYS | THE DELTA RIGGS
GODTET | THE GOODS | HELU | JANNAH BETH | THE KNOW
THE LAZY EYES | LOLA SCOTT | MAJUN BU
MURRAY COOK’S SOUL MOVERS | OLY SHERMAN | P.SMURF | THE REGIME
SCABZ | SORCHA ALBUQUERQUE ORGAN TRIO
Former Red Wiggle Murray Cook and current Soul Mover said “Living in the Inner West, specifically, Newtown has been a massive part of my adult life. From share houses in Australia Street through the 1980s, to finally ending up as close to the Enmore Theatre as any live-music-loving-noise attracted resident would want to be, I honestly can’t imagine living anywhere else. My kids both went to Newtown Public and Newtown High School of the Performing Arts, and it brings me great joy to be playing at Newtown Festival on Sunday 10th November with my band The Soul Movers.”
NNC COMMUNITY HEART
The incredible team at NNC will be providing a chill out space for all festival attendees to enjoy and relax in. Step inside to take advantage of comfy couches, bean bags, and a breastfeeding station and change table. Whilst there, have a chinwag with some of the dedicated NNC staff and volunteers to find out exactly how they help those doing it tough in the Inner West, you can also grab some free fresh fruit, have a glitter makeover, get artsy and crafty, take some polaroids and share your hopes for the future of Newtown.
SASSY TREATS DOG SHOW
Our good friends at Sassy Treats are back again to host the 2019 Annual Dog Show and your pooch is invited to be a part of the action! 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. All proceeds from the dog show registration directly support the programs and services provided by the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre. Stay tuned to our socials to find out how to register your BFFF.
Sassy Treats will also be conducting a workshop on dog etiquette and safety on our family friendly Young Hearts stage.