Australia Day at Parramatta
One of the largest Australia Day celebrations in NSW returns to Parramatta for 2020, offering 15 hours of non-stop free entertainment for the whole family.
A fixture on the January calendar, Australia Day in Parramatta has become a tradition for tens of thousands of Sydneysiders, and this year offers a unique experience of live music, family entertainment, and a spectacular fireworks grand finale.
Taking place on Sunday, January 26 at Parramatta Park as part of the Crescent Summer Series, Australia Day at Parramatta’s massive program of free events welcomes visitors to celebrate what it means to be Australian.
“Australia Day is a wonderful opportunity for all Australians and residents to come together and celebrate our incredible country and its diverse multicultural community,” City of Parramatta Lord Mayor Cr Bob Dwyer said.
“The City of Parramatta’s 15-hour Australia Day event is one of the biggest events on Council’s calendar and this year is no exception. I invite the whole community to come down to the beautiful Parramatta Park, join me in congratulating our newest Australian citizens, and enjoy the day with family and friends.”
The all-day event will start at 6 am with one of Sydney’s biggest hot air balloon launches, filling the sky with a spectacular aerial display.
Home to many different nationalities, City of Parramatta will then host an Australia Day Citizenship Ceremony, kicking off with a traditional Welcome to Country Ceremony before local residents take their pledge to become Australia’s newest citizens.
Visitors can once again weave through the ever-popular CARnivale, the long-standing vintage motoring display with a showcase of 300 vehicles, including fire engines, trucks, military vehicles, motorbikes, speedway cars, some of which are more than a hundred years old.
The curated music program will be a highlight, with a fabulous line-up of Aussie music stars taking to the main stage. The evening concert will be headlined by pop group Sheppard, whose global hit “Geronimo” is a fan favourite. Rising star and Triple J Unearthed winner Asta and X Factor grand finalists and ARIA award winners Jess & Matt will continue the night, with a striking fireworks extravaganza closing the festivities.
Families heading to the Playground Stage will enjoy live shows by Aussie icons Bananas in Pyjamas alongside Sesame St Down Under, featuring appearances from the beloved Cookie Monster and Elmo. A special highlight will be meeting these favourite characters in meet-and-greet sessions.
The Playground Stage will also feature live performances from local favourite the Circular Keys Chorus, family-friendly comedian Sean Murphy, reggae outfit Green Hand Band, four-piece rock band SunFlower and pop-rock artist Hallie.
Across the Park, visitors can experience blues and roots act the Blues Preachers, musical duo Frankie & Charles and the feel-good tunes of Harvey, while Straw Dogs and ukulele pop ensemble The Ukelles will keep the celebrations rolling on the CARnivale Stage.
Continuing the family fun will be a dedicated kids’ space, The Playground, offering a wide range of amusement rides, roving performers and live entertainment. Kids can join in on a number of hands-on activities and workshops from mask-making to jewelry and mobile making, as well as the highly interactive CircusWorks Playground – a circus workshop where, under the supervision of instructors, the whole family can play and learn circus skills in a fun and safe environment.
Throughout the Park, there’s something for everyone, from Amusement City’s sideshow alley to fun carnival rides. For those looking to relax, a special Chill-Out Zone will be at OId Government House Courtyard, where DJs will spin music late into the afternoon. Throughout the day the entertainment comes to you, with roving performances from Up, Up & Away, LifeSavers, Roo’d, Wacky Racers and Seagulls.
Another highlight is the mouth-watering food offerings, including an impressive line-up of food vendors serving flame-grilled delights. A dedicated healthy and happy fresh food range and food trucks with festival fare will also serve treats throughout the day.
Parramatta Park Trust Executive Director Suellen Fitzgerald said it will be a non-stop celebration of family-friendly entertainment.
“We hope everyone will come along to join these wonderful celebrations in the picturesque grounds of World Heritage-listed Parramatta Park,” Ms Fitzgerald said.
The full Australia Day at Parramatta program is available on Australia Day at Parramatta website.
Australia Day at Parramatta
When: Sunday, January 26, 2020
Where: Parramatta Park
Hours: 6 am – 9 pm
Information: www.discoverparramatta.com/ausday
