Newtown Festival 2016

Newtown Festival 2016

One of Sydney's biggest and most beloved annual events, Newtown Festival is set to return to Camperdown Memorial Rest Park for a day of music, markets, food and fun on Sunday, 13 November 2016 at 9:30am to 5:30pm.

Now in its 38th year, Newtown Festival 2016 celebrates the theme 'Home is where the heart is", honouring the vibrant, eclectic and creative spirit of the community.

The non-profit event hosted by Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) aims to raise much-needed funds to support people at risk of homelessness in the inner west and to protect the -Newtown vibe'.

More than 90,000 people are expected to come together to experience an array of music, food, the arts and creativity, produced by a new team under Festival Director and Erskineville local, Gill Minervini, who has created some of Sydney's most iconic events.

'We're extremely excited to present the packed Newtown Festival 2016 program, which features an unbeatable line-up of performances and events, offering something for everyone.

'Newtown is the creative heart of Sydney and is bursting at the seams with generosity. We've been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm shown by the community and are thrilled that all performers are generously donating their time and talent to help inner west homeless," said Minervini.

This year's event boasts the largest and most diverse music program in the history of the festival, with four stages and more than 40 up-and-coming and established acts – from rap to rockabilly, world music to dance, kids' disco to DJs – including L-fresh the Lion, All Our Exes Live in Texas, Fortunes and more.

Families are encouraged to arrive early to experience the most child-friendly event yet, with a new kids and world music stage, kids' disco, giant games, carnival rides, and a nature-based pop-up play space by Edible Kids Garden.

'While the festival is bigger than ever, we've also added two new chill out zones on Federation Road and Lennox Street to offer punters a quiet place to relax," said Minervini.

One of Australia's most-loved musicians and Newtown local, Sarah Blasko is this year's Newtown Festival ambassador, having performed at the festival early in her career in 2003 and 2004.

'I've lived in and around Newtown for more than 10 years and lots of my early, fond (if not a bit hazy) memories involve Newtown Festival. While the festival and Newtown have changed a lot over the years, my hope is that it can still maintain the free, all-embracing spirit it's always had.

'This year I'm really proud to be an ambassador. I love the place and the people of Newtown a great deal, and I feel really fortunate to call it my home," said Blasko.

Festival favourite, the Writers Tent hosted by independent bookshop Better Read Than Dead will be in full swing from 10am to 6pm with an amazing line-up of talks by Australia's leading writers, including Holly Throsby, Jane Caro, David Hunt, Melina Marchetta, and more.

Furry friends will be on show at the much-loved Dog Show hosted by Sassy Treats, with registration at 9am and dog show from 9:30am to 11am.

The festival will be more delicious than ever, with more than 40 food stalls across the park and Newtown Locals returning for the third year, to collaborate and create five delicious dishes for just $10 each.

Locals taking part include Black Star Pastry, Bloodwood, Brewtown Newtown, Continental Delicatessen, Fleetwood Macchiato, N2 Extreme Gelato, Dandy in the Clos, Oscillate Wildly, Rising Sun Workshop, Sparrow & Vine, The Stinking Bishops, Young Henrys, Hartsyard, Stanbuli, Mary's and 212 Bludonate. Newtown Locals generously donate all of their time, produce and profits to the Newtown Neighbourhood Centre.

There's also a great choice of beverages with five bars selling Young Henry's Newtowner, Young Henry's Cloudy Cider, Noble Cut Gin & Tonic, Vodka Lemonade and Lime, and Newtown Punchbowl; wine from Dandy in the Clos, Sparrow & Vine, and Krinklewood; plus Fleetwood Macchiato sodas and coffee from Newtown and Enmore's finest cafés

As well as more than 300 stalls selling food, arts and crafts, fashion, bespoke products and more, the event will feature a portraiture exhibition showcasing local faces shot by photographer Jo Wallace of Humans of Newtown, whose photographs grace this year's festival posters.

Entry is by donation at the gate via cash or PayPass, with all proceeds supporting people at risk of homelessness in the inner west.

Newtown Neighbourhood Centre, CEO, Liz Yeo said: 'We're asking everyone to please give generously, as all proceeds support NNC's First Response Program, which is dedicated to helping homeless people in the community get on a pathway to finding a roof over their head."

Newtown Festival 2016 is proudly supported by City of Sydney, Inner West Council, Sydney Airport, Sydney Water, Urbane, Newtown Locals, 2SER 107.3, FBi Radio, The Music, Genea, Proud & Punch, Dresden, Dendy, Westpac, Better Read Than Dead, Environmental Enterprise, Garden Games, GoGet, Green Living Centre, Makerspace, Nathan Farrell Entertainment, Garden Reverse Garbage, Sassy Treats, Empty Suitcase, and Edible Kids Garden.

Join the conversation with #NewtownFestival. For the full program or to make a donation, please visit www.newtownfestival.org.