It’s a Festiville!

Arts & Entertainment Scene

Rita Bratovich
June 9, 2023

Image: FESTIVILLE at Marrickville Metro.

Marrickville Metro will host its inaugural Festiville this weekend, celebrating all that’s great about Marrickville, the Inner West and Metro itself. The Festiville program will span two days, across two floors and will be too good to miss.

The aim is to bring together a community that’s rich in cultural diversity, talent and spirit, by encouraging local businesses, performers, and schools to share their offerings. For one big weekend, Marrickville Metro will be a festival hub with activities spread over both levels. There will be mini themed villages around the centre including Beautyville, Kidsville, and Marketville.

The whole thing kicks off with a warm Welcome To Country by much loved Gadigal man, Uncle Ray Davidson.

Uncle Ray Davison. Image: MCA/Marrickville Metro

Enjoy live entertainment throughout the festival. Martha, an inner west indie songwriter and performer who is steadily garnering a fanbase, will be singing her folk-infused songs on the main stage. She’ll be joined on the bill by local indie talents, Southey, Haley Holgate, and Australian Idol’s Kartik Kuna.

Music of another kind comes care of the 35 strong St Pius Primary School choir who will perform a stunning selection of tunes along with a three-piece ensemble. Not to be outdone, Wilkins Public School will showcase three extraordinarily talented rock bands – The Marrickville Pigeons, The Amplifiers and Daisy Chain.

For something slightly different, the Inner West Vietnamese Language School will share their rich culture through a beautiful live performance of traditional music and dance.

Round the kids up for a very special treat. None other than Bluey and Bingo will be at the centre in person, dancing and singing on stage, then meeting and greeting their little fans.

Bluey and Bingo. Image: Marrickville Metro

Food is integral to any festival and Festiville is no exception. Eateries throughout the Metro will be serving up special treats and offering discount deals across the two days. You’ll also be able to learn some cooking tips and get advice. Jimoto will demonstrate how to use Japanese spices authentically.

Pete Campbell, chef. Image: Masterchef/Marrickville Metro

One of the food highlights will be a special guest appearance by MasterChef 2021 Runner Up, Pete Campbell, who’ll show you how to cook a meal in 30 minutes, and maybe answer some of your pressing kitchen questions.

Teaching you how to find your way around Mediterranean cuisine will be Jessica Timpano aka the Little Italian Cook.

Around the centre you’ll be able to pick up fashion bargains, win prizes, get free advice and demonstrations on make-up, hair, tattoos and piercing, men’s grooming and beard treatment, and even free 5-minute massages.

Plus, don’t miss the fabulous art tour around Marrickville Metro. Guided by Inner West Council, you’ll be shown large and small scale artworks in and around the site and be told the stories behind them.