UPtown Festival to celebrate 30th birthday
The Pyrmont Ultimo UPTown Festival is set to celebrate its 30th birthday with a bang.
The festival which takes place on March 19, has become an annual highlight for the local community and brings hundreds together to celebrate the distinct character of the Ultimo Pyrmont area.
Manager of the UnitingCare Harris Community Centre, Lorraine Findlay, said the festival has continued to grow over the years, becoming an invaluable community building event.
“It is a great family day out,” she said. “You can stay a few hours or just drop by. It’s a very relaxed environment with a truly local flavour.”
The festival, which will kick-off with a traditional Aboriginal smoking ceremony, features a wide range of free entertainment options with musical acts set to run throughout the day. They are expected to showcase both new and established artists.
A two-stage set up has been configured, with one geared towards performances for children and young people, while the main stage will sit at the opposite end of the festival premises.
“The entertainment is generally very interactive,” said Ms Findlay. “It’s great for kids…and adults too.”
Kids can look forward to being spoiled by a range of free activities on offer, including trampoline bungee jumping, face-painting, an animal farm, and pony rides.
The festival is also a once-a-year opportunity for local businesses, craftspeople and designers to showcase and promote their products, from community banking to organic bread, ceramics and handmade jewellery, bags, books and more.
There will also be many stalls offering a variety of international and organic food, as well as confectionery, arts and crafts, personal care, and gift items.
This year’s festival will feature noteworthy historical displays, showing old photographs and “relics” from the event and the area over the years.
Ms Findlay, who is organising the event, believes the many long-lasting relationships formed on the day are a strong testament to the success of the UPtown Festival.
“It’s a great place to get to know people and become friends,” she said. “This has had a very positive impact on the community.”
Community groups traditionally turn out in force to explain their services and strengthen their ties with local residents.
The festival continues to thrive despite being run primarily on goodwill by volunteers.
“This is not a commercial operation and as a result we rely heavily on volunteers,” said Ms Findlay. “So far we have 40-plus fantastic volunteers on the day and we are always on the lookout for more!”
The Pyrmont Ultimo UPTown Festival is presented by the UnitingCare Harris Community Centre. It takes place on Saturday 19 March, from 11.00 am – 4.30 pm at Quarry Green (between Harris St and Jones St) Ultimo.
