Family favourites The Wiggles have joined the exciting line-up of this year's Granny Smith Festival, which will transform Eastwood into a fun-filled, all-day carnival ground on Saturday 19 October.
The Wiggles Sound System featuring DJ Dorothy (and Big Strong John, pictured above) is making a special appearance at the Finale Concert on Eastwood Oval, with new high energy versions of some of the internationally famous group's biggest and most recognisable hits sure to get the crowd dancing and singing along from 6.00pm.
Sydney's Amy Chase Band will keep the groove going with a 7.00pm set featuring plenty of soul and funk classics before the traditional fireworks display ends proceedings with a bang at 8.00pm.
It will be a fitting climax to a day filled with music, food and entertainment as City of Ryde's biggest annual event celebrates its 39th year.
The Granny Smith Festival – which honours the legacy of Maria Ann Smith, the Eastwood local who, in 1878, created the famous apple that bears her name – has grown from humble beginnings to be now recognised as one of Sydney's biggest and best family street parties.
City of Ryde CEO Wayne Rylands said the Festival was a wonderful representation of City of Ryde's dynamic and harmonious community, with delicious food and amazing entertainers from many different cultural backgrounds on offer.
"This City prides itself of being an inclusive place for people of all cultures – and joining with our community for significant events like this gives me great delight," he said.
"We are home to more than 135,000 people, who come from 130 different countries of origin, speaking over 100 different languages.
"It's a place where people from all over the world continue to settle down and start new lives – just like Granny Smith did in 1838 when she arrived here with her husband, Thomas, and their five children seeking a better and more prosperous life."
Running from 9.00am-8.30pm, this year's Festival promises a day packed with highlights, beginning with the famous parade and its colourful and vibrant marching bands, dance groups, cultural performers, and festival floats.
Kids' shows include Aussie favourites Bluey and Bingo in the 'Bluey Live Experience', and there are singing, colouring in and apple pie eating competitions, as well as a Youth Zone featuring live music, dance workshops and arts & craft, camel rides on the oval, thrilling amusement rides and plenty of food and drink options.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown advised revellers to plan their day, with big crowds expected once again.
"An estimated 80,000 people helped to turn Eastwood into Sydney's biggest carnival ground last year, proving our enduring love for this brilliant and unique community event," he said.
"This year, we've added even more fun into the mix, with an amazing range of free activities and entertainment for the whole family to enjoy."
To start planning your day, go to: www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/GSF
