The Hills Lunar Festival will become bigger and better in 2025, with the addition of a dazzling fireworks display and $4,000 worth of prizes thanks to the support of Castle Towers.
Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne said the event would be a celebration of East Asian culture and cuisine in the heart of Castle Hill to mark the Year of the Snake.
"Hills Lunar Festival will be a celebration of Asian culture that our whole community will be able to immerse themselves in and enjoy," Mayor Byrne said.
"Food trucks will serve traditional dumplings, ramen, fried rice and karaage chicken, with sweets like mochi, bubble tea and dragon beard candy for dessert.
"The stage is jam-packed with beautiful performances from Hills Chinese Association, Korean drumming, lion dancing, K-pop, a reptile show to tie in with the Year of the Snake, and more.
"Between the performances, attendees will also have a range of free activities to choose from, such as face painting, making snakes out of clay and mahjong."
According to Chinese legend, fireworks and the colour red are used to scare the monster Nian away. Nian was a horrifying sea creature with sharp teeth and horns who would come ashore during Lunar New Year to terrorise villagers.
"This is a fantastic evening and I'm encouraging everyone to come down and experience the wonder and joy of Lunar New Year," Mayor Byrne added.
Prizes that will be given away on the night at the Lucky Envelope Wall include Castle Towers gift cards, Chatime vouchers, Event Cinemas movie tickets, and more. The prize giveaway has been made possible thanks to Castle Towers.
"Castle Towers is proud to support the Hills Lunar Festival, an event that brings people of all backgrounds together to celebrate Asian culture and tradition through food, performances and activities for the whole family to enjoy," Castle Towers Portfolio General Manager, Martin Ollis said.
"We look forward to celebrating alongside our community and wish everyone a happy and prosperous Year of the Snake."
Attendees are encouraged to catch public transport to Castle Hill Metro Station, which is conveniently located next to Arthur Whitling Park.
For more information, visit www.thehills.nsw.gov.au and search for 'Hills Lunar Festival.'
HILLS LUNAR FESTIVAL
WHAT: Cultural food stalls, on-stage performances, free craft activities and face painting, prize giveaways at the Lucky Envelope Wall, colourful Lunar New Year decorations and fireworks.
WHEN: 2pm – 9pm, Saturday 8 February 2025.
WHERE: Arthur Whitling Park, Castle Hill (next to Castle Hill Metro Station).
