Internationally acclaimed pop performer Ricki-Lee has been announced as the headline act for this year's Granny Smith Festival, closing out an action packed, fun-filled day in the heart of Eastwood on Saturday 21 October.
Ricki-Lee will take to the oval stage at 7.00pm, ahead of a spectacular fireworks finale, and can't wait to sing in front of a thrilled all-ages audience.
"I'm so excited to get up there and perform for everyone with my band," said Ricki-Lee, who recently released two brand new songs – On My Own and Point of No Return – from her forthcoming fifth studio album.
"It's going to be a wonderful day and I'm hoping I can be the cherry or, should we say, apple on top of a great family day out.
"I'll be performing some of my own songs mixed with some of my all-time favourites that everyone knows and loves – so everyone has to bring their singing voices and dancing shoes 'cos we are gonna have fun!"
The performance by the 2023 Australian Idol co-host and Nova drive time radio star will be a fitting climax to this year's Granny Smith Festival, which is recognised as one of Sydney's biggest and best street festivals.
Running from 9.00am-8.30pm, it's a day packed with highlights, beginning with the famous street parade and its colourful and vibrant marching bands, dance groups, cultural performers, and festival floats.
There's a kids show and meet and greet with JJ from CoComelon, a dance competition at the K-Town Madang stage, the return of the apple pie eating competition on the Plaza stage, a Youth Zone where people aged 12-24 can enjoy music and art, carnival fun and camel rides on the oval, and plenty of food and drink options.
City of Ryde Mayor Clr Sarkis Yedelian OAM said the Granny Smith Festival was a must-see event and encouraged everyone to mark down the day in their diaries.
"From humble beginnings in 1985, the festival has grown to be the biggest annual event in our wonderfully diverse City and continues to delight people of all ages and backgrounds," he said.
"It's a true representation of our harmonious and welcoming community – and no one does it better when it comes to putting on a party."
The festival made a triumphant return in 2022 after two years of COVID cancellations, with an estimated 100,000 people flocking to the streets and parks of Eastwood to take part in the celebrations that honour the life of one of the district's most famous citizens, Maria Ann Smith.
It was in 1868 that Maria, better known as Granny Smith, 'accidentally' grew the first batch of little green apples that bear her name and are now produced all over the world.
The festival named in her honour continues an amazing legacy by introducing her inspirational story and delicious creation to whole new generations.
Go to www.ryde.nsw.gov.au/gsf for a full preview of all the 2023 Granny Smith Festival highlights.
THANKS TO OUR SPONSORS
GOLD: Woolworths (Apple Sponsor), The Vision China Times, North Shore Mitsubishi, Nova
SILVER: TVB Anywhere, Link Wentworth, SBS, Eastwood Club, Panetta Mercato, Korean Chamber of Commerce, Optus, Sydney iDance Studio
BRONZE: Macquarie Community College, Ayam, Batlow Cider Co, Ezycom/Telstra, Award Mortgage, RMA Eastwood, Epoch Times
