Prime Minister Anthony Albanese and NSW Premier Chris Minns were among the special guests who celebrated Lunar New Year with Mayor Trenton Brown and the City of Ryde community on Saturday 8 February.
A hot, humid day with the threat of late afternoon rain did not deter the thousands of people who packed Eastwood Oval from 4.00-9.00pm for Council's annual Lunar New Year Festival, which welcomed the Year of the Snake.
Attendees were treated to a fantastic day of entertainment, activities, and great food.
There were amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, cultural performances, games, face painting, calligraphy, free craft activities, an incredible lion high pole performance, and a spectacular fireworks finale.
There were also brilliant lantern displays on the trellis in Eastwood Plaza and the amazing Korean Lanterns on Rowe Street East.
Mr Albanese and Mr Minns, along with the Mayor and City of Ryde Councillors, offered traditional new year greetings, including the dotting of the eye ceremony, which brings about protection, good luck, health, and prosperity to those present.
"I was delighted to be part of these wonderful celebrations," said Mayor Brown. "The Lunar New Year Festival is one of Council's most popular annual events and it gets bigger and better every year.
"The best part about it for me is how it showcases so perfectly City of Ryde's harmonious and united community – this is an event that appeals to everyone, so people of all different ages and from many different cultures and backgrounds are able to enjoy themselves equally.
"I wish everyone good fortune and happiness for the year ahead."
