Sydney – Festival City!

The Sydney Harbour Bridge, the Opera House, Mrs Macquarie’s Chair, Darling Harbour, Bondi Beach, Luna Park, Taronga Zoo … It is no surprise that Sydney is rated as one of the most beautiful cities in the world, with so many attractions that everyone can find something to enjoy. Just being there is a festival in itself!

If you are planning to visit Sydney, why not plan your trip to coincide with one of the many organised festivals that take place almost every month?

THE SYDNEY FESTIVAL

The year opens in the second week of January with the Sydney Festival, which runs for three weeks and is a celebrations of the arts. Apart from major venues such as the Opera House and the Theatre District, the Festival spreads out all over the city, from the business district to the out-lying suburbs. Begun in 1977, the Sydney Festival attracts close to a million people, who come to enjoy the visual arts, theatre, opera, dance, music of all kinds, and even circus acts.  It is an opportunity to nurture and celebrate art and the artists – indigenous, local and international – who often choose Sydney as the destination for their world premieres.

The size and scope of the Sydney Festival is mind-boggling.  It caters for everyone, on every budget, and it is possible to be very well entertained without buying a single ticket. The programme and the venues are widely advertised on the Internet, so that visitors can plan their own itineraries. Events range from major productions in huge venues, to short, hour-long shows, attractively priced to suit most pockets, to huge free concerts in parks with audiences of over 60,000 people. It is possible to cram in a range of different activities and experiences into each day, getting around from one part of the city to another on foot, or via public transport.

And while you are in Sydney, be sure to sample the delicious cuisine for which the city is famous, take a ferry trip around one of the most spectacular harbours in the world, or see a duck-billed platypus at the zoo!

SYDNEY FRINGE FESTIVAL

Still on the cultural front, the month of September sees the largest indie cultural festival in Australia show-casing innovative productions across all artistic genres. It differs from the Sydney Festival as it is largely a local festival, with about 80% of the participating artists coming from Sydney and its environs.

As with all fringe festivals, the focus is on exploring new and exciting perspectives. However, the programme is also inclusive, and offers many events that will appeal to less adventurous audiences and to families.

SYDNEY RUNNING FESTIVAL

If you are more interested in getting physical, then the Sydney Running Festival, held in September each year, may be just what you need!  A spin-off from the 2000 Sydney Olympics, the Running Festival began the following year, and the 42km marathon is now in the same league as the New York, Boston or London Marathons.

Serious athletes, both local and international, spend months training for this prestigious event. The flat course crosses iconic structures such as the Sydney Harbour Bridge, from which athletes have the best views of Darling Harbour and the Sydney Opera House – assuming that they have the energy to focus on anything other than putting one foot in front of the other!

However, for those who are less dedicated – or less fit! – there are many shorter runs that take place during the same weekend as the Sydney Marathon. Fun runs encourage the whole family to get out there and enjoy some exercise; charities use the opportunity to raise funds through sponsored runs; and locals and visitors enjoy the experience of shorter courses, such as the Harbour Bridge Run.  Participants may run, jog or walk the various courses.

As participants and spectators stream into the city, accommodation is at a premium, and early booking is advisable.  During the period of the Running Festival, the many road closures make travelling by car difficult, and so it is advisable to make use of the excellent public transport in and around Sydney.

And as always, there are all the other attractions of Sydney for those who are not too exhausted to enjoy them.