Erin Christie
Sydney Festival is an exciting, diverse and fun event that runs yearly for the entirety of January. With a mind to bring people into the inner city, the festival hosts 150 individual events and more than 450 different performances at numerous venues, incorporating theatre, dance, music, circus and art. Now in its 40th year, the festival has remained an exciting part of the year for those living in and around Sydney, who have many options to visit often free events in the city with friends and family throughout the holiday month of January. These are the top three events you can’t miss at this year’s festival:
The Beach at the Cutaway, Barangaroo Reserve: This year the Festival includes the construction of an ‘alternative beach’ at Barangaroo Reserve. Designed by American contemporary artist, Snarkitecture, the water aspect is made up of 1.1 million polyethylene balls; making up a pit deep enough to swim in. The alternative style of swimming seems fun, hassle-free and a lot less dangerous than a trip to the beach. This is a free access event between 10am and 5pm, but due to high volumes of visitors, it is recommended you look into ticketed sessions to guarantee yourself entry to this quirky little interactive art event before it closes on January 29.
Ladies in Black, Sydney Lyric Theatre: Tim Finn’s musical has been labelled a ‘smash-hit’ and a great addition to Sydney Festival. With a book by Carolyn Burns, Ladies in Black explores the lives of four sales assistants working in a Sydney department store during the late 1950s. All the music and lyrics were written by Tim Finn in his debut into musical productions, which has so far been hailed a success. This is an event definitely worth seeing before it ends with the festival on January 22. Tickets range from $68-$99 depending on seating.
Opera in the Domain, Royal Botanic Gardens: This free show is put on by Australian Opera and Ballet Orchestra, featuring Australia’s best opera performers for a night of sensational music. Taking place in the Domain, it is encouraged you bring your picnic blanket, wine and snacks and settle in to see some great performances under the stars. The event begins at 8PM on January 21, but it’s suggested you get in early to get a good spot to enjoy the music as best as possible.
Visit sydneyfestival.org.au to check out what other events you might enjoy.
