Parra Opening Party launches festival with a bang

SYDNEY Festival returns to Parramatta with an action pack lineup of events and activities to get you laughing, dancing and singing along to the music.

The week-long festival kicked off in Parramatta with the Para Opening Party on Saturday night.

Sydney Festival director Lieven Bertels said there will something to meet most tastes and entertainment desires.  

‘‘This year it’s even more exclusive with many events only happening at Riverside Theatres,’’ Bertels said. 

‘‘The festival has been designed so you can see the performances up-close. 

‘‘There are no back seats and you can almost feel and touch the performers.’’

Tonight, there will be performances from leading national and international acts including Kashmere Stage Band, Lah-Lah-Parra, Pyrophone Juggernaut, The Megaphone Project, Tablatronic and Rokia Traore, to keep Parramatta residents and visitors partying into the night. 

The Spiegeltent pitched in Prince Alfred Park will host performances by singer Leah Flanagan, nine-piece Melbourne band Saskwatch, and UK singer-songwriter and multi-instrumentalist Lianne La Havas.

Columbian dance troupe, Urban will perform exclusively at Riverside Theatres.

The Broadway act teams amazing circus stunts with amazing hip-hop dance moves.  

The festival will draw to a close with a free performance of Archie Roach’s show ‘Into the Bloodstream’ at the Old King’s school site on Australia Day. 

Roach will be backed by a 13-piece ensemble, a 10 voice gospel choir and visuals and lighting. 

For further information on events, visit sydneyfestival.org.au.