Surry Hills Festival 2014

The Surry Hills Festival returns this Spring for one fabulous celebration in and around Ward Park and Shannon Reserve, Crown Street, Hill Street, laneways, pop up spaces, and many great venues and creative outlets across Surry Hills.

This year’s Festival invites you celebrate all there is to love about Surry Hills.

Get involved in our free event program and experience the stunning heritage, creativity and innovation of this unique urban enclave. 

With great food and fresh produce, art, design, live music, entertainment and more, there is something for everyone.

Stallholders:

With an attendance of up to 50,000 on event day, Surry Hills Festival offers great opportunity to access an audience keen to engage in quality products in keeping with the creativity, innovation, great food and quality lifestyle of this stunning urban enclave.

We have secured a stunning line up of stallholders with a creative edge in keeping with festival celebrations, the creativity and themes of Surry Hills Festival. Our stall holders take pride in the quality of their product and appearance.

SHNC is passionate about the environmental impact and related educational opportunities at the Festival and our criteria and conditions for stall holders are in keeping with zero waste and sustainability initiatives.

If you have lodged an application and want to check the status and your bump in schedule, please click here

Program:

Surry Hills Festival invites everyone to join in celebrating all there is to love about Surry Hills.

With great bands and entertainment, fabulous food, a bar and loads of pop up spaces, there is something for everyone to love at Surry Hills Festival.

Watch this space for the full program, produced by Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre in partnership with Urban Walkabout, Sydney.

Download / View PDF Program Here

View the official Site for Full Information about this Sydney Event

South Sydney Rabbitohs and Sydney Roosters Preliminary Final Should be a Classic

Roosters v Souths

All season most people would've expected these two teams to be squaring off against each other in the premiership decider on grand final day. 

Here it is, a week earlier than expected, but no less important. South Sydney were extremely impressive in their semi-final demolition of Manly in week one of the finals. "Powerful" is the word that keeps coming to mind. 

This huge, mobile forward pack just steamrolled their way upfield and had the result beyond doubt very early in proceedings. 

I have been super impressed with young Rabbitohs centres Kirisome Auva'a and Dylan Walker. Wow! Can't these two lads run the ball. 

They are very dangerous indeed. Once the forwards have cancelled each other out, it may come down to their battle with Roosters pair Michael Jennings and Shaun Kenny-Dowall to decide a winner. They also have the big guy, Greg Inglis, at the back who could bust the game open at any time. 

This club has been around the money for a couple of years now so the players have finals experience and they know what's at stake. 

They will leave nothing in the tank in search of victory. Similarly, the Roosters boast a forward pack that can dominate the best around on their day. Sonny Bill Williams turned last year's grand final on its head with a brilliant second-half display. He is due. 

Courageous hooker Jake Friend will be all the better for his game last weekend. Halves Mitchell Pearce and James Maloney have come solid at the right time of the year as well. I am expecting a spirited defence of the title they won almost twelve months ago.

I really can't separate these two teams. I sense the Roosters have more tries in them; however, I have great regard for what Inglis might produce on this big stage. This will come down to a field goal either way.

Bulldogs v Panthers
Melbourne and Manly have been two of the most dominant finals teams in the NRL over the past decade. Over the past fortnight, however, the Bulldogs - with scintillating performances - have blown away both these sides. That's outstanding form leading into a preliminary final. 

Coach Des Hasler is a master of the big game. The Dogs, as a club, are certainly no stranger to finals football either and the spike in their intensity once they hit play-off time has been there for all to see. They have been impeccable. The Bulldogs forwards have owned the advantage line in both their semi-final outings. Their unique style of chain-passing among the big boys to create space for the halves and outside backs down the edges has been very effective.

The Panthers have been tremendous. What a gutsy bunch they have become. They play the team game with every individual contributing what they can to the common cause. The one thing we do know about this team is that they will keep coming and they will never give up. 

This is a new experience for the vast majority of their players so their start to the game will be very important indeed. The Bulldogs smashed both the Storm and the Sea Eagles in the first half of those games and will be looking to do a similar job on the inexperienced Panthers. 

If the Panthers can withstand the early blitz and settle down into their own rhythm, they will give a good account of themselves. C'mon Panthers.

Sydney teams, take a bow

The last four left standing in the NRL premiership race are all Sydney teams. Actually, it's five Sydney teams left standing if we include the Sea Eagles, who will officially finish in fifth position after their narrow loss to the Bulldogs last Saturday night. 

That in itself is an extraordinary performance for all these clubs. In an age where so many of the interstate teams have huge geographical and corporate advantages over the Sydney-based teams, it is testimony to management and the resilience of these older traditional clubs that they have been able to maintain their competitiveness in the congested market in this city. It's not getting any easier either. 

The cost of running a professional rugby league program is increasing all the time. Sydney-based clubs will need added corporate and member support if they are all to survive into the future. So regardless of who wins this weekend, the 2014 grand final will be the fifth all-Sydney grand final of the NRL era. 

The previous four featured the Sydney Roosters. In 2003, it was the Roosters v Penrith. In 2004, we saw the Roosters v Bulldogs; 2010 - Dragons v Roosters; and last year it was the Roosters v Manly. Will the fifth follow that pattern?

We need to be far more proactive

The rule which enabled Canterbury to regain possession in the 73rd minute of their match against Manly after a Josh Reynolds' kick struck referee Gerard Sutton is anachronistic and will surely be changed in the off-season. I know it's an obscure rule and is rarely required, but every time it has happened, we have asked for changes. 

None have been forthcoming. In bygone years, packing a scrum and giving the feed to the team in their oppositions half was not a guarantee of possession for either side. 

However, the days of competitive scrums are long gone and it is such a shame that it took such an incident in a crucial moment of a sudden-death final for the league community to realise we had a rule that could be so unfair. I have written in this column previously about another anachronistic rule which prevents interchanges at scrums. 

One day a team will lose a match because an injured played couldn't be replaced at a scrum and the team is either reduced to 12 men or that injured player is unable to be effective. These are just two examples of rules not appropriate in today's game but left untouched by our administrators due to apathy and a lack of foresight. 

We shouldn't have to wait for instances like we had last Saturday for such antiquated rules to be placed under scrutiny. The game has to be far more proactive.

State cup grand finals

Minor premiers Penrith will meet Newcastle in the NSW Cup grand final at Allianz Stadium on Sunday. The Panthers will go into the match with 12 players unavailable due to injuries among their extended senior squad but have overcome a number of obstacles already this season to lose just four matches and win both of their finals matches. 

However, the Knights will provide the Panthers with their sternest test to date having also won both of their finals matches comfortably and boosting a team full of players with NRL experience. A significant number of the Panthers team were members of last year's winning Holden Cup team and have a unique opportunity to win a second title in a different competition in successive years. 

The successful club will not just win the coveted premiership cup but will represent NSW in the national final on NRL grand final day against the Queensland champions. The Queensland Cup grand final will be held at Suncorp Stadium on Sunday, featuring minor premiers Northern Pride from Cairns, one of the Cowboys feeder clubs, and last year's runners-up Easts Tigers, from Brisbane, featuring several Melbourne Storm contracted players. The two teams met a fortnight ago, the Pride won 8-7.

A word on the beaten sides

At this time of year all attention goes to the winning teams. I just feel that the performances of the Cowboys and Sea Eagles last weekend deserve recognition. Both were absolutely mighty in defeat and contributed to one of the best weekends of finals action I can ever remember. 

I don't know what happened to the Cowboys in the first 30 minutes of their clash with the Roosters, but I will say that no other team in the NRL could've mounted a comeback of those proportions against the defending premiers. It was simply stunning. They were so unlucky not to win. 

On the back of some real disappointments in the finals in the past two seasons it must feel like the world is against them, but I sense this will only make them stronger next season. I see good things ahead for the North Queensland team.

I have so much admiration for Manly. Their core group of senior players have been so good for so long. Despite the injuries and suspensions which weakened their side for the semi-final, they produced another whole-hearted effort. I hope the stories of unrest and disharmony are untrue. 

It would be a terrible shame if these guys didn't remain close friends for the rest of their days. It's been a very special era in the club's history. Well done.

Article by Phil Gould 
Read more

Capitol Theatre Sydney

Beautiful and iconic Capitol Theatre plays host to world famous musicals, theatre, ballet, concerts and performers. 

The Capitol Theatre is located directly opposite Metro Hotel Sydney Central on Campbell Street in Haymarket, Sydney

Seen by over 70 million people, Disney’s landmark musical event The Lion King is a worldwide phenomenon that will redefine your expectations of theatre. 

Brilliantly re-imagined by acclaimed director Julie Taymor, Disney beloved film is transformed into a spectacular theatrical experience which has won over 70 major international theatre awards.

Set against the majesty of the Serengeti Plains, this breathtaking production explodes with glorious colours, stunning effects and unforgettable music including Elton John and Tim Rice’s Circle of Life, Hakuna Matata and the academy award winning Can You Feel the Love Tonight?

See the Capitol Theatre Website

Visit the Official Capitol Theatre website to buy tickets and find additional information about upcoming shows such as Wicked The Musical, Shen Yun and Les Miserables.

Located Directly opposite Capitol Theatre provides excellent value accommodation and has hotel packages ideally suited to Capitol Theatre goers

See all Hot Deals at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Capitol Theatre Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Wicked Family Package at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

Minimum 2 Night Stay at Metro Hotel Sydney Central

October Long Weekend Labour Day

October Long Weekend in Sydney

Labour Day in NSW (Monday, 6th October) is celebrated on the first Monday of October. Make the most of the spring weather unwinding on Sydney's beaches or taking in stunning habour vistas on a coastal walk through one of Sydney's beautiful national parks.

The October long weekend offers a great opportunity to explore Sydney in springtime.

Take in stunning views of Sydney Harbour onboard a ferry from Circular Quay to Manly. Relax on Manly Beach as you listen to the smooth sounds of Manly Jazz across the weekend with outstanding local and international musicians performing by the water.

Just a short walk from Manly, North Head lookout offers a spectacular panorama of Sydney Harbour and the city skyline. It's also a great location to spot whales at this time year. Other excellent whale-watching vantage points can be found in national parks across Sydney including Ku-ring-gai Chase National Park, Kamay Botany Bay National Park and the heritage-listed Royal National Park.

Make the most of Sydney's springtime weather and explore the city's many vibrant outdoor weekend markets. Unearth vintage goods and discover up-and-coming designers at Bondi Markets, Glebe Markets, Rozelle Weekend Markets and Paddington Markets.

Immerse yourself in Sydney's arts and culture scene and catch the closing weekend of Strictly Ballroom the Musical on stage at the Capitol Theatre.

Source: http://www.sydney.com/destinations/sydney/public-holidays/october-long-weekend-labour-day/?utm_source=Facebook&utm_medium=Social


Coming to Sydney for the long weekend?

Book one of Metro's Sydney hotels or apartments - conveniently located close to public transport, restaurants and major attractions:

• Metro Hotel Sydney Central
• Metro Hotel on Pitt
• Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour
• Aspire Hotel Sydney

Spring is Beautiful at The Botanical Gardens in Sydney

There is nothing like early spring at the Botanical Gardens in Sydney, clear skies, fresh air, and beautiful flowers appearing for the first time as dazzling displays of colour.

Sydney is buzzing with tourists - the sun is out and Sydney is again on its best display thrilling crowds with its natural (and man-made) beauty.

Botanical Gardens are a short walk from Circular Quay Station so are well worth the visit.

Find out more about the Botanical Gardens - http://www.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/

Location: Mrs Macquaries Rd, Sydney NSW 2000

Images and write-up By Joseph Gale

Cruise Season Begins

For the first time Australian’s who chose to spend their holidays cruising has surpassed North America taking Australian to No 1 in the world for cruises per capita.

A record 833,348 Australians took a cruise last year and it is predicted to rise to one million by 2016 as more cruising ships enter Australian waters.*

As Sydney is a key departure point for many cruises, why worry about trains being delayed, traffic jams, problem of where to park the car, feeling stressed to the max before even arriving at the ship when you can stay in central Sydney in luxury apartments.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour will be offering passengers pre and post cruise stays with a ten per cent discount on all packages and best available rates for the length of their stay. This includes a bottle of sparkling Australian wine and chocolates on arrival.

With cruises departing from the International Passenger Terminal in Circular Quay and from the White Bay terminal in Rozelle, both are just a short taxi trip from the Apartments to the terminals.

Situated in the heart of Sydney directly across from Darling Harbour, Metro Apartments Darling Harbour is an ideal location to explore some of the city before cruising.

Nearby is King Street Wharf and Cockle Bay where you can enjoy a cocktail in one of the many boutique bars, a meal in one of many harbourside restaurants to suit everyone’s budget or stroll across the footbridge to try your luck at The Star Casino.

Metro Apartments Darling Harbour are priced to be affordable for mid-week and weekend getaways starting from $199.00.

A selection of 32 recently renovated loft-style one-bedroom apartments, each with a queen sized bed and sofa bed, offer all the comforts of a ‘home away from home’ with the convenience of a perfect city location. Each apartment is appointed with a fully-equipped kitchen, washing machine, dryer and ironing facilities, air conditioning and heating.

To make a reservation, visit www.metrohotels.com and enter the code CRUISE to be entitled to the 10% discount or call the toll free reservations on 1800 114 321.

View details of Cruise Sydney Accommodation Package at Metro Apartments on Darling Harbour

* Source news.com.au

Art and About Sydney 2014

Art & About Sydney is a collaborative arts festival where every street, laneway, building site, intersection and thoroughfare is a canvas for creation and storytelling.

From home-delivered theatre performances in private living rooms, to Sydney’s largest backyard party in Martin Place, Art & About Sydney 2014 is set to excite and delight.

With a program boasting works from the quirky to the quintessentially Australian, local and international artists will present works that explore the festival theme of ‘endangered’ from 19 September to 12 October.

Lord Mayor Clover Moore said the 13th Art & About festival contains a unique three week program of works that will surprise and delight the city.

“This program of artworks and performances provides great insights and reflections on our rapidly changing society. I invite everyone to come and enjoy the wonderful things on offer”

Friday Night Live – Quarter Acre Block Party
Once a staple of Australian life, the quarter acre block is a fading dream in many parts of Australia. The 2014 Art & About Sydney launch will be a celebration of this diminishing pastime and all it stands for – evoking memories of our own backyards and neighbourhoods.

Martin Place will be transformed into a giant backyard – a welcoming and relaxed ‘block party’, featuring entertainment, quality food and drinks and a great place to begin your festival adventure. BBQs, Hills Hoists, back fences, lawn cricket, garage bands, garden furniture, dogs, vinyl records, beer and snags….all slap bang in the middle of Sydney’s CBD.

Australian Life
For the first time, the former Sydney Life photo competition and exhibition is going national. The Australian Life exhibition in Hyde Park will display large scale images depicting Australian life across the nation. 

The $10,000 competition winner will be announced at the Art & About 2014 opening night.

Little Sydney Lives
The always-popular Little Sydney Lives photo competition is back, displaying a selection of images from our smallest citizens, set amongst the greenery of Sandringham Gardens.

Entries for Little Sydney Lives, Australian Life Exhibition & Prize and a new $5,000 Instagram competition (#australianlife) are now open.

The Banner Gallery – Milk Bar
Passiona, a mix bag of lollies, a milkshake – Australia’s much-loved Milk Bar is back, with images of this fading icon emblazoned on our city banners during Art & About Sydney. 

The changing landscape of our beloved bars were born out of The Island Continent by Eamon Donnelly, an online archive capturing the colour, nostalgia, fashions, design and people across our country. Image credit, below: Eamon Donnelly.

Neon Nomads
Ten three-metre-high tepees in Hyde Park will illuminate the works of some of Australia’s and the world’s most respected graphic artists. The designs, by artists including Wendy Red Star, Phil James and Brett Chan, will pay homage to nomadic lifestyles and urban lifestyles.

Us
An outdoor photographic studio set up at the Queen Victoria Building will invite strangers to come together for old school style group photos as part of Us. Created by James Dive and The Glue Society, each participant will receive a copy of the photo.

The Walking Neighbourhood
Kids will turn the tables and take adults on a tour of city streets, providing a rare glimpse into their world. Taking the reins, kids guide adults on a 90-minute curated tour of Kings Cross and Redfern, sharing their thoughts and experiences of the ‘hood.

Bodies in Urban Spaces
Under the direction of Austrian artist Willi Dorner, 20 human bodies will cram themselves into doorways, alcoves and any gap they can find in the CBD. Dressed in brightly coloured clothes, the audience will spot them in all sorts of nooks and crannies as the festival finale.

Trolleys
Best described as part dance performance, part ballet, part outdoor spectacle, Trolleys is a 20 minute outdoor high-energy theatre work where street dancers and acrobats come together with the humble shopping trolley to spin, glide and slide across city spaces. Created by Shaun Parker & Company, Trolleys will take over Martin Place, Customs House Square, Hyde Park and Pitt Street Mall. Main image credit: Irven Lewis.

Armchair Apocalypse
Jumping off the stage and into your home, Armchair Apocalypse presents three brand new lounge room theatre shows, written and performed by some of Sydney’s most exciting young writers. Sydneysiders will be able to order these performances straight to their door and into their lounge room.

View Official Art and About website