Say ‘Konichiwa’ to the Japanese Festival!

Say ‘Konichiwa’ to the Japanese Festival!

We’ve been to Nepal, Malaysia, Brazil and Myanmar, we’ve even celebrated Christmas in Poland, and now our Culture Beats festival program is heading to the Land of the Rising Sun, with the Japanese Festival (or ‘Matsuri’) on 13 December!

Celebrating an ancient culture and a modern society, the Japanese Festival will bring the nation’s best food, drink and entertainment right to the heart of Sydney in Tumbalong Park.
Eat, Drink

Indulge in delicious, fresh Japanese delicacies with food stalls from some of Sydney’s finest. Colotakoinvite you to enjoy their trademark takoyaki (fried octopus served with tempura, pickled ginger and green onions), ebiyaki (prawn), or kaniyaki (crab, with the claw attached!). Momiji is serving up the noodle dish yakisoba straight off the teppan, and skewered fishcakes. 

Sushi Samurai will have crispy karaage (fried chicken), gyoza and okonomiyaki (savoury pancake) plus icy cold kakigori (shaved ice with syrup and condensed milk), perfect for a sunny summer Saturday! At Big Crunch Sushi you’ll have the choice of sushi rolls, uramaki and ‘sushi munch’ boxes in a variety of flavour options like teriyaki chicken, tuna, spicy tuna, salmon or vegetarian. Bao Dao Taiwainese Kitchen are dishing up Asian-style pancakes, and Kiyamachi Tei have okonomiyaki, yakisoba, and karaage.

At Thanks Foods you’ll find okonomiyaki, yakisoba, Japanese curry rice and karaage, while Thanks Martwill be selling Ramune (Japanese lemonade), Japanese ice popsicles, rice crackers, sticky rice with soy flour and brown sugar syrup, and rice balls. Sydney Okinawan Club is offering up Okinawa soba (an authentic noodle dish specific to the Okinawa prefecture), udon, Okinawa curry, rice ball, and ramune. As a special treat, every customer at their stall will go home with a small but very precious gift – Okinawa star sand. 

Tall Grass Cane Juice return to Tumablong Park to sweeten and refresh, and Maryu will be serving up Ebisen (a crunchy, shrimp-flavoured snack food) and onions rings, as well as selling drinks like ocha (green tea) and ramune, plus souvenirs like slippers, handheld fans (tradition manual fans and modern electric fans) and beauty products like hand cream and face cream!
Be Merry

Onstage, we’ve got some incredible performances in store, from traditional music and dance to modern performance; from sushi-making demonstrations to karaoke and sumo wrestling! The Anime Sydneyband, a collective of university anime clubs from across Sydney, will be doing covers of well known anime songs for local fans. 

Yo-yo wizard Wayne X will show why he is the best in the business, Shiho Sparkle Hooper will show off her special hula-hoop dance routines, and Master Sushi Chef Hideo Dekura will show how it’s done in a demonstration presented by Kikkoman. Singer Makoto Tanaka will perform a blend of Japanese folk songs and western classics, calligraphy artist Renclub will give a unique performance, and local cosplayers will give an insight into the subculture with a cosplay show. 

The Australian Sumo Federation will delight with displays from a sport that is both athletic and performative, dance group Team ACE will amaze, and the Live DAM Karaoke system from Japan is back for another year to thrill the audience and pit competitors (will you be one?) against each other.

And that’s just the start of it! All this and so much more will be on offer this weekend at the Japanese Festival. Don’t miss out!

EVENT DETAILS:
Japanese Festival
Tumbalong Park
10am – 7:30pm, 13 December
Full program and getting here

Spectacular Sydney Christmas Lights and Decorations 2014

by Ivana Katz

When: 3 November - 25 December
Website: www.sydneychristmas.com.au
Where: Sydney CBD
Cost: Mostly free

Don't Miss Out on The Fabulous Free Fun!

For the past few years my friends and I have packed up the kids and ventured into Sydney CBD to see the Christmas lights and decorations. And even though the venues we visit have remained the same, there is always something new and exciting to explore.

Seeing Christmas lights through children's eyes is magical – that is if you can drag them away from all the toy and game displays. This year Christmas is going to be no different. Here are some of our favourite spots to visit:


1. Queen Victoria Building

Christmas at the QVB is always spectacular. Not only do you get to see the beautiful sparkly tree which rises through several floors, but all the stores are cheerfully decorated and the atmosphere is warm and cosy. If you are lucky, you may even get to see street performers or appearances by fabulous guests, such as Jessica Mauboy who appeared a couple of years ago.

If you have young children, head to the Swarovski Crystal Garden for Christmas and have photos taken with Santa. With over 12,000 crystal ornaments, forestry and traditional Santa settings, this will be one photo session your kids won't quickly forget. As this is a very popular destination, it is recommended you get there early, particularly on the weekends.

Dates: 8 November – 24 December
Address: Queen Victoria Building, George Street, Sydney

2. Martin Place Christmas Tree

Each year the tree decorations are amazing and this year promises to add an extra dimension. Share the Christmas spirit by sending text messages to 0427 840 851 or #sydxmastree and your special wish will be displayed on the branches of the tree.

Dates: Thursday 27 November – Thursday 25 December 2014

Address: Martin Place, Sydney

To kick off the festivities, on Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm you can also enjoy a family friendly Christmas Concert which features characters from Sesame Street, Lah Lah's Big Live Band and naturally the guy in the red suit is making an appearance.

3. David Jones Window Display

Always a remarkable treat, the David Jones Window Display offers new surprises each Christmas season. This year you can see the much loved displays from Tuesday 3 November – 25 December.

Have Santa photos taken in the new enchanted Magic Cave world. Transport yourself into one of many Christmas scenes using green screen and even have your Santa Photo experience on DVD. Bookings can be made online or instore.

If you have a feathered, fluffy or furry friend, bring them along for a happy Santa photo too.

David Jones Santa has joined the mobile trend and has created his own Santa app. Download the David Jones Magic Santa app and put yourself into the scene with an interactive Christmas experience with Santa and his Reindeer.

From 11 December to 24 December the David Jones Staff Choir perform each day for 30 minutes from 9am. Their special Christmas Eve performance begins at 8am.

Date: 3 November – 25 December 2014
Address: Elizabeth Street, Sydney


4. Hyde Park

Sydney's iconic Hyde Park is a wonderful place to walk through at night with its many fairy lights and Christmas tree decorations.

On Thursday 27 November from 6pm – 8.30pm enjoy a free family friendly Christmas concert. Your kids will love entertainment by Tom & Jerry, Hi-5 as well as craft activities, sausage sizzle, yummy ice cream and carols by Emma Pask and St Andrews Cathedral Choir.

Date: 27 November 2014 for Christmas concert, but decorations can be seen throughout the Christmas season

Address: Hyde Park, Elizabeth Street, Sydney

5. Town Hall

Watch the historic Town Hall come alive with unbelievable light projections every night from 8.30pm to 1am.

On Tuesday 16 December 2014 Town Hall puts on a Christmas concert from 8pm to 9.30pm. Cost is $15 for adults and $12 for children. Tickets sell out quickly, so make sure you book now at the City Recital Hall.


6. Strand Arcade and Pitt Street Mall

Stroll through Strand Arcade and admire lovely Christmas decorations. Take a break in one of Strand Arcade or Pitt Street Mall cafes and enjoy delicious Christmas treats or take in the many free shows put on by local street performers.

Address: The Strand Arcade between Pitt Street & George Street, Sydney


Source: http://www.weekendnotes.com/spectacular-sydney-christmas-lights-and-decorations/

World’s biggest short film festival, Tropfest, kicks off at Centennial Park

Laura Hughes and Shari Sebbens in You Wanna Order Pizza. Picture: Supplied

IT is that time of year again, Tropfest is here to showcase the best of the best.

The world’s largest short film festival will be based out of Sydney’s Centennial Park from 11am today with satellite events held in capital cities across the country.

The brainchild of actor and director John Polson, Tropfest is in its 23rd year and will see 16 finalists compete for the winning title.

Actors Shari Sebbens and Laura Hughes appear in one of the early favourites called You Wanna Order Pizza.

“We wanted to cement our amazing chemistry on screen,” Sebbens said of the film about “two girls trying to order pizza”.

Tropfest founder John Polson set for another big event

For more details visit: www.tropfest.com/au

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/sydney-confidential/worlds-biggest-short-film-festival-tropfest-kicks-off-at-centennial-park-today/story-fni0cvc9-1227147446325

Embrace the spirit of Christmas with our A-Z of festive events across Sydney

Charlie Hodgon, 4, Lola Treseder, 7, and Ted Treseder, 9, at the Lego Christmas Tree in the Pitt St Mall. Picture credit: John Fotiadis

By DAVID FITZSIMONS

EMBRACE the spirit of Christmas with this A-Z guide to Sydney’s biggest trees, best places for carol singing, Christmas markets, gift ideas and a few surprises. From Alexandria to Zetland, Bankstown to Engadine, we’ve got you covered.

ALEXANDRIA, AUBURN:

● Alexandria Village concert, Alexandria Park Oval, Power
Ave, Alexandria; December 6 6.30pm-8.30pm, free, sydneychristmas.com.au

Head to the inner-city for a fun family concert featuring kids entertainment, music, fireworks and a visit from Santa Claus.

● Auburn Carols In The Park, RAAF Stores Park, Princes Rd East, Auburn; December 21, 3pm-7.30pm, free, auburn.nsw.gov.au

Start the afternoon with a sausage sizzle, while the kids meet the animals in the kindy farm before carol singing starts at 5.30pm.

BANKSTOWN, BONDI,

● Bankstown Carols By Candelight, Paul Keating Park, The Mall, Bankstown; December 13, from 6pm, free, bankstown.nsw.gov.au

Sing along with local choirs and enjoy a sausage sizzle to celebrate Christmas around Bankstown’s new 10m-high Christmas tree — one of the tallest in Sydney.

● Bondi Carols By The Sea,
South Park, Bondi Beach; December 10, 6pm-8.30pm, free, waverley.nsw.gov.au

It’s a popular annual event where local groups unite at the beach for carol singing, performances by local artists and kids entertainment, led by the Bondi Brass group.

Martin Place lights up for Christmas

CAMPBELLTOWN, CANBERRA, CASTLE HILL, CITY, COOGEE

● Campbelltown City Christmas Carols, Campbelltown Arts Centre, 1 Art Gallery Rd, Campbelltown; December 6 6pm-9.30pm, free, Campbelltown.nsw.gov.au

The crowds will gather outside the Arts Centre at the amphitheatre for carols, the lighting of the tree, song and dance performances from local artists plus a visit from Santa.

● Canberra Old Bus Depot Markets, 21 Wentworth Ave, Kingston, Canberra; December 6-7, December 13-14 and 20-21, 10am-4pm, free entry, obdm.com.au

If you’re in the ACT, head to these massive Christmas markets over the next three weekends to find everything you need for the festive season, from gifts to decorations, trees and more.

● Castle Hill Christmas Sky Show, Main St, Castle Hill; daily until December 30, 8pm-9pm, free, thehills.nsw.gov.au

Treat yourself and the family to a spectacular light show featuring a 40m x 10m canopy over the street. Local music schools and choirs will lead Christmas singing.

● City, Martin Place Christmas Tree and Street Light Disco, The Lego Christmas Tree outside Westfield Sydney, Christmas Light Forest in Pitt St Mall, Christmas Projections on Sydney Town Hall, Lights Of Christmas, St Marys Cathedral; various times, free, sydneychristmas.com.au, lightsofchristmas.com.au

The CBD is bathed in festive fun all through December, with huge Christmas trees, light shows and light projections on the Town Hall and St Marys Cathedral reminiscent of the Vivid Festival. Paulini and Mark Vincent will perform at the St Marys opening ceremony from 7pm on Tuesday. The Lego tree has 500,000 bricks weighs 3.5 tonnes, stands 10m high and took about 1300 hours to build.

● Coogee Carols, Goldstein Reserve, Coogee Beach; December 21, 6.30pm-8.30pm, free, coogeecarols.com.au

A host of stars and entertainers and a 12-piece band will lead the thousands of people expected at the beach once again for this major carolling event.

St Mary’s Cathedral will be illuminated until Christmas Day

DARLING HARBOUR, DEE WHY, DOMAIN

● Darling Harbour Santa Fest 2014, Darling Harbour; daily until December 24, various times, most events free, darlingharbour.com

Movie nights, paddleboat rides, a huge tree, the Santa Fun Run and the Polish Christmas Festival tomorrow, Saturday night fireworks and 21 glow-in-the-dark inflatable Santas add up to an incredible chunk of Christmas cheer for the whole family.

● Dee Why Christmas By The Beach, Dee Why Beach; December 19, 5pm-9pm, free entry, warringah.nsw.gov.au

Head to Dee Why on the last Friday before Christmas for twilight markets that might just have your last-minute Christmas gift. There will be kids craft, music, carol singing and, of course, Santa.

● Domain, Carols In The Domain, Royal Botanic Garden; December 20, 8.30pm-11pm, free, carolsinthedomain.com

For more than 30 years, families have taken their rugs, low seats and picnics to the city for Australia’s biggest free carol-singing festival. This year’s stars include Adam Garcia, Judith Durham, the cast of Wicked The Musical and The Wiggles.

Carols return to The Domain on December 20

ENGADINE

● Engadine Christmas Fun Day, Engadine Town Square, 1040 Old Princes Hwy, Engadine; December 6, 9am-3pm, free, sutherlandshire.nsw.gov.au

Join Santa at Engadine today for heaps of fun, including markets stalls, mini train rides, a petting zoo, mini putt golf and entertainment.

FAIRFIELD

● Fairfield Christmas Tree, Epoch Plaza, Fairfield Town Centre, daily; Carols In The Garden, Fairfield City Museum And Gallery, 632 The Horsley Dve, Smithfield, December 6, 6pm-8.30pm; fairfieldcity.nsw.gov.au

Check out the huge tree in the centre of town and join in tonight’s session of carol singing, along with live entertainment, a craft market and refreshments.

GLENHAVEN

● Glenhaven Carols By Candlelight, Glenhaven Oval, Glenhaven; December 14, 5.30pm-9pm, free, thehills.nsw.gov.au

Carnivale comes to the hills when local dance groups, young entertainers and school dances perform and support carol singing. It culminates in a big fireworks show.


HUNTERS HILL, HUNTER VALLEY GARDENS, HYDE PARK BARRACKS

● Hunters Hill Carols In The Park, Boronia Oval, Ryde and Park Rds, Hunters Hill; December 7, from 6pm, free, huntershill.nsw.gov.au

Carols, Santa, fireworks, face-painting, an animal farm, crafts — what more would you want from a Yuletide event?

● Hunter Valley Gardens Christmas Lights Spectacular, 2090 Broke Rd, Pokolbin;
daily except Christmas Day, 6.30pm-10pm, adult $25, child $20, under 3 free, family $60, huntervalleygardens.com.au

More than 1.5 million lights will dazzle people young and old in this amazing show featuring Winne The Pooh, Alice In Wonderland and a North Pole display. There is also live music, roaming performers and the chance to meet Santa for a photo.

● Hyde Park Barracks Museum Christmas Fare, Macquarie St, City; December 18, 4pm-8pm, gold-coin entry, sydneylivingmuseums.com.au

More than 40 food artisans will be selling their handcrafted specialist foods and beverages at this unique Christmas fair. You can buy gifts and sample some of the fine produce on offer plus explore the museum.

Grab a gift, or two, at Hyde Park Barracks Christmas market

ILLAWONG

● Illawong RFS Santa Runs 2014, Illawong; December 13-24 weekdays from 6pm, weekends from 4pm, free, facebook.com/IllawongRFS

The fire brigade will be taking Santa for rides through the Illawong area to meet local families and kids.

JENOLAN CAVES

● Jenolan Caves Christmas Day Lunch and Dinner, Chisolms Restaurant, Jenolan Caves; December 25, various times and prices, jenolancaves.org.au

If you’re looking for a different Christmas experience, why not chill out in the mountains? Lunch and dinner menus and accommodation in the heritage complex are available and cave tours will run on Christmas and Boxing Day.

KARIONG, KELLYVILLE, KING STREET WHARF

● Kariong Christmas Fair 2014, Mount Penang Gardens And Event Park, Kariong; December 7 9am-2pm, free, fixxevents.com.au

Join MasterChef’s Julie Goodwin and 150 stallholders for the Central Coast’s largest Christmas fair. There will be heaps of entertainment and plenty of activities at a great new location.

● Kellyville Hills Community Carols, Hills Adventist College, 4 Gum Nut Close, Kellyville; December 14, 5pm-8pm, free, hillscommunitycollege.com

This is a true family Christmas event with live entertainment, carol singing as well as organised fun and games for the kids.

● King Street Wharf Ribbon Cone Christmas Tree, Promenade and Lime Sts, City; daily from 8pm, free, kingstreetwharf.com.au

You won’t miss this Christmas tree. Standing 13m tall, this unique Slovakian-made, Australian-designed ribbon tree has 1500 LED lights and is environmentally friendly.

King St Wharf’s Christmas tree has 1500 LED lights

LIVERPOOL

● Liverpool Tree Lighting Ceremony and Night Markets, Macquarie St, Liverpool; December 6, 4pm-9.30pm, free entry, Liverpool.nsw.gov.au/nightmarkets

Sing along with Christmas carols as Liverpool’s big tree is lit. Check out the night markets for Christmas gifts and a delicious meal.

MARRICKVILLE

● Marrickville Kids Zone: Christmas Craft, Marrickville Library, Marrickville and Petersham Rds, Marrickville; December 11, 3.30pm-4.30pm, free, marrickville.nsw.gov.au

Book ahead for this terrific kids craft workshop that will teach your youngsters how to design and make their own Christmas cards and decorations.

NORTH RYDE

● North Ryde Carols On The Common, Wicks and Twin Rds, North Ryde; December 21, from 5.30pm, carolsonthecommon.org.au

Join the crowds at one of Sydney’s biggest carols festivals. There will be live entertainment, kids rides, food stalls and fireworks.

ORAN PARK

● Oran Park Christmas Lights, various venues, Oran Park; daily, free, oranparktown.com.au

The residents of one of our newest suburbs have been encouraged to light up their houses for a Christmas competition so there should be plenty to see if you take a drive to the southwest.

PARRAMATTA, PENRITH

● Parramatta Christmas Tree, Centenary Square, Parramatta, daily, free, parracity.nsw.gov.au; Carols By Candelight, Old Government House, Parramatta Park, December 6, 7pm-9pm, gold coin donation, nationaltrust.org.au

Check out the massive tree in the new-look square in Church St and head over to the park to sing traditional carols along with the NSW Police Band, the Model Farms High School choir. See Santa arrive as well.

● Penrith Carols By Candlelight, Penrith Paceway, Penrith; December 14, gates 4pm, from 6pm-9pm, free, clubpacewaypenrith.com

Father Christmas is flying in by chopper, there will be live entertainment and dancers and there’s even a race for people dressed as Santa. Add in carol singing and fireworks and you have a big night out.

Imaad Scowdhury, 2, and Scarlet Aiken, 2, check out the tree in Parramatta’s new-look square. Picture credit: Phillip Rogers

QVB

● QVB Christmas, George St, City; daily, various times, free entry, photos various prices, qvb.com.au

The Swarovski Christmas tree, with more than 144,000 ornaments and 60,000 lights, is a majestic sight, particularly in such an iconic setting as the historic Queen Victoria Building. Santa and his helpers will be in residence in the crystal garden for those wanting a Christmas photo.

RICHMOND

● Richmond Rotary Carols in Richmond Park, Windsor and East Market Sts, Richmond; December 14, 6pm-10pm, free, hawkesbury.nsw.gov.au

Settle down for a family night in the centre of Richmond. You can buy electric candles, glow sticks and glowing bracelets to help light up your night as you sing along.

STRATHFIELD, SYDNEY TOWER

● Strathfield Christmas Carols Featuring Movies In The Park, Strathfield Park, Homebush Rd, Strathfield; today 5pm-10pm, free, strathfieldmovies.com.au

Combine carol singing with the outdoor screening of the kids movie Frozen. Santa will appear and the evening ends with a big fireworks display.

● Sydney Tower Eye Santa’s Grotto, Westfield Sydney, 100 Market St, City; daily 9am-10pm, adult $26, child $15, sydneytowereye.com

Soar 250m into the sky to see Santa at the highest place in town — the top of the Sydney Tower. Get a free photo with Santa, receive a free gift and admire the spectacular view.

Get a photo with Santa at Sydney Tower

THORNLEIGH, TURRAMURRA

● Thornleigh Family Christmas Carols By Candelight, Headen Park, Sinclair Ave, Thornleigh; December 14, 6.30pm-9.30pm, free, hornsby.nsw.gov.au

Bring a picnic rug and settle in for live music and community carols. And there’s face-painting for the kids.

● Turramurra Carols In The Chapel, Lady Davidson Hospital Chapel, Bobbin Head Rd,
North Turramurra; December 14, 5pm-6.30pm, free, bobbinheadchurch.com.au

Enjoy a traditional night of carol singing in church led by the Landings Choir following a festive supper.

UMINA

● Umina Library Christmas Storytime, Umina Library, West and Bullion Sts, Umina; December 16, 10.30am-11.30am, free, gosford.nsw.gov.au

There are plenty of Christmas events around the Central Coast but if you are looking at something a little different for the kids, check out the activities at Umina library. Even Santa will be showing up.

VAUCLUSE

● Vaucluse House Make And Take: Christmas Craft, Wentworth Rd, Vaucluse; December 13 and 14 noon-3pm, child $5 plus museum entry, sydneylivingmuseums.com.au

Kids aged three and over can learn how to make Christmas decorations and try ginger biscuits in two fun afternoons.

WOLLONGONG

● Wollongong 25th Annual Bikers Toy Run, Crown St Mall, Wollongong; December 6, from 10.30am, free, wollongong.nsw.gov.au

The motorbikes will be cruising from Shellharbour to the centre of Wollongong bringing gifts for disadvantaged kids. They arrive from 11am and Santa will be there too. There will be live entertainment and free face-painting.

XMAS X-FACTOR

● Xmas X-Factor, A Very Puppy Christmas, The Skyline Drive-In, Blacktown; December 21, 7am-2pm, car $2, walk-in $1, blacktownmarkets.com.au

We don’t have any suburbs starting with X but this event should be a great way to start the Christmas week. Bring along your pooch and enter the best dressed dog, owner-dog lookalike and ugliest dog contest. There will be heaps of pet-themed stalls and live entertainment.

YAGOONA

●Yagoona Lights, 169 Wycombe St, Yagoona; daily from 7.30pm, free, yagoonalights.com

Plenty of people put Christmas lights on their houses but few set up a website complete with videos and lighting details. This guy even has an FM radio station you can tune into for music to sequence the lights.

ZETLAND

● Zetland Laneway Learning At the Library; Bath Bombs, Green Square Library, Joynton Ave, Zetland; December 6, 11am, free, cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

At this workshop, all materials are supplied to make perfumed bath bombs.

Source: http://www.dailytelegraph.com.au/entertainment/arts/embrace-the-spirit-of-christmas-with-our-a-z-of-festive-events-across-sydney/story-fniv7r7y-1227145536521