Deck the halls of marketplace
Santa’s already left the North Pole and he’s on his way to MarketPlace Leichhardt with more than a few of his friends in tow. It just isn’t Christmas until you’ve seen the man himself…
Santa Claus will arrive in spectacular fashion this Saturday at 11am in a gala parade joined by Mrs. Claus, Rudolf the Red Nose Reindeer, all his elves, the Fairy God Mother and even his own Christmas Marching Band. At 11:30am the Live Christmas Stage Show will begin, featuring the Prince of Christmas, a dazzling cast of dancers and many more surprises. After this, you will be able to meet and greet all these amazing characters.
A great treat throughout the day will be the reindeer display, which will let you see, touch and pet these graceful animals until 3pm. Once this day ends, Santa will settle into his enchanted red chair for the rest of the season to take all your Christmas wishes personally.
• MarketPlace Leichhardt, corner of Marion and Flood Street, from 11am-4pm. For more info, visit www.marketplaceleichhardt.com.au
Open day at dawn
Every December, as the true heat of summer rears its head, Dawn Fraser Baths opens up for a FREE day of swimming, BBQs, entertainment and more!
The baths will open on Sunday 7th December with free entry for everyone from 11am-4pm and this event is a wonderful way to kick off the summer, perfect for families.
Other than the beautiful sun, sand and water to keep you occupied throughout the day, there will also be some great entertainment including swimming races, sandcastle competitions, life-saving demonstrations, live music and even an appearance from the Streets Paddle Pop Lion!
You can literally stay the whole day; the kiosk will be open and the two fundraising BBQs, one by the swimming club and the other by the water polo club, will ensure that you do not go hungry. The baths themselves will stay open until 7pm so this is definitely an entire day of beach fun.
• For more information on the Dawn Fraser Baths and this event, visit www.lpac.nsw.gov.au/Dawn-Fraser-Baths
Saturday 22nd November
Thrive Fest
Despite how often people throw out terms like “sustainability” and ‘the growth of green technologies’, we are still on a path to catastrophic climate change in this world of finite resources. Come join this festive, informative and inspiring night of film, music and talks to learn how you can be the change, so we can not only survive, but thrive in our world. From great guest speakers to the groundbreaking documentary that reveals the most destructive industry in the world, this is a truly fascinating night and something that everyone should be a part of.
• Where: Sydney Nursing School, 88 Mallett Street, $35
Starting Wed 26th November
Leichhardt Espresso Chorus
Carols on Norton is festive community event that attracts over 3000 people every year and in 2014 they want you! The Children’s Choir is one of these annual performers and their group is open to all children and 100 per cent free and they are very welcoming to new members. Their rehearsals take place at Leichhardt Primary School on Marion St from 4:30-5:30pm. Visit their website (see below) to register your kids.
• For more information or to register, visit www.espressochorus.com.au
Wednesday 26th November
Spirit Lifting Singing Workshop
Feeling stressed and worn out? Or are you feeling marvellous and just want to get out there and sing? It doesn’t matter if you’ve sung to crowds of thousands or just only to yourself in the shower, this soul and spirit- reviving gospel music workshop, conducted by Australia’s premier a cappella choir (the Café of the Gate of Salvation), is open for everyone. This workshop will be held at St Mary’s Church, 21 Swanston Street, Erskineville from 7-9pm and costs $20 per person.
• For more information, visit www.cafeofthegateofsalvation.com.au
Thur 27th & Sat 29th November
Casa Barilla Cooking Class
Led by Barilla’s head chef Andrea Tranchero, this hands-on class will take you all the way to the Mediterranean island of Sardinia and its surprisingly seafood-light cuisine. The recipe learned in this course is Conchiglie Rigate “alla Campidanese”; a pasta dish originating from the south of Sardinia that is made with local sausage, saffron pecorino and ricotta. All cooking classes run for two and a half hours and will include a meal with matching wine, as well as some goodie bags and recipes. The cost is $90 per person.
• For more information, visit www.barilla.net.au/casabarilla/casabarilla.htm
Saturday 29th November
Theatresports Cranston Cup Final
After three months of intense competition for each little titter and giggle, the Cranston Cup grand final is now just around the corner with the four remaining teams deep in practice. This year’s finalists are The South African’ts, My Two Dads, Mantaur and The True Detectives and all but the last team are Inner West locals, thus proving us the funniest part of Sydney. There may end up being as many flops as there are comedy gold, but in the end, you’ll be laughing regardless. Come for a cheer, or to boo the judges, and have a hell of a night!
• For more info, visit www.improaustralia.com.au. For ticket purchases, visit www.ticketek.com.au
Saturday 29th November
Miss Burlesque Australia 2014
The feathers will fly, the swarovski’s will sparkle and the props will shock and amaze you! All this and more is the kind of entertainment you can expect from the fifth Miss Burlesque Australia competition and this year will also include the inaugural Mr. Boylesque, the first male burlesque competition on Earth! Hosted at the Factory Theatre and running from 7:30-11:30pm, this is a truly unique event that combines all elements and forms of burlesque to make an absolutely stunning affair.
• For more information, visit www.missburlesqueinternational.com
Sat 6th-Sun 7th Nov
We wish you a Dirty Christmas
Tis the season to be jolly, but this isn’t the holiday you know. Darkside Dance Collective will be bringing their own style to the holidays with their dark and slightly off-centre take on Christmas all set to a soundtrack of rock, metal and other dar sounds. This night will feature a range of amazing performers, including singers, dancers, aerials and even gorelesque, to explore a very damaged kind of holiday all led by Doctor Joshua as a drunk and lecherous Saint Nick. Tickets start at $34.95.
• For more information, visit www.facebook.com/darksidedance
