Parra Opening Party

PARRA OPENING PARTY - Saturday 14th January, 2012

You're invited to a huge, free opening party as the Parramatta CBD is transformed by big bands, soulful singers, top DJs and street theatre spectaculars. From street closures along Church St to a concert on the Old Kings School site; from activities in Prince Alfred Park and the opulence of the Idolize Spiegeltent to roving performances along the river foreshore; this is your chance to dance on the street, to watch world class performances and be serenaded by roving performers...

Download a map and a schedule. 



PRINCE ALFRED PARK: from 4pm

The event starts with activities for the whole family. Bring the kids down to the LAWN STAGE from 4pm as Holly Throsby kicks off the afternoon with fantastical children's songs from her album ‘See!' Then prepare to dance, wriggle and shout as The Sousaphonics bring their big brassy tunes to the stage. Your hosts for the afternoon are The Listies, taking time out from their show The List Operators for Kids Do Compooters to keep us all laughing.

Look out for roving performers and a kids' craft workshop with Circus Solarus. Over by THE ROTUNDA, find your beat at the Nafas Drumming workshop or learn circus tricks with Circus Monoxide. Across the road, Information and Cultural Exchange (ICE) invites you to its Switch Digital Arts Centre, with free activities for young people.

The IDOLIZE SPIEGELTENT swings open its doors to all ages from 4pm, featuring an evening set by FBI Radio's DJ Tyson Koh and a late night performance of new wave dance from Shangaan Electro, direct from Soweto, South Africa.

Come back to the LAWN STAGE at the end of the evening for a fix of big band jazz and blues with your hosts The Cope St Parade and special guest Elana Stone.

CHURCH ST (near Victoria Rd) - from 5pm

At CHURCH ST NORTH Blue Mountains band Afro Nomad take the stage for an early evening feast of West African music infused with blues and Latin jazz. Then get your dancin' shoes on for Australian rockabilly favourites the Pat Capocci Combo. There'll be mischief in the streets as your hosts, the boys from Briefs, take time out from their show at The Idolize Spiegeltent to get you giggling with their vivacious performances.

When the sun sets As The World Tipped takes over the evening skyline with its towering presence on Church Street. The stage literally tips skywards, as dramatic film and visuals mix with breathtaking aerial performances and music.

OLD KINGS SCHOOL SITE - from 7pm

Bring a picnic and head down to the riverfront grass area at the Old Kings School for an evening of world class music hosted by MC Trey. DJ Meem kicks things off with his laid back eclectic sets spanning soul, funk, hip hop, gypsy and jazz. The Barefoot Divas will entrance you, with the captivating tales of six powerful singers and songwriters from Australia and the Pacific. And for a whirlwind finale, the mighty brass and swirling violins of Europe's magnificent Taraf de Haïdouks and the Koçani Orkestar lift off into an exhilarating celebration of the night.

NORMAN JAY'S GOOD TIMES SOUND SYSTEM, GOVERNMENT FARM

**NEW SITE***

Notting Hill Carnival DJ Norman Jay parks his iconic double-decker bus for a marathon six hour set of feel good summer tunes, creating an all-ages party in the stunning grounds of Government Farm. Pack a picnic, pull up a rug and dance on the grass for what promises to be a DJ set like no other.

Please note access to Government Farm via riverfront walkway from Old Kings School Site. Download map for details.


CHURCH STREET, ALONG THE RIVER AND BEYOND - from 5pm

As the afternoon cools, the city comes alive with wandering performers, musicians, dancers and mobile sound systems . Watch out for entertainment around Church Street's famous dining precinct, in the parks and along the riverfront. Dancers from YouMove Company will surprise you with their brand new pop-up performance  Loungers. Gramophone Man will play you his favourite ‘78s on his mobile turntable system, and DJ Mashy P presents an eclectic set of tunes on his battery powered wheelie bin sound system.

Come on Parramatta - let's party!

Scroll down for access information, how to get there, FAQs and a quick survey to help us plan the day.

No glass. Food is on sale throughout the event. 

Be sun smart – wear sunscreen, a hat and drink plenty of water.

Planning your day? Leave the car at home, book your trip at 131500.com.au. There's also plenty of transport tips on our venue page.

VENUE ACCESS

Parramatta Opening Party Access to the City and Prince Alfred Park

All areas of Parramatta Opening Party are accessible. From Parramatta train station, we recommend travelling along Church Street to arrive at the managed access point at the corner of Church and Phillip Street.  There will be marshals along the route directing you towards the Parramatta River foreshore and to Prince Alfred Park.

If you require drop off, we would recommend that you use the drop off area next to Prince Alfred Park on Marist Place (travelling south). There is a small area for vehicles to pull into, and for passengers to disembark. Wheelchair access is available from this point to the CBD and Old Kings School site. From here a traffic controller will direct your vehicle to public carparks.

Access at The Old King School Site and Government Farm

The Old King School Site is wheelchair accessible. An accessible viewing area for patrons with a disability and their guests will be located next to the FOH marquee. Limited spaces will be available for RTA Mobility Parking Scheme Permit Holders and must be booked before the event on 0407 364 608. This area is located in the Parramatta Council Swimming Pool carpark - located off O'Connell street. This area will be manned and passes must be displayed prior to entry. Government Farm is also accessible from the Parramatta Council Swimming Pool carpark.

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