| All the big shows. All the big events! As the 2000 Olympic Games draw ever nearer, Sydney continues to grow in both the status and range of shows and exhibitions it holds - and the major sporting events and competitions it hosts. Many of the new Olympic sporting facilities are already open - and attracting international competitions. Sydney's family favourite, the Royal Easter Show is settled in and proving popular in its new home. Our multicultural "star turn", Carnivale goes from strength to strength - and the Mardi Gras Festival and Parade delights hundreds of thousands of Australians both as live spectators and TV viewers - plus hordes of overseas visitors. On the following pages, we highlight just a few of Sydney's diverse and colourful annual events. People, colour and fun, all year-round In and around the City, there's a rich annual calendar of events and festivals. There's always something happening, something being celebrated .... Some colourful and entertaining spectacle with music, live performers, or fascinating displays. The city's regular events and one-off programs provide a wealth of interest and enjoyment for people from all walks of life, and from all social and cultural backgrounds. Sydney is not only rich in such events, but also in places to hold them Recent years have seen the addition of many stunning exhibition centres and world-class venues for sport and entertainment, making it easier for everyone to participate in great family outings. The Games programme hots up The Sydney Olympic Games of September 2000 are looming closer and closer. And a lot has happened in the last year... A visiting inspection team from IOC, the International Olympic Committee praised preparations to date, as they saw Sydney's Olympic Park beginning to take shape. It has been an amazing transformation. Rising from the old waste ground of Homebush Bay is a series of stunning and vast stadiums, arenas and accommodation complexes. Highlights of the Olympic City Progress The completed site will finally incorporate an Indoor Arena, a Tennis Centre, the Sydney International Archery Centre, and Sydney International Baseball Stadium. Then, there's the Olympic Village itself, which will accommodate over 15,000 athletes and officials - all within walking distance of most of the events. The Warm-up Running Track and International Aquatic Centre were completed earlier. Some events will take place at venues away from the Homebush site - like the International Regatta Centre at Penrith Lakes - Horsley Park Equestrian Centre and Bankstown Velodrome. The main attraction is of course the $665 million Olympic Stadium. With its capacity to seat 110,000 spectators, it's the biggest Olympic Stadium ever. How big will the Sydney Games be? It's fascinating to look at just some of the stunning statistics emerging from this mammoth international sports event. Just consider these:
Take your own preview tour of Olympic Park Visitors are welcome to join a 45-minute guided tour of the growing Olympic facilities. On-site tours depart from the Homebush Bay Information Centre (1 Australia Avenue, Homebush Bay. Ph: 9735 4800). Parking is available at the Centre but there are good public transport options:
Australia Day (26th January)
 Australia Day in Sydney is our most spectacular celebratory day. Ceremonies, carnivals, and lots of entertainment occur in all our major locations including Darling Harbour, the Rocks, Hyde Park and Macquarie Street. Beautiful tall ships in the Harbour continue to sparkle all day with the Great Ferrython Race, the Flags Afloat Parade and the world's oldest Harbour Regatta. You can catch a ferry to watch these great events. Or visit Macquarie Street where you can tour Sydney's heritage buildings, Parliament House and Museums for free. View the NRMA Motorfest - a free exhibition of 1200 vehicles including vintage cars, buses and motorbikes old and new in the closed streets around Hyde Park. Then enjoy the Hyde Park Wine and Food Fair which begins at 10am with entertainment all day. You can also enjoy a full range of entertainment at Darling Harbour. There is an exciting water ski show, roving theatre and stage entertainment, the official Australia Day Ceremony, and the grand finale at 9pm with the Australia Day Fireworks Spectacular. Also, every year the Domain hosts a very special outdoor free Australia Day Concert which is also televised nationally. There are 3000 events conducted throughout New South Wales on Australia Day. So, no matter where you are, come out and enjoy these wonderful celebrations! The Royal Easter Show Sydney's Royal Easter Show, a tradition since 1882 in the magnificent 28 hectares of the Sydney Showground in Randwick, has now changed its location to Homebush Bay. Every year close to 900,000 Sydneysiders, farmers, tourists and over 16,000 animals fill the grounds. The Show is organised by the Royal Agricultural Society of NSW, promoting excellence in agriculture. The cattle pavilions are the site to see hundreds of giant beasts, patiently being groomed before judging. Their owners live at the Showground for the whole 12 days of the Show, sleeping in lofts above their animals' stalls. In addition to the livestock, three thousand entertainers, sing, dance, juggle and perform on street corners and throughout the many theatres and pavilions in the Show. For more information, call 9331 9111.
 2000 Show Highlights.....
Special Show Days.....
Save on Party Bookings..... Arrange a group of 20 or more people and save 15% off Show entry tickets. For info., call Maria on (02) 9704 1141. Sydney Festival and Carnivale
(Early January - 26 January) The Festival is now in its third decade of presenting the greatest international and Australian theatre, dance, music and extravaganzas. With Carnivale, it reflects and celebrates the multicultural richness of Australia's society in a great program of popular and unique events to entertain, delight, thrill, challenge and excite. From the Sydney Opera House to the Entertainment Centre, there is plenty of free entertainment to fill the streets. Gay & Lesbian Mardi Gras
Street performance, music, dance, live theatre, film, visual arts, and sports and community events highlight the festival. Viewers are stunned, surprised and all entertained. Major events are Fair Day, the Dog Show with the 'dog and owner look-alike contest', and the Mardi Gras Parade which is the heart and soul of the Mardi Gras Festival, bringing together individuals, organisations and businesses in a spirit of celebration and co-operation. |
The Sydney Festival and Carnivale is the state's leading cultural event and a summertime celebration of life in our beautiful harbourside city.
February is the moment when the gay and lesbian community from all over the world gather in Sydney for a celebration of lesbian and gay pride and queer culture.