www.sydneyfestival.org.au

by Helene Fox

The picturesque lawn at the northern end of Sydney’s Hyde Park will be once again transformed into a playground for all of Sydney to enjoy when Samsung Mobile Festival Garden comes to town.  Promising non-stop entertainment from a day-time kids program through to late-night dancing, as well as offering a great meeting-place for a drink and a bite to eat, the Garden is set to become the place to be this summer.
 
In addition to heralding the return of the exquisite The Famous Spiegeltent (see image) and its house show, La Clique, this year’s Samsung Mobile Festival Garden welcomes a second tent, belonging to Cirque Ici and their internationally acclaimed Secret.
 
During the day, Samsung Mobile Festival Garden will be home to Festival Kids, a series of free workshops, performances and activities for younger audiences.  Kids will be able to meet Festival artists, find out how the shows are made and learn some of the tricks of the trade.

In the early evenings, The Famous Spiegeltent will host music performances by a range of local and international artists including Andrew Bird, Martin Craft, FourPlay, Low, Mice Parade and Tunng.

Keeping the Festival party going well into the night, Late at the Garden will offer an irresistible line up of unpredictable and eclectic local music.  

Artists include: The Shuffle Club, Doch, Waiting For Guinness, Cookin On 3 Burners, Watussi and The Crusty Suitcase Band with more to be announced in December.
 
Entry to the Samsung Festival Garden is free from 6pm till late.  Secret, La Clique and all music performances are ticketed events.  Entry is subject to availability at all times and please note that capacity for Late at the Garden is limited.
 
For further details on La Clique, Secret, Andrew Bird, Martin Craft, FourPlay, Low, Mice Parade and Tunng, check individual releases.
 
Full programs for Festival Kids and Late at the Garden will be announced in December – check the website for details. www.sydneyfestival.org.au