Over the weekend of November 23-24, the Celebrate South King Festival returns to the southern end of King St, Newtown.
By Alec Smart
Under the title “A Precinct for the Curious", the organisers reveal that the weekend festival “will transform this eclectic neighbourhood into a playground of creativity, culture, and community spirit.”
The community celebration, moved this year from Autumn to Spring, promises to “shine a spotlight on its unique blend of retail, service, dining, and entertainment, offering an array of activities that capture the essence of its lively character.”
Neighbourhood Media spoke to Gilli Kilgour, jeweller and co-founder of King Street Metalsmiths, the winners of the Inner West Local Business Awards 2024 for Outstanding Jewellery Store, about the annual event.
“This year both sides of South King St will be included in the event,” she revealed, “doubling the number of small businesses involved. It’s so worth wandering further down King St; not only will you discover our workshop, there’s small bars, great cafes and restaurants, vintage clothes, and live music venues. We love being in this area, we meet so many wonderful people, it’s a real sense of community down this end!”
King Street Metalsmiths are one of several artisans and businesses providing workshops, demonstrations and tasty treats over the two-day carnival.
Festival Highlights include:
Pop-Up Music and Dance Workshops: Engage with local artists and dancers in spontaneous performances and workshops that will fill the streets with rhythm and movement.
Meditation Workshops: Find your inner peace with guided meditation sessions designed to rejuvenate the spirit amidst the bustle of the festival.
Jewellery Polishing: Discover hidden treasures and add a sparkle to your accessories with free jewellery polishing at King St Metalsmiths.
South King Cocktails: Appreciate specially crafted cocktails at various independent bars, each offering a unique twist on classic favourites.
Poets in Far Away Places: Enjoy evocative poetry readings that transport you to distant lands and imaginative realms.
Window Dressing Competition: Admire the creative window displays riffing off the New Theatre’s production of Shakespeare in Love, showcasing the talent of local businesses.
Michelle St Anne, festival curator, expressed her enthusiasm about the multicultural event. “Celebrate South King St is more than just a festival; it’s a vibrant exploration of South King's creativity and spirit,” she said. “We’re thrilled to weave together the unique elements that make South King unique, offering an experience that honours its rich history while spotlighting its exciting future. This event is an open invitation for everyone to discover and delight in the distinctive curiosities that only South King can offer.”
On Friday evening, November 22, a special Launch Yarn event will be held to kick-start the festivities. Indigenous dancer Tim Bishop, a celebrated performer with Bangarra Dance Theatre (and descended from the Murrawarri Nation in Northern NSW), will lead a yarning circle.
Yarn Circles are a significantly important tradition among Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples that encourage the sharing of knowledge and ideas, foster mutual respect and enhance community connections. This event will set the tone for the festival: “encouraging participants to share stories, build relationships, and celebrate cultural heritage.”
Celebrate South King Festival is an initiative by the Inner West Council and supported by the Newtown Enmore Business Community and the City of Sydney.
Information & festival program: www.newtownenmorebusiness.community/events-news/celebrate-south-king-st
Newtown's South King Festival seems like a fantastic event! I adore how it unites the area to honor culture and the arts. Catching up with friends and possibly wearing some stylish halloween jackets while taking part in the celebrations would be fantastic! I'm eager to hear about everyone's experiences at the event.