Willoughby residents will have another reason to relish the start of Spring this year with the popular Emerge Festival to be held from 1 September until 9 October.
This year’s festival will be full of unmissable community events over 39 days, including live performances, art exhibitions, cultural experiences, creative workshops, artisan experiences and outdoor sport and leisure activities.
The Emerge festival will also include the Chatswood StreetFair – the North Shore’s biggest street party – for the first time since 2019.
To be held on Saturday, September 3, with extended hours from 10am-6pm, the Chatswood StreetFair will showcase local emerging talent and feature more than 120 market stalls, live entertainment and food and drink.
The main streets of Chatswood will be closed and festivities will include a 1000 person street parade kicking off from 10.30am at Endeavour Street. To participate in the parade fill out the relevant form on the Emerge website.
Willoughby City Mayor Tanya Taylor said the Emerge festival was a great way to celebrate Willoughby’s vibrant, resilient community.
“This iconic community festival marks not only the fact that Spring has sprung, but also a triumphant return to face-to-face festivities,” Ms Taylor said.
“Emerge is an opportunity for all the hidden gems in our community to enter the spotlight and be discovered.
“I encourage everyone to take the opportunity to embrace Emerge and support our small businesses and community groups.”
Highlights of the festival feature local clubs and businesses such as orienteering, croquet, fun runs, distillery tours, cultural festivals, puppet shows, live theatre, jazz afternoon, and much more.
One popular highlight will be the Willoughby Symphony Orchestra’s Last Night of the Proms extravaganza to be performed at The Concourse on September 3-4.
This will see the Orchestra and choir combine with the Pacific Opera in an epic concert under the baton of conductor Louis Sharpe.
As Emerge comes to a close, the Willoughby Leisure Centre will host a giant tropical-themed pool party, complete with an inflatable course, fun races and a DJ on October 9 as a fitting tribute to the Emerge Festival.
Everyone attending Emerge Festival events are encouraged to wear masks and follow COVID safe rules. If unwell please refrain from attending.
