Held on Saturday 5 October (long weekend), Open Street Festival is set to be a great day out for the community, complete with music, food, markets and more.
Presented by Wollongong City Council, Open Street Festival is a free, one-off event made possible by grant funding provided by the NSW Government under the Vibrant Street Package – Open Streets Program and supported by the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce.
Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said that the Open Street Festival is a chance for residents to celebrate the uniqueness of their community.
“Port Kembla is famously a multicultural and vibrantly diverse community located among the iconic backdrop of the steelworks and port. This festival serves as an opportunity for visitors to check out the town’s thriving cultural, artistic, and business community,” Cr Bradbery said.
“On the day, we’ll close a section of Wentworth Street to create a temporary space for markets, outdoor dining, installations, performances and of course, lots and lots of great music. Then at twilight, as the light falls, we’ll treat you to several visual effects and projections at various locations along the street.”
NSW Government’s Open Streets Program aims to bring local streets to life by encouraging people to stay longer and enjoy the local goods, services, and activities.
Minister for Planning and Public Spaces and Member for Wollongong Paul Scully said:
"Congratulations to Wollongong City Council on securing funding for this festival under the NSW Government’s Open Streets program,” Mr Scully said.
“This event will help to deliver a much-needed injection into the Port Kembla CBD while bringing the community together for a day full of fun and festivities.
“I encourage residents to come along to the Open Street Festival on 5 October, to support and celebrate this vibrant and unique community."
President of the Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce, Greg Rodgers said:
“The Port Kembla Chamber of Commerce is extremely happy to be working alongside Wollongong City Council to deliver the Open Street Festival. Port Kembla welcomes the region to join us and celebrate an exciting showcase of local enterprise and talent,’” he said.
“The festival will feature music, markets, roving entertainment, and incredible light installations, highlighting our historical town centre. Adding to our already popular annual events, the Open Street Festival – Port Kembla will be worth the visit.”
