Free events mark start of Sydney Festival

Patrons took advantage of the opening day of the 2013 Sydney Festival on Saturday marked with a series of free events in Hyde Park, Darling Harbour and The Domain.
Marking the commencement of the annual Sydney Festival, the free events have coincided with good tickets sales, demonstrating the popularity of Australia's best and biggest summer celebration.
NSW Minister for Tourism, Major Events and the Arts, George Souris explained "this year's Festival is shaping up to be an exceptionally popular major event, not just in the Sydney City area, but also Parramatta."
Events in Parramatta begin with a family friendly, free 'Parramatta Opening Party' extravaganza on Saturday 19th January. Prince Alfred Park, the Parade Ground at Old King's, Church Street and public space in and around the Riverside Theatres will be transformed by street theatre, music and activities throughout the afternoon and evening.
Minister Souris added "every summer there is enthusiastic support for the Sydney Festival with hundreds of thousands of people attending the impressive range of arts and cultural events on offer. It offers residents and visitors a great opportunity to experience the arts in Australia's cultural capital.
"The 2013 Sydney Festival program will present more than 750 artists from 17 countries performing in 30 venues and outdoor locations throughout Sydney City and Parramatta.
"It will feature ten world premiere productions, 25 Australian exclusives and three Australian premieres, making it the biggest and best Festival yet."
Last year, the Sydney Festival injected $56.8 million to the State's economy. Almost 600,000 people attended with 120,000 tickets sold to various productions sold.
For more information go to

http://www.sydneyfestival.org.au