The City of Ryde is celebrating 40 years of hosting one of Sydney's biggest and most popular street festivals on Saturday 18 October – and everyone is invited to join the party.
The milestone Granny Smith Festival will transform the heart of Eastwood into a giant family-friendly entertainment zone from 9.00am to 8.30pm.
The iconic festival will offer a vibrant mix of beloved traditions, such as the famous apple pie eating competition, alongside exciting new attractions. Attendees can look forward to an impressive array of amusement rides, market stalls, food trucks, live performances, a dedicated youth zone, free children's activities and the Granny Smith History Hub at Eastwood Library.
This year's special guests include 2024 Australian Idol winner Dylan Wright and the popular junior lifeguards from Kangaroo Beach. Festival goers can also purchase 40-year merchandise on the day to keep a little piece of Granny Smith history.
City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown highlighted the significance of the anniversary as a tribute to heritage and community.
"This year's anniversary marks a moment of immense pride for our community. It's an opportunity to honour the tradition of the Granny Smith apple as well as the rich history and cultural tapestry that defines our City, making Ryde such a special place to call home," he said.
"Eastwood has long been a place where individuals and families come to build their future, just as Maria Ann Smith did when she arrived in 1838 with her husband Thomas and their five children.
"After settling here in the 1850s, Maria cultivated the renowned Granny Smith apple. Her legacy has been deeply rooted into the Granny Smith Festival we know today - an event which has truly become the cornerstone of the local community."
Mayor Brown encouraged all attendees to plan ahead as large crowds are anticipated once again.
"Last year Eastwood welcomed 80,000 festival goers which highlights the enduring popularity of this unique community event," he said.
"This year, we are pleased to offer a lively program with a diverse lineup of free entertainment and activities for all ages."
The festival will feature more than 200 stallholders, 500 performers across six festival stages and up to 1000 local participants in the Grand Street Parade. The festivities will conclude with an action-packed finale show and a spectacular fireworks display.
