Big crowds celebrate 2024 Granny Smith Festival
Published on 24 October 2024
Eastwood came alive on Saturday 19 October for a fantastic day of family fun and entertainment at City of Ryde’s annual Granny Smith Festival.
Not even a burst of unexpected afternoon rain could dampen the spirts of a crowd estimated at up to 80,000 who flocked to the 39th occasion of the Festival that celebrates the life and legacy of Maria Ann ‘Granny’ Smith, creator of the internationally famous green apple that bears her name.
Crowds lined the route of the Grand Parade that officially started the day and were thrilled by a cavalcade of gleaming classic cars, dancers, brass bands, cultural and community groups, floats, and colourful street performers.
After the Parade, special guests including City of Ryde Mayor Trenton Brown, and Councillors, Ryde State MP Jordan Lane, and Lane Cove State MP Anthony Roberts, joined with descendants of Granny Smith to officially open proceedings on the Oval Stage.
Then it was time for the fun to begin.
Kids’ shows included Aussie favourites Bluey and Bingo in the ‘Bluey Live Experience’, and there were singing, colouring in and apple pie eating competitions, as well as a Youth Zone featuring live music, dance workshops and arts & craft, camel rides on the oval, thrilling amusement rides and plenty of food and drink options.
The Wiggles Sound System featuring DJ Dorothy (pictured above) made a special appearance at the Finale Concert, with new high energy versions of some of the popular group’s biggest and most recognisable hits getting an excited crowd dancing and singing along.
Sydney’s Amy Chase Band kept the groove going with a set featuring plenty of soul and funk classics before the traditional fireworks display ended the day with a spectacular bang.
Mayor Brown said it was a heart-warming experience to see the City of Ryde community coming together for what is Council’s biggest and most joyous annual event.
“Even though there was a real King in another part of town, the enduring popularity of Eastwood’s unofficial queen, Granny Smith, is beyond question,” he said.
“This iconic annual event has grown from humble beginnings to be now recognised as one of Sydney’s biggest and best family street parties and is a wonderful representation of City of Ryde’s unique cultural diversity.”
To see a fantastic selection of pictures from the day, click here