Newtown Festival Reveals Stacked 2016 Program

Celebrated Sydney street shindig Newtown Festival is bearing down upon us swiftly, with the annual event set to return to Camperdown Memorial Park in less than a month's time.

With limited lead-in remaining, organisers of the non-profit event — hosted by Newtown Neighbourhood Centre (NNC) — have unveiled their eclectically excellent program of music, markets, food and more to keep punters of all ages smiling and sated throughout the day.

They've not cut any corners in bringing together a diverse and deeply inviting line-up of artists, with more than 40 acts set to provide good vibrations across four stages, encompassing all manner of sounds from hip hop and rockabilly to world music, EDM and beyond. Joining the fun in 2016 will be the likes of lauded rapper L-FRESH The LION, country faves All Our Exes Live In Texas, the wonky pop of Fortunes and more.

"We're extremely excited to present the packed Newtown Festival 2016 program, which features an unbeatable line-up of performances and events, offering something for everyone," festival director Gill Minervini said in a statement. "Newtown is the creative heart of Sydney and is bursting at the seams with generosity. We've been overwhelmed by the support and enthusiasm shown by the community and are thrilled that all performers are generously donating their time and talent to help inner-west homeless." 

The family-friendly event has stacked its decks with an array of tantalising treats, including the presence of 2016 festival ambassador Sarah Blasko (who first graced its stages more than a decade ago), as well as the return of the Writers Tent, hosted by beloved indie bookshop Better Read Than Dead and featuring talks from the likes of Holly Throsby, Jane Caro, David Hunt, Melina Marchetta and more. Plus, there's the usual spread of market stalls specialising in arts, crafts, fashion, bespoke items and heaps of other curiosities.

Depending on your interests, that may all pale in comparison to what else is on offer: the always-adorable Dog Show, hosted by Sassy Treats, from 9.30am to 11am. If you're more inclined to the culinary arts, more than 40 food stalls and an array of bars will keep your taste-buds happy with assistance from a bunch of awesome local organisations, including Black Star Pastry, Bloodwood, Brewtown Newtown, Continental Delicatessen, Fleetwood Macchiato, N2 Extreme Gelato, Dandy In The Clos, Oscillate Wildly, Rising Sun Workshop, Sparrow & Vine, The Stinking Bishops, Young Henrys, Hartsyard, Stanbuli, Mary's and 212 Bludonate.

The 38th Newtown Festival will be held at Camperdown Memorial Park on Sunday 13 November.

Entry is via cash or PayPass donation at the gate. All proceeds go to support inner-west people at risk of homelessness.

"We're asking everyone to please give generously, as all proceeds support NNC’s First Response Program, which is dedicated to helping homeless people in the community get on a pathway to finding a roof over their head," Newtown Neighbourhood Centre chief executive Liz Yeo said in a statement.

For more information, see the event's website.