PENRITH is preparing to celebrate the festive season in style, with families invited to enjoy an evening of free entertainment, activities and Christmas fun in the heart of the city.
Proudly presented by Penrith CBD Corporation and supported by Penrith City Council, the annual Christmas Celebration will bring together local businesses, community organisations, performers and sponsors to create a magical night for the whole family.
There will be plenty of free activities, including face painting, airbrush tattoos, roaming elves, stilt walkers, character balloons, Christmas craft, an animal petting zoo and reindeer food making.
Children can also enjoy games with PCYC, a Pass the Ball challenge with Saints Leagues Club, while the RFS and SES will return with their trucks and crews for families to meet.
Major sponsor ALA Law, which has supported the event for more than four years, will host a guessing competition with a $200 gift voucher up for grabs, along with free lolly bags and bubble wands for children.
Other activities have been made possible through the generous support of local sponsors, including Amazon, Koala Mowers, Kwik Kopy, Outback Steakhouse and Adams and Partners.
One of the evening’s highlights will be the much-loved Gingerbread Challenge, with five local businesses creating themed gingerbread displays to raise money for five local charities.
This year’s theme is Gingerbread and Beyond – Toy Story!
The participating businesses and their charity partners are PRD Jeremy Moss with Penrith Community Kitchen, Rotary Penrith with the Luke Priddis Foundation, STSM with St John Ambulance, StretchLab with PCYC, and Jaime’s Hair with The Haven.
The creations will be judged, with first, second and third place winners receiving cash prizes for their nominated charities. The handmade trophy has been created by the local Men’s Shed.
The challenge is proudly supported by major sponsor Penrith RSL, which continues its commitment to caring for the community.
Families will also have the opportunity to capture special Christmas memories with Sara Louise Photography, offering photos with Mrs Claus and special characters for $20, including a 4 x 6 print and digital copy. The photography experience is sponsored by St George Bank/Westpac.
A free Instagram photo area and roaming characters will provide even more opportunities for festive family photos.
Entertainment will continue across Penrith, with the community stage proudly supported by High St Music.
The main stage, hosted by MC Julia Parashko, will feature a PAWS Studio pantomime with a Toy Story theme, performances by local dance groups, Riverland Choir and Penrith Selective High School Ensemble.
There will also be plenty of opportunities to enjoy local food, shopping and hospitality, with businesses opening late for the occasion.
Visitors can enjoy sweet treats from Sweet Surprises, a meal or drink at Mr Watkins, live music and drinks with Elton Chong, and a Christmas shopping wander through Harry Hartog, along with market stalls, food trucks and local cafes.
The excitement will build towards the arrival of Santa at 8pm, a highlight for the many children eagerly awaiting his visit.
Penrith CBD Corporation said the celebration was about more than providing a night of entertainment, with the event also recognising the importance of supporting local businesses, community organisations and charities.
Organisers have thanked the sponsors, businesses, community groups, performers and volunteers whose generosity and support have helped bring the event together.
The Christmas Celebration promises to be a wonderful opportunity for families to come together, enjoy the festive atmosphere and share in the community spirit that makes Penrith special.
The event is proudly presented by Penrith CBD Corporation and supported by Penrith City Council.
Friday 13th November 5-9pm High St, Memory Park
