The best of Sunbury will be on show this weekend at the town’s annual Sunbury Community Festival.
In its 38th year, SunFest attracts about 30,000 patrons and has successfully filled the void left by the renowned Sunbury pop festivals of 1972-75.
Committee treasurer Tracey White says the two-day festival is a “much-loved favourite” of participants and spectators.
“We encourage all groups, businesses and schools, to take part in this spectacle to help the wider community recognise the wonderful input by our local schools, clubs, and emergency services to the Sunbury community.
“This year the grand street parade will feature a number of local and surrounding sporting clubs, musical and dance groups, emergency service vehicles, clowns and some floats entering for the first time.”
The parade will run a different route this year, starting at 12.30pm on Saturday at Evans Street then proceeding into Harker Street and down O’Shanassy Street, finishing at the Sunbury Village Green.
Sunbury School of Calisthenics, which has taken part in the parade for more than 20 years, will continue the tradition this year. President Antoinette Ciantar says the SunFest parade is a fun way to be involved in the community and promote the sport. “Our participants really enjoy being a part of the parade and showcase our team spirit. [The school] is very proud to represent Sunbury,” she said.
The festival also features stalls, a carnival, entertainment including a talent show, and a fun run or walk including an emergency services challenge.
Four-time Golden Guitar nominee Paul Costa will “rock out” on stage as the headline act on Saturday’s entertainment bill.
Performing tunes from his latest album Wheels & Steel, Costa says he and his band can’t wait to rock the night away.
“It’s a thrill to be headlining as far as the entertainment goes. SunFest has a large history and it’s great to be a part of an event that has been so successful for nearly 40 years.”
Costa loves performing in front of crowds. “I enjoy the feedback from the audience. I try and get the audience to participate and communicate. The more you give the audience, the more they give back and the whole atmosphere grows. The band has its job to do, too. Together, everyone has fun.”
» The Sunbury Community Festival, at the Sunbury Village Green, corner of O’Shanassy and Brook streets, runs from 9am-11pm on Saturday and 8am-4pm on Sunday. Details: sunfest.org.au
