Real Festival family fun and getting there made easy with Busways

Thursday, 12 September 2024

The eagerly awaited 2024 instalment of Real Festival hits the banks of Tench Reserve on 20 & 21 September, transforming the picturesque Nepean River into a hub of creativity, entertainment and family-friendly activities.

This free event invites everyone to immerse themselves in a weekend full of fun and excitement. The Festival will feature a variety of engaging activities for kids and adults alike. Attendees are invited to visit the Open-Air Arcade – a haven for adults seeking a nostalgic throw back, and a barrel of fun for the kids! Relive the glory days of the Twin Car Racer, Pinball, Basketball League, Dance Dance Revolution, MMA Boxer, and King of the Hammer.

Real Festival will be alive with entertainment spanning Tench Reserve and showcasing a diverse range of performers. Be sure to see live-looping artist Heath Lincoln performing with no pre-recorded music, and returning favourites, the ever-popular Phat Brass band. Also on the line up, known from YouTube, artist Dani Madeline will have the kids singing along to Disney hits, and attendees may recognise Connor Wink from The Voice 2022 as a remarkable blind multi-instrumentalist and vocalist.

More not to be missed experiences include Evening Dreamtime Stories by Muru Mittigar and on-water activities including kayaking, stand up paddle boarding and Dragon Boating are also on offer to experience the Nepean River like never before.

Featuring food trucks, art installations, market stalls and more to explore, Real Festival is set to be impressive, and large crowds are anticipated throughout the weekend.

As such, public transport is recommended as the first option for travel and Real Festival is pleased to once again have partnered with Busways as the Official Transport Partner to ensure convenient and hassle-free transport for all attendees.

The shuttle buses are accessible and can accommodate prams, strollers, wheelchairs and mobility aids. Operating continuously throughout the weekend, the services will run:
- Emu Plains Station (Station Street Carpark bus stop),
- Penrith Train Station (Stand D)
- Jamison Road (Between York Road and Racecourse Road); and
- At the Festival, Tench Reserve.
Why not continue rolling with Busways when you arrive at the Roller Rink, where skate enthusiasts, young and old are invited to pre-book a 30-minute session including skate hire. Sessions can be pre booked at realfestival.com.au.

Penrith City Council’s General Manager, Andrew Moore emphasised the Festival’s value for families.

“Real Festival provides a fantastic opportunity for families to enjoy quality time together. With no admission fee, this event is a testament to Council’s commitment to providing, family-friendly events for residents of and visitors to the Penrith LGA,“ Mr Moore said.

Mr Moore added, “Council is excited to partner with Busways again. Their dedication to sustainability and community engagement aligns perfectly with our Festival values, and the continuous shuttle bus loop ensures a smooth and stress-free transportation experience.”

“Get ready for an exciting weekend at Real Festival! With getting there made easy and the Roller Rink by Busways adding to the fun, we are aiming for an unforgettable experience for everyone,” Mr Moore concluded.

Festival parking is available adjacent to the Eastbank restaurant precinct on Tench Avenue. Once full, additional parking will be directed to Penrith and Emu Plains Train Stations, and Jamison Park (North side car park). Limited accessible parking is available at Tench Reserve.

To view more information, book workshops and plan your trip to the event, head to the Real Festival website realfestival.com.au.

Connect with Real Festival on Facebook and Instagram to keep up to date with program highlights and Festival news.

Real Festival is proudly produced by Penrith City Council with the support of Busways, the Blue Mountains Gazette, Western Sydney Airport, and The Western Weekender.

EVENT DETAILS
What: Real Festival
When:
Friday 20 September, 4pm-10pm
Saturday 21 September, 12pm-10pm
Where: Tench Reserve, Tench Avenue, Penrith
Web: realfestival.com.au

Socials:
• Facebook.com/realfestivalpenrith
• Instagram.com/realfestival

#realfestival #visitpenrith

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Information contained within this news release was correct as at Thursday, 12 September 2024.