Summer of fun begins
Your guide to the Summer Series — months and months of fun in The Hills.
Hills Shire
Don't miss out on the headlines from Hills Shire. Followed categories will be added to My News.
- Shakespeare in the Park takes a Roman holiday
- A summer under the stars for the Hills
- Park Feast is a foodies delight
The busiest and most entertaining time in the Hills’ calendar has begun.
The Hills Shire Council’s Summer Series started on November 2 with the opening of pop-up cafe Lil Miss Collins at Bella Vista Farm and continues with the Park Feast festival this weekend.
The Sydney Hills Christmas Sky Show will light up the sky later this month and continue into December, followed by the NYE Sky Show.
The fun continues in January with the return of the Smooth FM Sydney Hills Outdoor Cinema, as well as Australia Day and Lunar New Year celebrations.
The Hills Shire Mayor Yvonne Keane said there would be so much happening that residents would not want to leave the Hills this summer.
“For the very first time, the gates of our shire’s best-kept secret, Bella Vista Farm, will be thrown open every single day during the summer months, except Christmas Day,” she said.
Mayor Keane said Park Feast would be a “street food lover’s delight” with food trucks, music and children’s entertainment.
“I can’t wait to see the faces of our Shire’s children as they dance under the snow and canopy of fairy lights to Christmas songs during the Christmas Sky Show,” she said.
“There are so many more amazing events that you’ll be spoiled for choice – the wonderful Outdoor Cinema is happening at Castle Hill Showground and the Sydney Thunder will be wowing fans at a fan day.
“Thank you to everyone involved in bringing this year’s amazing Summer Series together – and I hope to see you all there.”
■ Lil Miss Collins ■
What: Pop-up cafe, breakfast, lunch and coffee.
When: The cafe opened last week and will run until Feb. 28, 8am-4pm daily.
Where: Bella Vista Farm.
■ Park Feast ■
What: More than 20 food trucks, live music, rides, entertainment.
When: 11am-10pm each day on November 12 and 13.
Where: Bella Vista Farm.
■ Christmas Sky Show ■
What: Animated festive light stories displayed on a 40m LED banner.
When: Nov. 25- Dec. 26. Show One will run at 8.30pm while Show Two will start at 9.30pm.
Where: Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill, adjacent to the Castle Towers Piazza.
■ NYE Sky Show ■
What: Ring in the New Year with light shows, a live telecast of the Sydney fireworks and family-friendly entertainment.
When: 6pm-12am, Dec. 31
Where: Old Northern Rd, Castle Hill, adjacent to the Castle Towers Piazza.
■ Sydney Thunder ■
What: Meet your sporting heroes, have a go and get active with the Sydney Thunder.
When: 9.30-10.30am exclusive members’ clinic; 10.30-12.30pm open to the public, on Dec. 18.
Where: Bruce Purser Reserve, Kellyville
■ Outdoor Cinema ■
What: Flicks, food and fun for the whole family.
When: Thursdays-Sundays, Jan 12 — Feb. 12
Where: Castle Hill Showground
■ Australia Day ■
What: Performances by Ricki-Lee, Chris Sebastian and Alfie Arcuri plus rides and activities, street food, Australiana displays, roving performers, and fireworks.
When: 10am-9pm
Where: Bella Vista Farm
■ Lunar Festival ■
What: Food trucks, fireworks, traditional performances, displays and ancient Lunar NY rituals.
When: 12pm-9pm, Jan 29
Where: Bella Vista Farm
■ Convict Footprints ■
What: Step back in time and discover our past.
When: Jan 21-22, Feb. 5. Dates to be confirmed. Visit the Convict Footprints website for details.
Where: Bella Vista Farm
■ Shakespeare in the Park ■
What: Theatre company Sport for Jove will bring its eighth season of Shakespeare in the Park to the Hills with the epic tales of Julius Caesar and Antony and Cleopatra.
When: Dec 17-Jan 7. Dates to be confirmed. Visit Sport for Jove’s website for details.
Where: Bella Vista Farm
‘My way’: Italians make neighbourhood restaurant real deal
Italy’s loss is The Hills’ gain thanks to a chef with Michelin-level training serving authentic cuisine to Sydneysiders.
Move over pickleball: Padel ball to expand in northwest Sydney
A northwest Sydney sporting club is hoping to spread awareness for the Mexican sport of padel ball by building six courts and a clubhouse. Here’s what we know.