Media Release
SYDNEY OBSERVATORY CELEBRATES MOON FESTIVAL
Sydney Observatory is set to transform with lion dances, lantern parades, music and Vietnamese street food from Tuesday, 30 September to Thursday 2 October to celebrate Moon Festival, hosted for the first time at the iconic heritage-listed site.
An important lunar event in many Asian cultures, Moon Festival originates from an ancient Chinese festival of gratitude offerings to ancestors and feasting at harvest time. The date is determined by the lunar calendar, taking place under the brightest and roundest full moon all year.
Sydney Observatory will offer an unmatched view of the especially bright moon alongside a lineup of Vietnamese and Chinese performing, artistic and culinary talent.
Sydney Observatory’s Moon Festival starts on Tuesday, 30 September with three days of lantern making workshops, where the community is invited to craft large-scale lanterns on the Sydney Observatory lawn with visual artist Truc Troung. Truong’s creative process is deeply rooted in play and animism, transforming everyday objects into works that explore themes of power, identity, and family.
From 5pm on Thursday, 2 October, renowned Western Sydney lion dance team Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance will lead a lantern parade and lion and dragon dance performance. Lantern making participants are invited to return for the evening celebrations and join their parade with their handmade lanterns.
Throughout the night, the Observatory will fill with the sounds of electronic and pop music from artists across Asia, in a set from Asian-Australian DJ Small FRY. South-west Sydney based caterer Mumma Le’s Vietnamese Kitchen will also be on site, serving classic Vietnamese dishes inspired by generations of family recipes.
Qing Fong Dragon and Lion Dance Manager Kelvin Tran said ‘We cannot wait to light up the Sydney Observatory with our luminous dragon and LED lions for the Moon Festival. Believed to drive away evil spirits and bring good fortune and luck, our lions and dragon will be roaming the grounds, giving visitors a chance to get up close and personal.’
Powerhouse Chief Executive Lisa Havilah said ‘We’re thrilled to celebrate Moon Festival at Sydney Observatory for the first time. With an incredible lineup of Vietnamese talent, the Observatory’s grounds will become a site for community, culture and celebration.’
To view the full program and register attendance visit bit.ly/46VlSWq
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About Powerhouse
Powerhouse sits at the intersection of arts, design, science and technology and plays a critical role in engaging communities with contemporary ideas and issues. We are undertaking a landmark $1.2 billion infrastructure renewal program, spearheaded by the creation of the new museum, Powerhouse Parramatta; expanded research and public facilities at Powerhouse Castle Hill; the renewal of the iconic Powerhouse Ultimo; and the ongoing operation of Sydney Observatory. The museum is custodian to over half a million objects of national and international significance and is considered one of the finest and most diverse collections in Australia. We are also undertaking an expansive digitisation project that will provide new levels of access to the Powerhouse Collection.