Reclaiming Newtown’s lanes

The fourth annual Reclaim the Lanes festival is set to wind its ways through Newtown’s nooks and crannies on Saturday, March 17, 2-9pm.

Pockets of artistic experimentation, live music and community participation are expected to draw around 500 people to the colourful spectacle.

Reclaim the Lanes is the product of local artists who believe in the inner west’s unique community spirit and history. Last year’s event won the Sydney Fringe Festival’s Spirit of the Fringe award.

“Reclaim the Lanes embodies the spirit of the inner west and the diversity and creative potential which is a huge part of why we live here,” organiser Chris Lego said.

“Reclaim the Lanes is an inclusive event. Its vibrancy comes from the diversity of people involved in its organisation, and the extraordinary array of people who enjoy the festival itself.”

The parade begins at Newtown’s Hub Theatre, with the route for the travelling carnival revealed on posters and flyers throughout the Newtown area.

Expect bands, wheelie bin sound systems, games, activities for kids, picnics in the lanes and public art.

The procession will wind its way to a central Newtown location as the sun goes down, where the festival will continue into the early evening.

Photo: Paul McCarthy