Surry Hills Festival 2014

Overview

The annual Surry Hills Festival is back on Saturday, September 27, in a celebration of everything there is to love about the inner-city suburb. From the 9am dog show to the after-dark art takeover of a laneway, and with plenty of gourmet picnics hampers and market-stall tastings in between, it's a choose-your-own adventure of artisanal, community-minded promenading.

Headlining the music program is Donny Benet, his eccentric tunes harking back to a time of kitschy disco meets funk (his new track with Kirin J. Callinan is everything you'd expect from the duo; an '80s throwback to perfection). Also headlining are Sydney psychedelic rockers, The Laurels, who have recently toured alongside the likes of Tame Impala and The Black Angels. There's also Spookyland — helmed by Marcus Gordan — aptly named thanks to their haunting folk tunes.

For dancing after dark, Sydney electronic outfit Canyons will be playing a DJ set, as will Goodgod's rock 'n' roll dancehall favourites, Yo Grito!. Indie-pop band The Lulu Raes, electro-rock two-piece Tales In Space, singer-songwriter Little Fox, and the fantastic genre defying Spirit Valley (think Brian Jonestown Massacre but with chaotic drone) will also be bringing good vibes to the 'hood. For a chance to support local up-and-comers, AIM will be showcasing some of the best musical talent from its tiers.

If you still can't think of an excuse to come down, proceeds raised will go towards a fundraiser for the Surry Hills Neighbourhood Centre for vital community projects to keep the suburb alive and going. The festival will be spread out over Shannon Reserve, Ward Park and (in the case of the psychedelic Velvet Cave) in a cluster of lanes behind Taylor Square.

The Surry Hills Festival will run 10am-11pm. Check out the day's program on the festival website.