MAGIC AND MYSTERY PEER THROUGH THE ROCKS WINDOWS … AND BURST THROUGH EVERY LANEWAY AND DOOR

Village Bizarre

The program for this year’s The Rocks Village Bizarre has been revealed and is sure to have you coming back to The Rocks every Friday night from 7 November to 19 December for the dazzling, delectable, unique and handcrafted delights in store.

Presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority (SHFA), The Rocks Village Bizarre will transform the cobblestone laneways of The Rocks into a curious world filled with laughs and frights, secret installations, frivolities, makeovers, mouth-watering morsels and market stall treasures.

SHFA CEO Catherine Gallagher said the program for this year’s The Rocks Village Bizarre is yet again full of surprises.

“The team at SHFA have put together a program packed with world-renowned performers, intriguing installations and cutting-edge performance pieces,” Ms Gallagher said.

“There’s definitely something for everyone, and you’d have to come every week to manage to catch everything that’s on offer. I can’t wait to see the Village Bizarre light up the laneways of The Rocks once again.”

Be sure to keep an eye on the windows as you wind your way through The Rocks streets and laneways. This year, The Rocks Village Bizarre isn’t just taking place on the streets – look behind the windows of the precinct’s shopfronts to catch incredible performance artists dance, play and even snooze.

Yes, you read right. Peter Baecker, a Berlin-based performance artist will transform an empty shopfront into an interactive installation and “arts inhabitation”. Gazethrough the windows of Baecker’s Village Bizarre Clubhouse and catch his sleep installations. Baecker, king of 1980s style, Artist in Residence and “Mohawked Mascot” of The Rocks Village Bizarre, will also invite visitors to join him for Lego or chat sessions.

If you’re feeling brave enough, wander up George Street to the window occupied by The Footstool Phantom. A kooky and spooky romp incorporating live action, audience participation, puppetry, live music and… TORTURE! The Footstool Phantom is a head on a chair. He and hiscompanion Poochy sing, rhyme and riddle their way through grotesque tales often acted out with members of the audience to hilarious ends.

There will also be intriguing and avant-garde performances, both roving and in various venues. Check in at The Old Sydney Holiday Inn to see Room Service by award-winning performance troupe Big One Little One. A hotel room, five audience members and a handful of actors…what could possibly go wrong?

Wandering the laneways of The Rocks on Friday nights could see you bump into Choir Rocks singing harmonious versions of everything from James Brown to Lorde, or Crossover busting out infectious K-Pop dance moves.

The Gin Mill Social in The Rocks Square will transport you back to the prohibition era of the 1920s, where banned booze tastes so much sweeter and beautiful burlesque dancers know just how to leave you wanting more.

Craving a new look? Make your way to the Parlour Bizarre where make-up artist extraordinaire, Glitta Supernova will work her magical powders and brushes to transform you into a character from a fractured fairytale or a Harajuku girl straight from Shibuya Crossing. If it’s your mustachio that needs some extra attention, Barber Supreme will be on hand to trim and shape beards and moustaches of all shapes and sizes. Plus MOHS Hair & Beauty will create 1980’s inspired hairdo’s in front of the crowd. Register early in the evening for your FREE makeover or new ’do— places fill up quick!

Alongside your favourite creative stalls at The Rocks Markets will be internationally renowned mecca of online craft, Etsy, which will be curating up to eight market stalls every Friday. The Etsy markets are perfect for those searching for unique gifts or those who just need to scratch a retail therapy itch.

While you’re down the rabbit hole that is The Rocks Village Bizarre, make sure you keep an eye out for the cutest art installation around, the huge inflatable white rabbit from Amanda Parer’s Intrude series.They were a crowd favourite at VIVID Sydney this year and now they’re back, finding new sneaky hiding spots all around The Rocks every Friday. Bring the whole family along and see who can be the first to find a bunny!

There’s something for everyone and new and exciting delights to discover every week at The Rocks Village Bizarre. Clock off on a Friday and head down to The Rocks after work to start the weekend in your very own enchanted playground of magic, mystery, music and markets.

The Rocks Village Bizarre is curated and presented by Sydney Harbour Foreshore Authority, proud managers of The Rocks: traditional land of the Gadigal people and the birthplace of European settlement in Australia. While preserving The Rocks’ unique heritage, the Authority’s team of creatives and resident experts produce large-scale and intimate quality events, outdoor markets and educational tours to drive visitors into the precinct and support the precinct’s tenants. The Rocks is the perfect blend of culture, cuisine and myriad experiences worth savouring.

Village Bizarre

WHAT: The Rocks Village Bizarre
Mystery, Magic, Music and Markets
WHERE: The Rocks
WHEN: Friday nights from 7 November until 19 December
6:30pm – 10pm
PRICE: Free
INFO: www.therocks.com