LIFE & STYLE fun to our suburbs
alongside live entertainment to keep the atmosphere buzzing.
The fun continues with the 90s Bingo Party on Saturday 23 May at The Colebee, Doonside. This high-energy event combines music, nostalgia and comedy in a game show-style format, giving participants the chance to relive the best- and perhaps the most cringe-worthy- moments of the 90s.
Music fans can enjoy the timeless sounds of big band classics at Swingin’ Sounds on Sunday 24 May at Blacktown Showground. With favourites like My Way, Viva Las Vegas and Come Fly with Me, it’ s the perfect excuse to pack a picnic and settle in for an afternoon of toe-tapping tunes and smooth vocals.
Families with young children will be delighted by the Kids Concert featuring Peppa Pig on Wednesday 27 May at Bowman Hall. Peppa, along with her brother George and friend Sammy, will entertain little ones with songs, games and plenty of muddy puddle jumping- sure to bring plenty of smiles.
The festival wraps up with one of its biggest and most anticipated events- Streets Alive and Parade Day on Saturday 30 May in Blacktown city centre. The streets will come alive with five stages of entertainment, market stalls, rides and, of course, the colourful community parade that showcases the diversity and spirit of the region.
Adding a touch of nostalgia to this year’ s program is the 50 Years Blacktown and District Historical Society Library Exhibition, running throughout May at Max Webber Library. The exhibition offers a fascinating glimpse into the past, featuring photographs and stories that capture how the local area has evolved over the decades.
With such a diverse and exciting program, the 2026 Blacktown City Festival is set to deliver a month of unforgettable experiences for the whole community. Many events are free, while ticketed events are expected to book out quickly. To explore the full program and secure your spot at ticketed events, visit www. blacktown. nsw. gov. au / festival
Characters from the Medieval Fayre.
Growing Riverstone community turns out in strength for ANZAC day
with Warren Kirby MP Member for Riverstone
On the 25th of April I had the privilege of standing alongside our community at the Riverstone ANZAC Day ceremony, and I can honestly say it was one of the most powerful displays of community pride I’ ve seen.
With 34 local schools represented, alongside community groups, families, and veterans, the Riverstone War Memorial became a place where our entire community came together for one purpose to honour those who have fought, and continue to fight, so we can live in freedom.
Seeing that many young people show up and take part meant a lot.
“ I was genuinely impressed by the role our youth played in the ceremony. The respect they showed, the way they carried themselves it tells me that the legacy of ANZAC Day is in safe hands.” Riverstone is one of the fastest growing communities in New South Wales, but what stood out to me today is that growth hasn’ t come at the cost of who we are.
“ Our community is growing rapidly, but what we saw on Anzac Day proves we’ ve held onto something really important- our small-town heart. There’ s still that deep sense of pride, connection, and respect that brings people together.”
“ That spirit that quiet strength is what defines Riverstone. It’ s a testament to the fighting spirit of this community, and it’ s something we should all be incredibly proud of.”
I also want to sincerely thank Bruce Shaw and the Riverstone Schofields RSL Sub-Branch members for the effort and commitment they put in each year to organise this ceremony. Events like today don’ t happen by chance they happen because of the dedication of people who care deeply about honouring our veterans and keeping this tradition strong.
I want to thank the Riverstone Schofields RSL Sub-Branch, our schools, and every community group and volunteer who helped make the ceremony so meaningful.
Lest we forget.
BLACKTOWN CITY INDEPENDENT theindependentmagazine. com. au ISSUE 62 // MAY 2026 13