The Hills Shire’ s signature Orange Blossom Festival( OBF) is back in 2025 – bigger and better than ever, with the return of community favourites and the addition of an exciting new attraction.

Mayor of The Hills Shire, Dr Michelle Byrne, said this year’ s festival will once again bring people together with a vibrant program of events.

“ Each year, Orange Blossom Festival pays homage to our region’ s roots while celebrating who we are as a community today,” Mayor Byrne said.

“ OBF began as a garden competition and later grew to include the much-loved parade down Old Northern Road, Castle

Hill. This year’ s parade at Rouse Hill Town Centre will feature community groups and floats, alongside the Cocomelon Dance-Along and a meet-and-greet with everyone’ s favourite yellow mischief makers – the Minions.

“ I’ m also excited to welcome back A Taste of Wisemans after last year’ s hugely successful debut, which attracted over 2,000 attendees. It’ s a fantastic opportunity to support local wineries, distilleries, orchards, bakeries and more, all set against the picturesque banks of the Hawkesbury River.”

The festival will also include beloved community-led events such as the Sydney Hills Garden Competition and Kenthurst Fair.

A major highlight in 2025 is the brand-new Echoes, Luna Light Journeys, a month-long immersive light and sound installation at Bella Vista Farm. Created in partnership with Laservision, the experience will transform the historic site into a glowing wonderland.

“ It’ s shaping up to be the best Orange Blossom Festival yet,” Dr Byrne said.

The Orange Blossom Festival honours The Hills Shire’ s history as one of the state’ s largest citrusproducing regions in the 1800s, and the first commercial supplier of oranges in New South Wales.

For more information visit: orangeblossomfestival. com. au.

ECHOES – LUNA LIGHT JOURNEY Explore the history of The Hills through an immersive light and sound experience. WHEN: Nightly, Friday 5 September – Monday 6 October. Sessions every 15 minutes from 6:15pm. Allow 45 minutes to 1.25 hours. WHERE: Bella Vista Farm, Elizabeth Macarthur Drive, Bella Vista. TICKETS: Adults $ 17.50 | Children( 3 – 17) $ 12.50 | Family Pass $ 49 | Infants( 2 & under) FREE. TICKETS: echoesbellavista. com. au

OBF PARADE A lively parade along Main Street with local performers, community groups and floats. Includes FREE face painting, gardening workshops, and a photo booth. The Secret Garden will be available for neurodivergent attendees needing a quiet retreat. WHEN: Saturday 13 September, 11am – 4pm WHERE: Rouse Hill Town Centre

A TASTE OF WISEMANS Sample gourmet produce from local businesses, enjoy live music, and take part in free family activities. WHEN: Sunday 28 September, 10am – 3pm WHERE: Wisemans Ferry Park