Power Up Festival
Power Up Festival has officially wrapped! Thanks to everyone who came to eat, drink, explore, dance and play at White Bay Power Station.
This experience would not have been possible without all the performers, artists, community groups, local retailers, food and beverage vendors, crew and staff who helped bring this experience to life.
Special shout out to our spirited volunteers Victoria Gershenfeld, Saskia Shearer and Justin Young.
See what's on.
Join us from Friday 20 - Sunday 22 September as members of our local neighbourhood come together for this community festival. The iconic White Bay Power Station is rolling open its doors once more for this free event.
Journey through the massive Turbine Hall to see work from 250+ local artists, then make your way through the Pump House and Boiler House to see the Power Up Stage ignite with live music and captivating performances. We're talking family friendly 'Meet the Orchestra' sessions, through to delightful cabaret, electrifying DJs, bands and even a headline set from ARIA award-winning singer songwriter Josh Pyke. Fun fact: he lived just up the road!
We've also curated an epic lineup of some of the Inner West and Sydney's best food vendors, craft brewers and distillers. Pick up a refreshing beverage from the Boiler House, or fuel up on delicious local street eats outside.
There will also be one-of-a-kind gifts and treasures from talented artisans and local community stalls including the Inner West Pride Centre, Balmain Association, Sydney Bus Museum and Sydney Metro.
Wander each space, discover new stories and make memories of your own. The power is in your hands.
Opening Hours:
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Friday 20 September: 10am to 9.30pm
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Saturday 21 September: 10am to 9.30pm
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Sunday 22 September: 10am to 6pm
What's On
Turn up the fun! Explore a three day circuit of delights featuring 250+ artists, artisan finds, yummy eats, local brews and electrifying shows.
Art
Wander through the historic Turbine Hall to uncover a vibrant tapestry of Sydney's art scene. From soulful First Nations art to the innovative visions of the Greenway Art Prize, this dynamic collection of over 100 local artists will be sure to spark your imagination.
Celebrate the vibrancy, creativity and community spirit of the Inner West at this much loved, affordable art showcase. Experience more than 200 works in a variety of mediums by emerging, mid-career and established artists responding to the themes of sustainable transport, environment, urban ecology and waterways.
One+2 artist studios were established in two warehouses, Rozelle in 1992 and Balmain in 2007, just a stone’s throw from White Bay Power Station. Today, this non-profit organisation houses 85 artists who practice painting, photography, sculpture, glass, mixed media, installation and ceramics.
As part of our White Bay Power Station community engagement, Placemaking NSW invited the next generation of creative minds to showcase their talents and ideas for the future of White Bay Power Station. Students got creative and in these works you can see what inspires them about White Bay Power Station.
Experience the creative energy of independent Sydney artists. Support local talent and let these original pieces ignite your imagination.
BITES & BEERS
Open from 10am to 6pm.
Kate Shanahan is a Sydney-based designer who creates beautiful, handcrafted bags from rescued materials. Her passion for upcycling and construction began with her work as a costume and set designer for theatre. Each bag from Designed by Kate is a unique, wearable piece of art. Kate carefully selects her materials, often using old oil paintings, pieces of leather, and fabrics that have been acquired over time. She then handcrafts each bag with care, using her skills as a costume and set designer to create something truly special.
Embellish Atelier use traditional and contemporary millinery techniques including beading, silk-flower making and leatherwork to create unique headpieces. Each headpiece is stitched and constructed entirely by hand - a true artisanal approach.
Please note Goods 4 Good will be open on Friday only.
ENTERTAINMENT
Step into the historic Boiler House and prepare to be entertained on the Power Up stage. We're kicking things off with eclectic beats from Azadoota and Saxophone Special on Friday, followed by indie vibes on Saturday night with ARIA award winning singer-songwriter Josh Pyke. The weekend will come to a spectacular close on Sunday with the Sydney Youth Orchestra, Inner West Community Band and more.Feel Good Friday
From smooth jazz through to ethnic rhythms, magic and cabaret, our opening day promises to be packed with dazzling entertainment, guaranteed to awaken your creative spark.
10.00am - 10.10am: Welcome to Country
10.30am - 12pm: Saxophone Special- See Leichhardt and Marrickville locals take the stage with jazz originals and arrangements by American composer, Steve Lacey.
- Established in Rozelle in 1996, Azadoota have been performing Assyrian Dance-Rock Worldbeat for almost three decades. From catchy originals to traditional dance beats, their rhythmic set is bound to get you dancing and up on your feet!
2.30pm - 3.30pm: Trevor Brown
- Trevor Brown is a versatile Australian musician, composer, and sound designer. His work spans classical to electronic, with deep roots in world music. He performs internationally, leads the Sydney Improvisers Composers Kollektiv Orchestra, and has composed for major Australian arts institutions.
- BATTERIE combines improvised live drums, synthesisers, sampling, live looping and electronics in a unique live solo show that pushes the boundaries of what a solo performer can do. Experience a captivating performance inspired by IDM, elector, chip tune, breakbit, experimental rock and post rave music genres.
6.30pm - 9.30pm: Electrify Cabaret
- Get ready to be transported back in time with an electrifying mix of vaudeville, circus acts, magic, comedy and swing music. Electrify is a world where the charm of the past meets the energy of the present at White Bay Power Station.
Saturday Showcase
Come and feel the power of music and let it energise your Saturday! See captivating choirs that will lift your spirits, experience eclectic African rhythms and dance to inspiring electronica. Don't miss the return of large scale spectacle 'Hives of Industry,' by Legs On The Wall and be sure to stay and see ARIA award-winning singer songwriter Josh Pyke take the stage with his original hits.
Josh Pyke
Hive of Industry by Legs On The Wall
Image courtesy of Carlita Sari Photography.
AfroMbollo is an eclectic mix of talented musicians, featuring Kween G, and frontlined by one of Sydney's leading African musicians, Yacou Mbaye. With a passion for bringing his Senegalese griot roots to Australia, Yacou’s connection to the traditions and stories from his forefathers is carried forward in this fusion of soul and groove. Mbollo means come together in Senegal’s Wolof language.
“Free floating new jazz…absolutely mind-blowing, it really is just wild, isn’t it?” – Mary Anne Hobbs, BBC Music.
Rising singer-songwriter Jade Yee-Smith is a 20 year old indie pop/rock artist. Jade’s musical and aesthetic palate draws from the timeless allure of 90s and 2000s rock, infused with infectious modern pop melodies. A student of the Sydney Conservatorium of Music, Jade and her band are quickly making a name for herself on the Sydney live scene and across social media, where she has built an audience of almost 10K TikTok followers in less than a year.
Adam Grace, 'DJ Tokoloshe' is a seasoned DJ and music producer who has worked on films such as Happy Feet and The Great Gatsby. He has a deep passion for music, sharing his knowledge as a lecturer for 10 years and has also worked with top studios like Trackdown, 301, and the BBC. Adam’s love for music shines through in every beat. Get ready to dance!
Sunday Sounds
Finish off your weekend with a relaxing Sunday filled with the sounds of the Sydney Youth Orchestras, followed by a 40-piece jolt of energy from the Inner West Community Band. To keep the good vibes flowing, DJ Tokoloshe will be spinning beats that'll have you humming all the way home.
Music lovers of all ages will enjoy the variety of performances offered by Sydney Youth Orchestras. Start the morning with an interactive 'Meet the Orchestra,' concert presented by the Peter Seymour Orchestra, then enjoy an afternoon performance by the SYO Philharmonic Orchestra alongside partners from the Sydney Conservatorium of music.
Experience the vibrant energy of the Inner West Community Band! This Sydney concert band, comprised of around 40 passionate musicians will be a guaranteed delight for audiences of all ages and backgrounds.
Workshops
In a place like White Bay Power Station, it's not hard to feel inspired. Join us for a free workshop to get your creative juices charging. Just drop in, no registrations required.
Free Audio Tour Experience
Learn more about White Bay Power Station with our free audio tour experience. Scan the QR codes located throughout the power station to listen to immersive stories from Industrial Archaeologist Dr Wayne Johnson and First Nations Advisors Rowena Welsh-Jarrett, Descendant of multiple Sydney Clan groups, Dharawal and Gumbaynggirr, and Emily McDaniel, Wiradjuri. Uncover its rich history, connection to Country and its interesting industrial past.
Bring your own device and headphones to enjoy this self-guided adventure.
Community Stalls
Getting Here
Is this your first time visiting White Bay Power Station? You'll find us right at the intersection of Robert and Mullens St in Rozelle. Public transport is the way to go! Catch the 441 or 442 bus that will drop you just a 2 minutes walk from the front gate, or hop on the light rail to Rozelle Bay and take the 15 minute stroll through the Rozelle Parklands.
There is also a pick up and drop off zone available on Robert St. See map here.
SPECIAL EVENT BUS
- On Saturday and Sunday, there will also be special event buses on route E443 operated by Sydney Bus Museum. These will drop off directly at White Bay Power Station.
- These special event vintage buses will leave from Stand B, York St, QVB every half an hour from 10am to 8pm on Saturday and from 10am to 4.30pm on Sunday.
- Return buses will also run back to the QVB. These will operate every half an hour from White Bay Power Station from 10.30am to 9.30pm on Saturday and 10.30am to 6pm on Sunday.
Keep exploring
The Balmain Rozelle area is one of the most fascinating and exciting areas to visit in Sydney. Discover the best activities, restaurants, shops and more in the Balmain Rozelle Peninsula.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Friday 20 September: 10am to 9.30pm
- Saturday 21 September: 10am to 9.30pm
- Sunday 22 September: 10am to 6pm
Dogs are not permitted inside the building, though we welcome you to bring your furry friends to enjoy the outdoor areas of White Bay Power Station, including the Coal Handling Plaza where you can enjoy food and beverage.
Dogs must be on a leash and cannot be left unattended. Please pick up after your dog and help us keep the area clean.
Assistant animals are welcome inside the building.