Festivals and Celebrations of the Penrith Region

Over the past 100 years, the people of the Nepean Valley have taken part in processions, parades, festivals and celebrations, captured in photographs for later generations to see.

Image courtesy of Penrith City Council. 1914.Procession down High Street, Penrith as part of celebrations for the centenary of the Western Road.

Empire Day was celebrated annually, on or close to 24 May. A day of processions, sports, dances, musical events and teas, this annual event was replaced with Australia Day celebrations and other annual events such as the St Marys Spring Festival.

     Image courtesy of Penrith City Council. Float carrying  the Centenary Princess in the procession down High Street. Centenary of Penrith City Council 1971.

Another major event occurred in 1971 when Penrith City Council celebrated its centennary. These celebrations included plays, musical evenings, sporting competitions, parades, balls, aquatic festival, and garden parties.

Image courtesy of Penrith City Council. Australian Day Celebrations, Penrith Lakes 26 January 2010.

The new millennium brought the Olympic Games to Sydney and the Penrith City. Celebrations followed the journey of the Olympic torch to Jamison Park and the lighting of the community cauldron, before continuing on its journey.

A future celebration will occur in 2013 when we will celebrate the bicentennary of the crossing of the Blue Mountains by Blaxland, Wentworth and Lawson.

Major celebrations included the centenary of the building of the Western Road, (Great Western Highway).

This event, held in July 1914 acknowledged the important part this road played and continued to play, in our history and development as a community. In 2014 we will celebrate its bicentennial.