Play Manly, a new ten-day festival attracting visitors back to Manly, will kick off for the Manly CBD 21 April to 30 April 2022.
The free event, which invites visitors from across Sydney and regional NSW to come ‘PLAY MANLY’, will showcase the diversity of experiences on offer for people of all ages through light, art, music, food, games and stories. Though they haven’t worked out all the details yet, the general aim will be to “bring the Manly CBD to life as a joyful playground of sensory and interactive experiences.”
Among the activations planned are light installations, projections and illuminations, hidden gardens, interactive projections and unexpected sound activations, a free, beachside, outdoor cinema showing short films, interactive history and storytelling displays, murals and interactive displays, street games for kids of all ages to play – from life size Scrabble to mazes, live music and local food and beverage experiences.
Local businesses are being invited to join the program and extend the fun into their premises and operations. We were present at a cafe when the brochures were being handed out to businesses, though it was a drop and run the cafe owner we saw was a bit confused about what he was being asked to do. Hopefully a follow up chat will ensue.
The event is part of Experience Manly which has secured $850k funding from the NSW Government, as part of Investment NSW’s CBD Revitalisation Program. Northern Beaches Council is working with the newly formed tourism organisation, business and the community to deliver the event.
“This new festival aims to boost economic recovery and social connection by bringing visitors back for day trips and extended stays. We’re encouraging local businesses to join the event program,” Mayor Michael Regan said.
“The event aims to reconnect Manly with its community, its local businesses, and visitors, after such a long and challenging period these past few years.
“Play Manly will put the area firmly back on the map, with ten days of entertainment and interactive activities, running day and night.
“Street art, light projections, live music, free family street games and all the best of Manly’s vibrant food and drinks scene will come together in an exciting and fun experience between the wharf and the surf. We’re inviting all of Sydney and NSW to come play, and stay, here at Manly.”
More details on Play Manly will be announced in coming weeks.
For event updates visit www.playmanly.com.au
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