A big Italian wedding in East Sydney - That's Amore!

11 May 2009

Romeo and Juliet will finally tie the knot at Primo Italiano on Sunday 24 May 2009!

East Sydney couple Liesel and Johnny has performed as the love-struck Shakespearean couple for the past 3 years, but at this year's Primo Italiano they will be legally married in a ceremony involving the whole community.

"More than 35,000 people attended Primo Italiano last year and we're expecting an even bigger crowd to attend this years event, celebrating Sydney's original little Italy and the rich Italian history of East Sydney", said Lord Mayor Clover Moore MP.

Stanley Street will be transformed into an Italian piazza to host the big Italian wedding, complete with bride and groom, wedding party, Italian music, a fountain and plenty of dancing.

"The wedding will be so much fun and we're both very excited about getting married in our local area with the help of thousands of neighbours, friends, family and complete strangers!" said Liesel.

Also NEW at Primo Italiano 2009 is Primo Bambini, a specially designed kids-only area at the end of Riley Street, with free gnocchi making classes and entertainment for children throughout the day.

Visitors can sample delicious food from one of the many Stanley and Riley Street cafes and restaurants, or try traditional Italian delicacies from gourmet market stalls on Yurong Street.  Try your luck in the hotly contested spaghetti-eating competition, see bands, a DJ and entertainment perform on three stages, or visitors can pick up a map for a self-guided tour or take part in a walking tour from the fountain at 11am, 1pm, 2pm and 3pm to learn how Italian culture has influenced East Sydney's buildings and landmarks. 

One of the oldest Italian restaurants in the area is owned by Primo Italiano Ambassador Beppi Polese, who has been based in Stanley Street since 1956.

"I have seen this area grow and change in many ways, but it is wonderful that each year Primo Italiano continues to celebrate Sydney's original little Italy and Italian heritage," said Beppi.

PRIMO ITALIANO
Date:               Sunday 24 May 2009
Time:             11am - 5pm
Location:        Stanley, Riley and Yurong Streets, East Sydney
Transport:      Leave the car at home and cycle, walk or catch public transport to Primo Italiano.  Free bike parking available on Riley Street, near the corner of Francis Street, please bring a lock to secure your bike.

More information www.cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au/whatson or 02 9265 9333

Media Contact: Leanne Lincoln (02) 9265 9910 or llincoln@cityofsydney.nsw.gov.au

Related Resources

Credit: "Courtesy City of Sydney" 

Romeo & Juliet wed at Primo Italiano 2009 (1MB)

 







Sydney's original little Italy - East Sydney (1MB)

 







Delicious Italian delicacies at Primo Italiano (1MB)

 







Primo Italiano roving entertainment (1MB)