If you’re not watching Australia take on England in the oldest international cricket rivalry, spend this weekend amongst friends at the Gilbert Place and Solomon Street laneway parties or get into the festive spirit with your family at Unley’s Carols at the Rotunda.

Words by Elisabeth Marie

Christmas of queens

Grab some friends and get festive at The Queens Xmas Festival which will be transforming The Queens Theatre into a vibrant Christmas-themed street party from Friday, December 17 to Sunday, December 19. Over the three-day celebration enjoy live musical entertainment and watch as local artist Scott Coleman, known as KAB101, transforms Playhouse Lane before your eyes with his signature style of street art. Purchase artisan gifts from the market stalls or create your own masterpiece at one of the workshops. Be sure to come with an empty stomach as there will be an abundance of food trucks selling delicious meals and The Queen Bar serving up local beers, wines and boutique gins all weekend.

Adelaide v England

Can the Baggy Greens retain The Ashes this year? Adelaide Oval will play host to the second Ashes test from Thursday, December 16, to Monday, December 20. Cricket’s oldest international rivalry – dating back to 1882 – will play out once more as Australia face off against England for Ashes glory. The Adelaide test will be in day-night format again this year, so gather a group of friends and family to enjoy warm summer nights and pink skies as the sun sets over Adelaide Oval.

 

Twice as nice

Get out and about in Adelaide’s West End precinct on Friday, December 17 as Gilbert Place and Solomon Street host simultaneous laneway parties. Seven venues across the West End will create the perfect storm of disco, drinks and deejays for 12 hours of fun between 2pm and 2am. Cocktails will be made by Memphis Slim’s House of Blues bartenders Grace Rawlins and Michael Keogh. Alongside Memphis Slim’s, Hains & Co, Shotgun Willie’s and Blue Venus will be joining the party on Gilbert Place, while Cry Baby, 1000 Island and Sunny’s Pizza will shake up Solomon Street. Deejays include JD and Sid Who? for the afternoon session, before Ant Williams and Smiley play to midnight while Solomon Street’s Disco Paradiso’s deejays are following a Venice Beach 1970s/1980s vibe.

Carols in the park

Join the Unley Concert band at the Unley Soldiers’ Memorial Gardens on Sunday, December 18 for Carols at the Rotunda, presented by the Rotary Club of Unley. Pack a picnic and enjoy the family-friendly entertainment from the Amazing Drumming Monkeys starting at 6pm. There will be a Nativity Scene followed by Christmas carols led by the Unley Concert Band with guest singers Marcus Barricelli and Eliza Dickson alongside the Concordia College Choir. Enjoy an evening of songs, laughter and picnic delight before a special guest visit from Santa Claus.

Live, Actually

Experience one of your all-time festive favourites live as the Southern Cross Symphony brings Love, Actually in Concert to the Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Saturday, December 18. The orchestra will perform the hit soundtrack live as the film is projected onto the venue’s big screens. Join the fun as stories of love around Christmas unfold and come dressed in your favourite Christmas outfit to make Billy Mack proud. Prepare to laugh, sing, and maybe even shed a tear as you experience Love, Actually live and on the big screen.

For more of what’s on around South Australia this month, pick up the December Issue of SALIFE, which is on sale now.