Food and culture lovers would be able to board a train or the metro every weekend of the year to visit community festivals in different suburbs across Greater Sydney, as part of a pitch to the 2025 Committee for Sydney’s Big Ideas competition.

Sydney Saturdays is the creative concept of Andy Hoyne from Hoyne The Place Economy Consultancy, who says local stations and adjoining streets would come alive with weekly food markets, live performances and culture, as each event celebrates the unique character of the host suburb.

“This isn’t just another festival, it’s a city-wide movement across Sydney’s 169 metro and train stations and 52 dedicated weekends of the year, without the hassle of tolls or parking.

“Interactive art installations would guide festival-goers from train stations out to local streets and event venues, making for a better journey. In some suburbs, the station location would be in the central hub, in others it’s a short walk with an interwoven activation experience connecting the two.

“From Vietnamese pho in Cabramatta to Middle Eastern flavours in Lakemba, Sydney Saturdays could also incorporate existing events such as Africultures Festival at Sydney Olympic Park and the Real Festival in Penrith.

“In terms of delivery, local councils could collaborate with community groups, and state government agencies, including Transport for NSW in regards to weekend track maintenance, but that is already happening successfully for existing events,” Mr Hoyne said.

Committee for Sydney Culture Policy lead Matt Levinson said ‘Sydney Saturdays’ would complement the NSW Government’s commitment to expand the festivals sector through its 10-year Creative Communities Policy.

“From Lakemba Night Markets to Parramatta Lanes and Sydney Streets, it’s a golden time for community festivals across Sydney – the genius of this idea is nudging people from other parts of the city to get on the train and check them out.

“We know Sydneysiders engage deeply with arts and culture, around 87 per cent of residents attended a venue or event in eastern Sydney over a year period and 78 per cent in western Sydney, and our Life in Sydney survey shows 72 per cent of people with English as a second language believing Sydney showcases its diversity through events.

“At a time when many families are feeling the financial pinch, this is a budget-friendly opportunity to uncover some of Sydney’s best kept local secrets.

“The work that is already underway to make it easier to stage community events and street festivals bodes well for the viability of this great big idea,” Mr Levinson said.

The Big Ideas winners will be showcased at the Sydney Summit on Tuesday, 4 February at the ICC Sydney.