The Festival of Democracy is coming to the iconic Parliament of New South Wales, offering a unique, free event for children and families to explore the fascinating world of democracy. Set to take place on Tuesday, 15 April 2025, from 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM AEST, this is a fantastic opportunity for young minds to engage with the democratic processes in a fun and educational way.

Hosted at NSW Parliament, located at 6 Macquarie Street in Sydney, the event is designed for children aged five to twelve, along with their parents or legal guardians. Whether you’re a local family or visiting the area, this one-day festival promises a fun-filled experience that combines learning, creativity, and discovery in one exciting day.

What’s in Store?

The Festival of Democracy offers a variety of interactive activities to entertain and inspire the next generation of Australian citizens. With everything from arts and crafts workshops to mock committee hearings, the event aims to bring democratic principles to life in an engaging and accessible way. Here’s a glimpse of what to expect:

Guided Chamber Tours

Step inside the rich history of Australia’s oldest Parliament. Take a guided tour through the stunning chambers and learn about the inner workings of NSW Parliament. This is an incredible opportunity to explore a heritage building while gaining insight into how the government operates.

Arts and Crafts Workshops

Let your creativity soar in a range of hands-on activities designed to engage children in learning about democracy through art. The workshops will allow young participants to express their ideas and craft their visions of democracy.

Behind-the-Scenes Video Screenings

For those curious about the making of laws, this special video presentation will provide a behind-the-scenes look at how the legislative process works. A great opportunity for children to learn about the fascinating journey a bill takes from an idea to a law.

Historical Character Actors and Storytelling

Transport yourself back in time with engaging historical character actors who will share exciting stories from Australia’s past. Children will be able to experience history come to life through immersive storytelling, enriching their understanding of democracy’s evolution.

Mock Committee Hearing

Give your child the chance to take part in a mock committee hearing. This fun role-playing activity will teach them about the democratic process of decision-making, where everyone gets a voice and plays a part in shaping the future.

Learning About Voting with the NSW Electoral Commission

Introduce your little ones to the exciting world of voting! The NSW Electoral Commission will be on hand to teach children about the importance of voting, giving them the chance to engage in a simplified, child-friendly version of the voting process.

Engage with Legal Aid

Learn about the important work of Legal Aid NSW and how it assists citizens with legal support. It’s an excellent opportunity to introduce children to the concepts of justice and fairness in a democratic society.

Important Event Details

  • When: Tuesday, 15 April 2025 (during the first week of the NSW school holidays)

  • Time: 9:30 AM to 3:00 PM

  • Location: Parliament of New South Wales, 6 Macquarie Street, Sydney

  • Cost: Free

Please note that children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian at all times. Tickets are required for each person over four years old. Be sure to register in advance to secure your spot!

Cultural Adventures Beyond Parliament

After visiting the Parliament of NSW, take the time to explore other cultural attractions in the area. Located along Macquarie Street, visitors can enjoy a range of experiences at the State Library NSW and Museums of History NSW. These cultural institutions are the perfect complement to your day at the Festival of Democracy, adding even more opportunities for discovery.

Important Guidelines for Attendees

To ensure that everyone enjoys the event in a safe and respectful manner, a few guidelines have been set. Attendees are asked to treat staff, volunteers, and fellow visitors with respect, refraining from disruptive behavior. It’s important to note that there are restrictions on certain items, such as scooters and food or drink in certain areas of the Parliament building. Be sure to review the full behavior guidelines to ensure a smooth visit.

How to Register

To participate in the Festival of Democracy, you’ll need to register for tickets. Simply click on the “Get Tickets” button, select the number of adults attending, and add child tickets accordingly. Remember, children under 14 must be accompanied by an adult at all times.

Get tickets

Stay Connected

For updates on this and future events follow the links below.

  • Facebook: @parliamentn​sw

  • Instagram: @nswparliament

  • LinkedIn: @parliamentofnsw

Conclusion

The Festival of Democracy is an event like no other—a perfect opportunity for young minds to discover the importance of democracy in a fun, interactive environment. Mark your calendar for 15 April 2025, and bring your family along to the Parliament of NSW for a day of learning, creativity, and hands-on experiences that will inspire the next generation of engaged citizens.

by jay