Christmas trees for a cause: What's on in the inner west this weekend, December 4-5

Summer Hill

If you're not one of the eager beavers who gets their Christmas tree up in mid-November you may still be in the market for a tree. Instead of picking up a cheap plastic one at your bargain store of choice, why not get the real deal?

This year Pickatree, created by the team behind Aussie Christmas Trees, are having their first charity Christmas tree sale at the Flour Mill in Summer Hill. Aussie Christmas Trees started back in 2018, when Matt Wheeler and Rowan Friend sold Christmas trees out of a garage in Manly for two local charities.

"It sucked us into the Christmas spirit, with everyone just hanging around and having a chat, kids playing while parents chose their trees. It was a really nice festive atmosphere," Mr Friend said.

"Being from the UK, going to pick a tree in a farm was quite a lovely experience to have. You can do that here, but it's quite far to go and hard to book in so we wanted to create something which is for the local community."

Now the two-man team are taking their trees to the inner west with all proceeds from sales going directly to Addi Road Food Pantry who provide food to more than 8000 people in need every week. Wanting to pick a charity which resonated with the community, Rowan says the put the choice to the public in a vote.

"By buying a tree, you're also giving back to the local community," he said.

Pick from a wide range of trees including potted blue spruce and radiata pine, and freshly cut radiata pine and douglas fir. All trees are "premium grade, luscious green, full and symmetrical".

You can pre-order a tree online to guarantee you have one to bring home and pick out your favourite on the day. If you haven't pre-ordered a tree make sure to get in early as trees are expected to sell out quickly.

Rozelle

After a long lockdown-induced hiatus Sydney's favourite outdoor second-hand, bric-a-brac and antique market is finally back, and just in time to pick up some goodies for Christmas.

The Rozelle Collectors Market has been held every Saturday in the grounds of the Rozelle Public School for over 20 years.

This Saturday will be their first Saturday back after the COVID-19 shutdown. With a wide range of pre-loved antiques, collectibles, fashion, jewellery, art and music for sale you never know what you'll find at the market.

Feeling peckish? There's plenty of good value food from local artisanal providores and cooks to keep you satiated as you go about your shopping.

Balmain

Join Elf Nat from Santa's workshop on the North Pole and The Metropolitan Orchestra for a special Children's Christmas Concert at the Balmain Town Hall this weekend.

Children will get to sing and dance to Elf Nat's favourite Christmas carols and get up close with the instruments of a symphony orchestra in this "fun, engaging and first-class musical experience".

Recommended for kids from 6 months to 8 years, the concert was written by TMO's Artistic Director Sarah-Grace Williams and acclaimed Children's Actor Nat Jobe, known for his role as Donkey in the nationally touring Shrek musical. Tickets for the show cost just $15 each and include a meet and greet with the musicians.

Summer Hill

Celebrate art and the environment at one of the most notable events on the inner west arts and culture calendar. This weekend marks the opening of the 2021 GreenWay Art Prize Exhibition at the Flour Mill in Summer Hill.

Established in 2010 and funded by the Inner West Council, the GreenWay Art Prize is a national competition open to artists from around Australia. It celebrates the environment, creativity, community spirit and the qualities of the Cooks River to Iron Cove GreenWay.

All finalists from this year's competition will be on display with the winners being announced at the exhibition's opening on Friday night. The exhibition will run through to Sunday, December 19.

Marrickville

Don't let the kids have all the creative fun, craft is great at any age. Local art educators the Assemblage Sisters are running a series of crafty workshops for adults at the Addison Road Community Centre on Sundays.

This weekend the workshop is 'Mask Madness' and next weekend there'll be a Christmas-themed craft session to create lots of unique handmade decorations.

The workshops cost just $35 and all materials needed are included. Class sizes are limited so make sure you register early!

If you've got an upcoming event that you want the community to know about, send us the details at editor@innerwestreview.com.au

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