June 2024 update: Welcome Day has been postponed due to the weather, and will be going ahead on Saturday, July 6.
Beats, booze, burgers, and ball games. The beloved Henson Park is hosting the second iteration of its mighty fine party for the upcoming Newtown Jets home game on Saturday, July 6, and you’re invited.
After a hugely successful debut in 2023, this very Inner West celebration of sport and inclusivity is back for its second year in operation. For Welcome Day 2024, the much-loved Newtown footy club has teamed up with (pun intended) the Music and Booze Company and LGBTQI+ vibe creator Kat Dopper from Heaps Gay for what might just be their most atmospheric home match to date. The event is titled ‘Welcome Day’ because no matter your age, race, heritage, gender or even sporting preference (they’ve got rugby and football matches on the day) you’re bound to have a blast.
In celebration of the eclectic and “culturally significant” area that welcomed the Jets as a club many years ago, the oldest rugby league club in Australia is hosting round two of an event that encapsulates the eccentricities and creativity of the community. There’ll be a line-up of DJs curated by Heaps Gay, and heaps of distillers like Philter, Poor Toms, Brix Rum and Archie Rose slinging cocktails, seltzers and brews.
That’s not to mention the food, which is taking a progressive, plant-based approach this year. Expect vegan fast-food from Mr Charlie’s, veg-heavy Neapolitan-style pizza from White Peal Pizzeria, Japanese-style tacos from Tokyo Taco and kombucha ice cream from Australia’s only kombucha ice cream van, Mr Booch. Welcome Choir – Sydney’s most actively inclusive choir – will be belting out the tunes, and you’ll find heaps of games for the little ones so they’re entertained while you’re cheering on your favourite team.
In what might be the ultimate mark of inclusivity and diversity, the rivalry between rugby union and rugby league will be squashed with an epic sports lineup. The mens and womens teams from Petersham Rugby Club and Briars Rugby Club will go head to head as the opening act, if you will, before the Jets play the Sydney Roosters. One day, two awesome sports and masses of united fans. Count us in.
The event is ticketed and runs from 12pm until 6pm. You’ll be able to buy tickets at the gate, but it’s recommended snapping them up online in advance for $22 (adult), $10 (kids aged 12-18) and free for kids under 12. You can book here.
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