This Australia Day’s program, on Sunday 26 January, promises to be one of the best ever, with more than 14 hours of entertainment on and around Sydney Harbour, Minister for Tourism and Major Events, George Souris, said today.

Speaking at launch of the Australia Day Council of NSW’s Australia Day program for 2014, Mr Souris said: “Thousands of NSW residents and visitors from all over the world will take the opportunity to celebrate Australia Day by participating in hundreds of events across NSW and the Harbour City”.

“In Sydney, there is an amazing array of activities and best of all, they’re all free.”

It features the Summer Playground in Hyde Park with performances by kids’ favourites including The Wiggles and Peppa Pig; a showcase of 700 luxury and classic vehicles for CARnivale; a summer street festival at The Rocks and all-day family entertainment at Darling Harbour culminating with the renowned Australia Day Spectacular.

In what is billed as probably the biggest of Australia Day celebrations on the harbour since the Bicentenary, the Sydney Harbour Concert Series, presented in association with Destination NSW and P&O Cruises, will feature live music performances on a floating stage at Blues Point, Athol Bay and Darling Harbour.

“A highlight of the Australia Day program will be the Sydney Harbour Concert Series, on a floating stage off Blues Point. It will be directed by John Foreman and feature Jessica Mauboy, Dami Im, Samatha Jade, Taylor Henderson, Nathaniel Willemse and Justice Crew each performing a selection of their hits as well as some Australian classics.

“Taylor Henderson will continue the performances at 3pm at Athol Bay as part of the new Tinnie Muster event before the Sydney Harbour Concert Series concludes in Darling Harbour at 6pm with Prinnie Stevens and Mahalia Barnes performing their current touring Motown show.

“While the Harbour concerts take centre stage, the Australia Day Council has worked hard to pull together a program that is full, diverse and has something on offer for everyone around our great state,” said Mr Souris.