The National Multicultural Festival, Canberra’s greatest celebration of cultural diversity, is back again this weekend for its 22nd birthday.
From its humble beginnings in 1996, the festival has since evolved to become one of the largest events on the Canberra calendar. Starting as a one-day event, the festival has developed into the three-day celebration we’ll see this weekend. Last year, the festival attracted more than 280,000 people to the city centre for three days of food, dance, art, and culture.
This year, the festival will be headlined by legendary pop singer Leo Sayer on opening night, and supported by young indigenous rapper Baker Boy, as well as The Voice finalist Lucy Sugarman. Entry to the festival itself is free, however the opening concert is a ticketed event, available for purchase here.
The rest of the weekend will see performances from the likes of Salsabor, Sarv Ensemble, Revontulet Nordic Folk Dance, Rondanihan Rondalla Ensumble, Medrakar Kathak Dance School, Zagr and more.
Saturday will feature a special demonstration from celebrity chef Poh Ling Leow, as well as routines from Happy Chinese New Year, Pacific Island Showcase, African Village, Bellydance Shawcase and India in the City, among others.
There’s plenty for the kids to do too. The Children’s Sactuary will host art making, craft, music, drumming and dance workshops, and storytelling sessions. Poh will be back here on the Sunday to tell her beautiful chidren’s story, Sweet Petite.
Each year the festival plays host to hundreds of stalls serving up traditional cuisine and artwork from all around the world. Head into the city this weekend to try a range of tasty and diverse food, or pick up a unique gift from one of the vendors.
The National Multicultural Festival provides culturally and linguistically diverse Canberrans with the chance to participate in a celebration of diversity and inclusion, whether through volunteering, performing or running a stall.
To check out the full schedule, click here.
