Sunday 22nd of September sees the return of the Royal Thai Embassy of Australia’s annual Thai Food and Cultural Festival. This fantastic event, now in its 11th year, offers Canberrans the opportunity to celebrate one of the most popular Asian cultures whose influence is well known through food, dance and music.
This year the festival is centered around the tradition of a Ngarn Wat – a temple fair that brings the community together to eat, dance and enjoy games. Twelve of Canberra’s favourite Thai Restaurants will be there serving a range of dishes that represent the broad spectrum of Thai food from all four regions of the country.
For those with a sweet tooth there are even another three outlets that will be selling regional Thai desserts. Three dessert outlets! That’s our kind of fair!
More than food, there will be a number of performances to demonstrate the different facets of Thai culture. The Performance Stage will feature Thai martial arts, regional dances and cultural displays. Another stage will have live Thai music – both traditional and more contemporary – to keep the party moving through the afternoon.
And while the focus of the event is very much on Thai culture, this will also be an event to support the broader population. A number of local organisations are involved – the Woden Community Service and Hands Across the Water – as well as the Centenary of Canberra’s official charity, Dollars for Dili. The fair joins these organisations with the Embassy, its staff and the Thai Government along with the rest of Canberra in the true spirit of community.
The Thai Government is very supportive of the festival. This year, the Tourism Authority of Thailand is bringing a collection of traditional Thai costumes that will be on display (as well as a few versions you can try on for yourself and take a photo to perhaps show off on Facebook!).
Additionally, the Royal Project is an initiative that works with the regions to develop local economies. The coffee, foods and handicrafts from a number of these projects will be available to buy. Meanwhile, the Bangkok Metropolitan Administration are running with the theme of Ngarn Wat with over thirty performers and cultural experts assisting throughout the day.
For the kids there will be a number of activities, including some games for them to try – very much a part of any Ngarn Wat – with prizes to be won. If it all gets too much for Mum and Dad, fortunately there is an opportunity for a Thai massage.
Over 20,000 people visited last year’s event – which is a truly remarkable number. This year, with the weight of Canberra’s Centenary and the Thai Government behind it, this Ngarn Wat is expected to draw an even bigger crowd. The 11th Annual Thai Food and Cultural Fair is on Sunday 22nd September 2013 from 11.00am until 5.00pm at The Royal Thai Embassy, 111 Empire Circuit, Yarralumla, ACT 2600. Entry is free
