Australia’s largest celebration of cultural diversity, the National Multicultural Festival, will take place from 16 to 18 February 2024.  In further support of this much-loved festival, the ACT Government will invest an additional $3.3 million over the next two years.

“The National Multicultural Festival achieves twin goals of being a community-driven event that Canberrans love, and delivering strong economic returns for our city,” Chief Minister Andrew Barr said. “The ACT Government is continuing to invest in an event that continues to deliver for Canberrans.”

When the festival returned in February, the first since 2020, all records were broken: it was the biggest and best festival yet, bringing together 170 cultures and affirming Canberra as a proudly welcoming and inclusive city, the ACT Government stated. 

With an expanded footprint across the city and into Glebe Park, 380,563 visitors enjoyed 266 stalls, 325 performance groups, 34 workshops, 16 cooking demonstrations, 30 cultural showcases, and the largest ever festival parade.

• 2023 Multicultural Festival breaks records (21 April)

Following this resounding success, the ACT Government’s funding boost will continue the standard set by the 2023 Festival. This includes continuing the Festival’s expanded footprint in the city and into Glebe Park.

To support the participation of multicultural groups and organisations, stallholder fees – which have been frozen since 2018 – will remain the same, and the Festival’s Grants Program funding pool will increase to $200,000: its largest ever, and more than double the historic funding pool of $90,000.

These decisions will help promote even greater participation across the National Multicultural Festival’s footprint and attract new and emerging communities, the ACT Government said.

The 2023 festival substantially boosted the local economy: more than 40,000 visitor nights and a total economic benefit of $20.8 million were large increases from the 2020 figures of 22,000 and $12.2 million respectively. 

“The 2023 Festival was special in so many ways, including that it set a new standard,” Tara Cheyne, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said. “I am so pleased that, following the strength of such wonderful feedback in 2023, this funding allows us to continue the expanded Festival footprint in the city and into Glebe Park.”

“We also know the Festival could not be delivered without the incredible contribution from our stallholders, performers, volunteers, and community leaders. This funding ensures we are continuing to support our vibrant and strong multicultural community in showcasing why we are recognised as a truly welcoming city.”