The 26th National Multicultural Festival, to be held in Canberra’s CBD and Glebe Park from 16 to 18 February, will be Australia’s largest celebration of cultural diversity. More than 170 multicultural communities will share their culture, history, and heritage through food, art, song, and dance.
“No matter which day or time you choose to attend, you’ll be able to see great entertainment spread out over eight stages in the city, eat your way around the globe with hundreds of amazing food stalls, and share in a great range of activities,” Mick Gentleman, ACT Minister for Multicultural Affairs, said.
“The strong engagement of Canberra’s multicultural community over the past 26 years has made our annual festival a true celebration of diversity in a harmonious, friendly atmosphere.”
The Slovenian Club has taken part in the Multicultural Festival since it began half a century ago; the first meeting of the formation of Festival was held at the club.
“One of the initial aims of the festival was to introduce multiculturalism to the people in Canberra, by celebrating and sharing the rich varied cultures within the community of the ACT and its surrounds,” a spokesperson for the Slovenian Australian Association of Canberra said. “We are proud to be sharing our food and culture with the wider community all these years later.”
Across the weekend, the festival will feature a host of international performers, award winning national artists, and talented local performers, and see the return of the popular festival workshops and family activities in Civic Library and Canberra Museum and Gallery.
“The diverse line-up of artists is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable festival for everyone,” Mr Gentleman said.
The entertainment program will be headlined by future soul R&B artist Ngaiire, funk hip hop creative Citizen Kay, and dynamic world percussion ensemble Taikoz.
“I’m a huge Canberra ambassador, and love telling people when I’m touring how awesome the city is,” Citizen Kay said.
“Getting to headline such an iconic Canberra and national event like the National Multicultural Festival is an incredible honour, and something I never thought would happen.
“I go to the festival every year, and am really excited to be part of it this year and play some new music!”
This year, Canberrans have been urged to leave their car at home and take advantage of free public transport to attend this year’s festival.
Transport Canberra buses and light rail will be free from 4.30pm on Friday 16 February until the end of services on Sunday 18 February.
The full program and timetable can be found at the National Multicultural Festival website: www.multiculturalfestival.com.au.
Mr Gentleman encouraged the community to check out the event program and footprint, and consider spreading their attendance across the three days of the festival.
Chris Steel, ACT Minister for Transport, encouraged Canberrans to avoid traffic snarls and parking gridlock by using free public transport across the festival weekend.
“Last year’s festival saw the biggest attendance ever, and we anticipate large crowds again. Road closures will be in place around the city, and we are encouraging visitors to plan their travel in advance.
“Public transport is the best way to get to the city, and with free travel in place for the duration of the festival, it’s never been easier to come along and enjoy the fun.”
