Released 11/12/2024
The National Multicultural Festival will expand further into the south of Glebe Park in 2025 – making it the biggest festival yet.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson, said a larger festival precinct was needed with the surge of support Canberrans had shown the festival since the COVID hiatus, in addition to the recent increase in interstate visitors.
A record 417,359 people attended the 2024 event.
“The 2025 National Multicultural Festival is expected to be our biggest and best yet. By extending beyond the traditional City precinct and further into Glebe Park, we’re ensuring that more members of the community can enjoy this iconic event, safely and comfortably,” Minister Pettersson said.
The 2025 National Multicultural Festival – to be held from February 7-9 – will feature a diverse lineup of entertainment across eight stages, with more than 270 stalls and 200 performers expected to participate.
"The National Multicultural Festival will be even more fun in 2025, with lots of fresh new entertainment and events in store, alongside many familiar favourites. Movie buffs will be thrilled to learn about the Multicultural Film Festival, while music lovers will be able to hear legendary artists like Deadly Award-winning Indigenous singer and songwriter, Frank Yamma,” Minister Pettersson said.
“As part of the festival’s commitment to accessibility, all festival staff and volunteers will be trained in dementia-awareness, and there will be a dedicated senior’s ‘chill zone’ at Civic Library for older people, as well as a quiet space at the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre for people who want to take a break.
“There will be fun activities for people of all ages, from First Nations and Bilingual Storytime for kids at the Glebe Park Rotunda on Saturday morning, to authors in conversation at the Civic Library later that day.”
The full line-up of performers and stallholders will be announced in January, however some international and national performers include:
- Internationally-renowned Tibetan singer and instrumentalist, Tenzin Choegyal;
- Up-and-coming Naarm musician, Charlie Needs Braces; and
- Slavic folk singer, Innessa.
Visitors to the festival will also have the opportunity to experience some of the ACT’s most talented local performers, including:
- Urban Latin Music band, Los Chavos;
- The Redeem Gospel Choir; and
- The Borobudur Dance Troupe.
“When people think of summertime in Canberra, the Multicultural Festival is probably one of the first things that comes to mind. It’s a joyous occasion that means so much to the ACT Community,” Minister Pettersson said.
“The fact that one of our favourite events is all about celebrating inclusion and cultural diversity says a lot about Canberra and what a great place it is to live.
“The ACT Government is proud to support the festival’s continued growth. That’s why we’ve committed $1.7 million to the festival in the 2024-2025 financial year, following on from the $1.6 million we invested in 2023-24.”
Minister Pettersson encouraged people who are planning to attend the festival to sign up for updates at: www.multiculturalfestival.com.au.
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases