One week to go – 2019 Multicultural Festival


Released 08/02/2019

The countdown is on to the 2019 National Multicultural Festival (15-17 February) with one week to go until one of Australia’s biggest celebrations of cultural diversity.

The 2019 Festival was officially launched today by Minister for Multicultural Affairs Chris Steel MLA with performances by Pacific Islander and Polish dance groups and food provided by the Pacific Islander Showcase Association.

“This is just a taste of the huge line-up of hundreds of food stalls and performances on this year’s Festival program,” Minister for Multicultural Affairs Chris Steel said.

“With food, live music, dancing and entertainment from every corner of the world, we expect tens of thousands of people will converge on Canberra’s city centre each day over the three days.

The Festival is well loved in the Canberra community, and the ACT Government has committed further funding ensure the event continues to be part of the city’s event calendar for the next four  years.

“We want the Festival to be better every year and to retain the deep connections to our local grassroots community and multicultural groups.

“The National Multicultural Festival truly represents our inclusive city and that’s why our Government has secured the future of the event, by providing funding to ensuring it remains long term Canberra institution.

“As well as funding permanent staffing for the festival the funding will allow us to make improvements to the operations of the Festival in the lead up to its 25 year anniversary in 2021,” Minister Steel said.

Festival stallholders will also be able to begin cooking at 12 noon on Friday, giving people more opportunities to experience the diverse range of food the Festival has to offer.

The purpose of the Festival is to showcase the cultural life of our city and the World, and so this year community groups will be selling culturally relevant alcohol and commercial operators will only be selling locally brewed alcoholic beverages.

The entertainment program begins from 3pm on Friday and is jam packed across the weekend on six stages.

A highlight of this year’s program will be the three headline acts – performer Christine Anu, chef Mark Olive, and Eurovision contestant Isaiah Firebrace.

The full entertainment program and list of stallholders is available on the Festival website, visit www.multiculturalfestival.com.au

Special Multicultural Festival Late Night Rapid bus services will run on the Friday and Saturday nights. For more information, visit www.transport.act.gov.au

- Statement ends -

Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases

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