Released 27/01/2024
Canberrans have been urged to leave their car at home and take advantage of free public transport to attend this year's National Multicultural Festival.
The key program and event details have today been released for the 26th National Multicultural Festival to be held in Canberra’s CBD and Glebe Park from 16 to 18 February 2024.
The festival brings together more than 170 multicultural communities to share their culture, history and heritage through food, art, song and dance in Australia’s largest celebration of cultural diversity.
The 2024 event will be easier than ever to attend, with free public transport across Canberra on the festival weekend.
Transport Canberra buses and light rail will be free from 4.30pm on Friday 16 February until end of services Sunday 18 February.
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.
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.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs Mick Gentleman encouraged the community to check-out the event program and footprint and consider spreading their attendance across the three days of the festival.
“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,” Minister Gentleman said.
“The diverse line-up of artists is guaranteed to deliver an unforgettable festival for everyone.
“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 full program and timetable can be found at the National Multicultural Festival website: www.multiculturalfestival.com.au.
Minister for Transport Chris Steel 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,” Minister Steel said.
“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.”
Quotes attributable to headliner Citizen Kay
“I’m a huge Canberra ambassador and love telling people when I’m touring how awesome the city is.
“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!”.
Quote attributable to Slovenian Australian Association of Canberra
“The Slovenian Club has been represented at the Multicultural Festival for almost 50 years, right from the beginning, with the first meeting of the formation of Festival held at the Slovenian Club in Phillip.
“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.
“We are proud to be sharing our food and culture with the wider community all these years later”.
- Statement ends -
Mick Gentleman, MLA | Chris Steel, MLA | Media Releases