Released 31/01/2025
With just one week until the official opening of the 2025 National Multicultural Festival on Friday, 7 February, Canberrans can prepare for a three-day adventure full of immersive experiences that celebrate Australia’s multicultural heritage and inclusive spirit.
Minister for Multicultural Affairs, Michael Pettersson MLA, encouraged festival-goers to start planning their trip by downloading the festival map and program from the website.
“Over the course of just one weekend, there will be a plethora of activities to get involved in. You can catch a Bollywood film, attend a dumpling-making workshop, learn a Tongan dance, watch musical sensations like Thelma Plum and Josh Setterfield, and sample delicacies from around the world,” Minister Pettersson said.
Minister Pettersson also revealed that as part of the Government’s work to enliven Canberra and cut red-tape for small businesses, the National Multicultural Festival had been declared a special event under the Liquor Act 2010.
“On Friday and Saturday of the festival weekend, Canberra venues that hold a liquor licence will automatically be able to extend their licensed hours and serve alcohol in open containers on their premises until 2 am. This means that people will be able to kick on after the festival and enjoy the festivities for much longer,” Minister Pettersson said.
Minister Pettersson said that the National Multicultural Festival is an inclusive event that caters to everyone’s needs.
“Festival organisers have put a lot of thought and care into making this event accessible. There are designated spaces where people can get away from the crowds if they need to rest and recuperate, including level 2 of the Theo Notaras Multicultural Centre, and the Seniors’ Space at Civic Library. A Changing Places facility is available on London Circuit near Civic Square with provisions including an adult-sized change table and hoist system. And there’s a free shuttle bus operating along the festival perimeter every 20 minutes, making it easier than ever to get around,” Minister Pettersson said.
Minister Pettersson said there would also be lots of fun activities for kids at the Family Sanctuary (at the Canberra Museum and Gallery, from 10 am – 4 pm on the Saturday and Sunday), including face painting, balloon twisting, an instrument petting zoo, and performances by members of the Canberra Symphony Orchestra.
A few other festival highlights include:
- The Embassy villages, where people can explore different cultures at diplomatic stalls, which will feature food, games and entertainment.
- Elsie’s filmhouse (at Canberra Museum and Gallery), which will be running multicultural films all weekend, including the French favourite Amélie, and other international classics.
- A special film screening of Ali’s Wedding will be held for people with dementia at the National Film and Sound Archive on Saturday, 8 February at 10.30 am.
- The Bellydance Showcase at the Akuna Street Stage on Friday, 7 February from 5:45 pm - 8:45 pm.
- The Multicultural Silent Disco at the Glebe Park Rotunda on Friday and Saturday night (7 pm - 10.45 pm), where people can grab a headset and groove the night away.
- Cooking demonstrations, such as the Asia Australia Youth Association’s Chinese street food demo at the Glebe Park Rotunda on Sunday, 9 February at 12 pm - 12.30 pm.
- A chance to make your own artwork at the Libraries ACT Drop-in Artist workshop, at Civic Square on Sunday, 9 February at 12.30 pm - 2 pm.
Minister Pettersson reminded Canberrans that public transport would be free over the festival weekend – from first service on Friday, February 7 to the end of services on Sunday, February 9. There will also be additional services running to support higher demand.
- Statement ends -
Michael Pettersson, MLA | Media Releases