Townsville Cultural Fest Comes of Age
The Townsville Cultural Fest marks an impressive milestone by turning eighteen this year. From 15 – 19 August, Townsville’s Strand foreshore comes alive with over 400 performers, market stalls and food vendors celebrating the vast cultural diversity of influences that makes up Australian society.
Hosted by the Townsville Intercultural Centre Ltd, the Townsville Cultural Fest is Australia’s largest community based event of its kind with over 80,000 visitors immersing themselves in performances, workshops, sports games, exhibitions and enjoying the variety of food stalls last year.
Event Organiser, Dr Farvardin Daliri OAM has been involved with the festival since its inception and says that this year promises to a spectacular feast of colour and passion with local, national and international performers delighting crowds across three stages at the stunning Strand Park.
“This year we are introducing some special events to celebrate our eighteen years. The event will kick off on the 15 August with performances of indigenous song and dance performed by Australian Aboriginal communities, Pacific Islanders and drum beats from all corners of Africa. The next day the very best of Philippines art, music and dances will be followed by a very special Bollywood Night and a much anticipated Samba Dance Finale,” said Dr Daliri.
“This is in addition to special guests Súnas, a Celtic band travelling from Brisbane and everything from Middle Eastern belly dancers to Latino performing groups, European, Middle Eastern and African cuisine to authentic Indigenous Australian tucker,” said Dr Daliri.
“We have workshops that cover everything from Indigenous knowledge and holistic health to coconut shelling and self-defence, arts and crafts stalls from around the world, art installations as well as amusements and rides for the young and young at heart.”
The Cultural Fest has played an important part in the socio economic development of Townsville over the last eighteen years seeing an entire generation growing up with the festival’s messages of respect, acceptance and education of different cultures and promotion of Townsville as a wonderful place to be. It has also contributed significantly to the region’s economy with millions of tourism dollars being spent in the lead up and through the festival period each year.
Dr Daliri has initiated many major community education projects towards a more cohesive, harmonious, united and inclusive society. Most recently Dr Daliri was one of 40 Australians recognised for their contribution to the community as a People of Australia Ambassador 2012.
“Cultural Fest is about broadening people’s perceptions and encouraging participation and curiosity in other cultures. This obviously resonates with people as they continue to support and enjoy this festival and makes it one of the biggest parties of the year,” says Daliri.
Full details for the exhibition and Townsville Culture Fest can be found by visiting www.culturalfest.org
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Event Details
Date: 15 – 19 August 2012
Place: The Strand, Townsville
Website: www.culturalfest.org
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