National Multicultural Festival turns 21 in style


Released 25/07/2017

More than 280,000 people flocked to the heart of Canberra over the weekend as the 2017 National Multicultural Festival celebrated its 21st birthday.

I would like to take this chance to thank the organisers, the Canberra community and the many thousands of visitors and performers from interstate and overseas for making the weekend’s celebrations an overwhelming success.

I would particularly like to thank the 4,500 volunteers who gave their time during the festival which ensured the three days ran smoothly and successfully.

Saturday’s lunchtime rain didn’t dampen people’s sprits with an estimated crowd of at least 280,000 people attending over the weekend.

The ongoing success of the National Multicultural Festival is a reflection of Canberra’s cultural diversity, which is something all Canberrans can be proud of.

This year saw new innovations with the launch of the Festival’s own mobile app courtesy of the Imagine Team as well as an expansion of the Festival footprint in Civic into Bunda Street. Sanctuary spaces were available for the first time for people to take some time away from the crowds.

It was great to see that the Festival being enjoyed by so many Canberrans and visitors from interstate and overseas.

- Statement ends -

Rachel Stephen-Smith, MLA | Media Releases


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