Languages & Cultures Festival
The 13th annual Languages and
Cultures Festival is set to entertain
thousands of people this August. and Josh Arnold backed by Holy
Name school students from his Small
Town Culture project.
The festival was developed with the
vision of celebrating the diversity
of languages and cultures within
the Toowoomba Region. The
festival brings together over a
hundred community groups, service
organisations, businesses and
partners to develop harmony, a sense
of belonging and support. Attendees
can expect to learn about other
cultures, religions and languages
through the many displays. Foods from around the globe will
tempt the tastebuds of attendees
as they are treated to international
cooking demonstrations, including a
display by Neha Sen from Masterchef.
Last year’s event attracted over
18,000 attendees and each year we
see the festival continue to grow.
Mayor Paul Antonio said, “ I’m proud
of how our community is able to
celebrate our distinct differences.
Rejoicing in our diversity shows a
great sense of civic pride and maturity.
Everyone can learn and be enriched
by experiencing a little of the fabulous
food, music and dance of the cultural
groups that come from all corners of
the world. Getting to know the diverse
groups in the community is the perfect
way to promote tolerance, respect
and understanding among
all residents. Plus, it’s a fabulous
day of entertainment!”
There will be musical performances
highlighting sounds from the
Caribbean, Mexico and Africa
including Kelele Boyz African
Drumming Group, Yazidi dance group
Toowoomba International Multicultural
Society (TIMS) is committed to keeping
the festival a community-driven event
promoting peace, harmony, goodwill
and a day of family fun.
Festival co-founder and committee
chair Gitie House said, “ TIMS and
the Modern Language Teachers’
Association of Queensland have
worked with volunteers and many
community groups to make the
Toowoomba Region a welcoming and
inclusive society that values people
from different cultural and linguistic
backgrounds.
Genuine inclusion leads to more
meaningful integration in the
community and a society where
people trust and revel in the
differences they are free to express.
It is important to show everyone
we value their special customs and
wish to include them in the broader
community.”
Featuring more than 180 stalls and
an array of food, health, market, multi-
faith and general information, the
festival is a great day out for families
to enjoy and experience a little from
all over the world in one day.
For more information visit www.tr.qld.gov.au/events
The event is supported by the Queensland Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland
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