2019 Toowoomba Languages & Cultures Festival stage is set

Cultures from around the world will be celebrated through dance, language and food at the 14th annual Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival on Sunday, August 11 at Toowoomba’s Queens Park.

Nepalese culture takes centre stage in 2019 and event organisers are keen to hear from anyone with Nepalese heritage, along with everyone else in the wider community, to be part of the celebrations.

Toowoomba International Multicultural Society (TIMS) President and Festival organising committee chair Mrs Gitie House OAM said the Languages and Cultures Festival was a fantastic day that rejoiced in the community’s diversity.

“One World - Many Faces is the theme of the Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival that continues to showcase our amazing array of talent and colour from across the world,” Mrs House said.

“Crowds will be treated to the colour and spectacle of our Nepalese performers.

“We have people from all corners of the globe living in the Toowoomba Region, so it is important that these people are seen and heard through their unique dances and songs. Visitors also will enjoy many specialty foods.”

Mrs House said the vision of the festival was to celebrate the diversity of languages and cultures that exist across the region.

“Our Festival organising committee includes representatives from Toowoomba Regional Council, TIMS, MDA, Pureland, Heritage Bank, Modern Language Teachers’ Association Queensland, Cedar Centre, Queensland Government, The Chronicle, University of Southern Queensland and many cultural and community groups,” she said.

“Together with these groups, the Festival unites more than 100 community groups, service organisations, businesses and partners to support and encourage a sense of belonging and community harmony.

“We invite all residents to join the festivities and support all the performers, try the delicious food and drinks and visit the many stalls that will be on show, including the Mindful Wellbeing Expo and arts and market stalls.”

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said the festival was one of the highlights on the region’s events calendar.

“I’m especially proud of the way the festival highlights our region’s welcoming face and celebrates the many different cultures that now call Toowoomba home,” Mayor Antonio said.

“I encourage long-term residents and new citizens to share the joyous entertainment, food, art, community displays, sporting and children’s activities that are planned for the day."

Gates open from 10am with the program running to 4pm. Entry price is $10 for adults, $5 for concession card holders and children and school students free (must bring identification).

Anyone wishing to be a part of this year’s festival can contact The Event Group Toowoomba 0422 867 929.

More information about food and stall applications and how to volunteer is available at the festival website by visiting www.TLCFestival.com.au

The event is supported by the Queensland Government through Multicultural Affairs Queensland.

Caption: Nepalese singers and dancers will be a central feature of this year’s 14th annual Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival.