Countdown on to 15th Toowoomba Languages & Cultures Festival on May 30

The countdown is on to the 15th Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival at Toowoomba’s Queens Park on Sunday, May 30.

Toowoomba International Multicultural Society (TIMS) President and Festival co-founder/organising committee chair Mrs Gitie House OAM said final preparations were underway to ensure a fantastic day celebrating the Region’s rich cultural diversity from 10am to 3pm.

Mrs House said there was a great air of anticipation ahead of the festival following the covid-enforced cancellation in 2020.

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

“Crowds will be treated to the colour and spectacle of our Filipino performers as our feature culture, with many other musical and cultural performances scheduled across the day.

"There will be live music by award-winning bands Peter Campbell and the Backline, plus the Hokumotion Jazz Trio, a circus act, llamas, many languages on display, a language London phone booth, a VW beetle that can translate poetry, among many other interesting activities.

“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.

“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 stalls that will be on show. Additional work has been done this year to ensure we comply with all COVID-19 health and safety regulations.

“One notable change for 2021 is the requirement for all tickets to be pre-purchased via the festival website: www.TLCFestival.com.au No tickets will be on sale at the festival gate.”

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 Toowoomba Languages and Cultures 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, displays, sporting and children’s activities that are planned for the day.

“The festival will pay tribute to the Filipino community’s contribution to our Region. I acknowledge the efforts of the Philippine Cultural Society of the Darling Downs and look forward to their feature performances on May 30.”

Filipino Australia Business and Industry Council of Queensland president Roberto Garcia said the festival honour was doubly significant as 2021 marked the 75th anniversary of Filipino-Australian diplomatic relations.

“The Filipino community is extremely proud to showcase the love and passion we have for our culture, which will feature prominently at the May 30 festival. We’re also most grateful to be living and contributing in so many ways in the Toowoomba Region,” Mr Garcia said.

Online ticket prices are $10 for adults, $5 for concession card holders with free entry for children under 18. (please bring identification).

For more information, please visit the festival website: www.TLCFestival.com.au

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

Caption: (from left) Marji Lou Virtudazo, Christian Peralta, Joanna Casilum, Alonzo Lim and Desire Peralta will be performing at the 15th Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival at Toowoomba’s Queens Park.