International Street Fiesta to enliven Queens Park in October

Toowoomba’s Queens Park will be transformed into laneways bustling with roving performers and aromas from enticing food stalls for the inaugural International Street Fiesta on Saturday, October 15, 2022.

Toowoomba International Multicultural Society (TIMS) President and Fiesta organising committee chair Mrs Gitie House OAM said the new festival would celebrate the Region’s rich and diverse cultural heritage from 3-8pm. The finale will be a free fireworks show from 7.45pm.

Mrs House said the International Street Fiesta drew heavily on the spirit of the former Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival, which had been re-imagined to manage costs while still celebrating the unique talents of Toowoomba Region residents who have arrived from all corners of the globe.

“The new name highlights the excitement of a street fiesta, with the colour, sights and sounds of musical and dance performances set among a wide selection of international food and market stalls. Best of all it will be free entry for everyone,” Mrs House said.

“We are capturing the beating heart of the former Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival and call on residents to join the party atmosphere of our new International Street Fiesta.

“One central stage will host the major musical and dance performances with roving performers popping up around the laneways.

“Starting from 3pm, residents can enjoy browsing the laneway stalls and an array of tempting international cuisine into the spring evening. We encourage families to enjoy seeing the talents and meeting the many different faces that comprise Toowoomba’s modern population.

“Crowds will be treated to the colour and spectacle of our many cultural and performance groups, including the very popular African Fusion drummers and dancers (pictured), Colombian dancers, Taiko drummers, European folk performers, a Scottish band, the Women in Harmony choir, the Crows Nest Boot Scooters and special performances to celebrate the Diwali Festival followed by the fireworks display.

“The Fiesta will unite more than 100 community groups, service organisations, businesses and partners to support and encourage a sense of belonging and community harmony. The Fiesta will also include arts and crafts displays, market stalls, language activities and a martial arts display, among other attractions.

“It is important that people from different backgrounds or who are new to the Region have the chance to express their cultural heritage and tell their unique stories through their dances, songs and food.

“It’s a great way to celebrate the incredible richness of different cultures and promote understanding between our cultural communities.”

Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio said Council was pleased to add its financial support to the new International Street Fiesta.

“Toowoomba is widely lauded for its status and a Refugee Welcome Zone and a community that is strengthened by the creative and generous spirit of people from across the world,” Mayor Antonio said.

“Toowoomba has been built on the skills of people from many different backgrounds across its history and we continue to see this evolve with new arrivals.”

TRC Environment and Community Services Committee chair Cr James O’Shea said Council was pleased to support TIMS with $25,000 in event sponsorship to help re-invent the popular Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival, which had struggled with increasing costs and regulations due to COVID-19 in 2021, following the added burden of the event’s COVID-enforced cancellation in 2020.

Cr O’Shea said Council supported TIMS’s moves to re-jig its signature multicultural festival.

“Like many events, the Toowoomba Languages and Cultures Festival has endured difficulties that can be attributed to the effects and limitations on large public gatherings caused by the Coronavirus pandemic over the past two years,” Cr O’Shea said.

“Creative thinking by TIMS and its supporters will see a new event rise at the same site in lower Queens Park in Toowoomba on October 15 which promises to capture the vitality of our diverse cultures.”

There is no entry fee to the Fiesta, with food and drinks available to purchase.

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, Multicultural Australia and the University of Southern Queensland.