Vibrant cultures on display at October 15 International Street Fiesta in Queens Park

Dancers celebrating Indian, Nepalese and Chinese cultural traditions today (October 4) offered a glimpse of the sights and sounds that will fill Toowoomba’s Queens Park for the International Street Fiesta on Saturday, October 15.

Toowoomba International Multicultural Society (TIMS) President and Fiesta organising committee chair Mrs Gitie House OAM and Toowoomba Region Mayor Paul Antonio launched the Fiesta with an open invitation for residents to join the celebration.

Mrs House 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 7.55pm.

“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, 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 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.”

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

“The Fiesta is a wonderful way to experience the different cultures that enrich our community,” 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.”

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

More information 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.

Caption: (Top, back from left) Jackie Ng, Amy Zheng, (front left) Lucy White and Reginia Lau will treat crowds to traditional Chinese fan dancing at the October 15 International Street Fiesta.

Below: Glowing Divas (back from left) Parul Patel, Neerali Kotadia, Nancy Shah and (front) Jobanpreet Kaur will perform Gujarat folk dances.