RENATA NEMETH
A cultural evolution comes to Brisbane next weekend when the Scandinavian Festival presents real life Vikings along with traditional food and beverage.
Now in its fourth year, the Scandinavian Festival is one of Brisbane’s most popular multicultural events, bringing together the best of Denmark, Norway, Finland, Sweden and Estonia.
Scandinavian Festival organiser Soren Hoimark said the festival is part of the Government and Council initiative for better cohesion in Australia.
“It’s a great way for home grown Aussies to join us and experience something Scandinavian without having to leave Australia,” Mr Hoimark said.
“It’s also important for the local Scandinavian community – all the clubs are proud of the event and many come to meet up with old friends.”
There will be over 50 Scandinavian market stalls offering traditional food, drinks, fashion and more. Visitors will get the chance to meet real life Vikings and participate in the famous raffle with over 50 prizes to be won.
Occupying one of the stalls will be Swedish Goodies offering Scandinavian food and confectionery.
Swedish Goodies manager Jessica Carlsson said the festival is a great opportunity for multicultural Australia to get a glimpse of Nordic sweets.
“The Scandinavian Festival in Brisbane is such a wonderful event, the atmosphere is amazing and we love showing off our goodies to the huge crowds,” Miss Carlsson said.
“We will bring a whole truck load of our entire food and confectionery range to the event and I would highly recommend any newbie to try our pick and mix lollies.”
Griffith University international student from Sweden Victoria Englund is looking forward to the festival, especially for the Swedish candy.
“It’s nice to feel like home even though you are overseas and to be able to shop for food that you are used to,” Miss Englund said.
The Scandinavian Festival is free to attend and will run from 10am to 4pm at Austin Street, Newstead on Sunday 13 September.
For more information visit www.scandinavianfestival.com.au